Ultimate Guide: Exploring The Best Things to Do in Tonle Sap

Tonle Sap Lake, located in the heart of Cambodia, is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and an ecological marvel. This annual phenomenon, known as the “Great Lake,” sustains numerous species of fish and birds and supports the livelihoods of countless Cambodians who depend on its resources for fishing and agriculture.

Tonle Sap is home to floating villages, where houses, schools, and markets all bob on the water’s surface. A visit to Tonle Sap offers a unique glimpse into a way of life intricately connected to the rhythms of this dynamic and vital ecosystem.

Immerse yourself in Tonle Sap to discover top things to do and see. Hanoi Voyages will pick you up to reach some hot destinations in this beautiful lake.

Coming to Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia to experience eco-tourism during the flood season, you will have the opportunity to visit the beautiful and romantic floating villages here.

Tonle Sap is home to several floating villages, where the houses, schools, and markets are built on stilts or floating platforms. The livelihood of many locals depends on fishing and aquaculture.

At Tonlé Sap Lake, local people live in simple floating houses close together. In addition to housing, there are also schools, medical stations, and pagodas like on the mainland. If tourists want to visit the floating village to see local life. Chong Khneas, Kampong Phluk and Kampong Khleang are some good choices.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is located on the lake, the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a protected area and an essential breeding ground for many waterbirds.

Coming here, visitors have the opportunity to observe many endangered bird species such as white storks, gray-legged pelicans, and gray-headed eagles. In addition, visitors can also climb the observation tower to admire the vast landscape.

If you have the opportunity to visit Tonlé Sap Lake, don’t miss Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary for the opportunity to get up close and see rare and endangered birds in here

The lake’s flooded forests play a vital role in flood control and water purification, contributing to the overall health of the ecosystem. Kayaking to discover the hidden beauties of Tonlé Sap Lake is always a fascinating experience. Visitors can see the amazing countryside around the lake from a different perspective, including floating communities, lovely rice paddies, a flooded forest, and an assortment of bird species. We return to shore as the sun sets to end our half-day kayaking experience.

Take a boat tour to witness stunning sunrises or sunsets over the lake. The changing colors of the water and the sky create a mesmerizing spectacle. Relax after a day of sightseeing with a sunset boat on Tonle Sap. This Siem Reap afternoon excursion transfers you to a traditional wooden boat for your voyage.

As the sun sets, enjoy a cocktail and snacks while viewing floating villages, fruit orchards, and daily life in rural Cambodia, as well as vivid skies. Hotel pickup and drop-off is available in Siem Reap. Tonle Sap sunset cruise from Siem Reap with light refreshments. One cocktail and appetizers provided on board are included. Enjoy the scenery of Southeast Asia’s largest lake.

Visiting the Tonle Sap area, keep in mind that dining options may vary depending on whether you’re in a larger town like Siem Reap or in one of the floating villages. Exploring the local food scene is an excellent way to immerse yourself in Cambodian culture and savor the flavors of this unique region.

Tonle Sap Lake and its surrounding areas offer some unique and delicious Cambodian cuisine. When visiting the region, here are some must-try local dishes:

• Fish from Tonle Sap: As the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, Tonle Sap is famous for its fish. Try local fish dishes, such as deep-fried fish with green mango salad or grilled fish served with a spicy dipping sauce.
• Prahok: This traditional Cambodian ingredient is made by fermenting fish paste with rice bran or crushed rice. It’s used in various dishes, including dips and stews.
• Samlor Kako: This is a flavorful Cambodian soup made with prahok, mixed vegetables, and freshwater fish. It’s a popular dish in Tonle Sap’s floating villages.
• Fried Spiders: For the adventurous eater, some local markets around Tonle Sap offer deep-fried tarantulas and other exotic snacks.
• Cha Houy Teuk: A Cambodian dessert made from agar jelly, usually flavored with coconut milk and palm sugar syrup. It’s a refreshing and sweet treat.
• Noum Banh Chok: A breakfast dish in Cambodia, this consists of rice noodles served with a fish-based green curry sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Kdam Chaa: A popular Khmer dish, Kdam Chaa is stir-fried crab with a flavorful sauce made from Kampot pepper.

Tonle Sap Lake is primarily known for its floating villages and unique way of life, but it doesn’t have a well-developed restaurant scene like larger cities in Cambodia. Most dining options around Tonle Sap are local eateries and simple restaurants.

• Chong Khneas Floating Restaurants: Chong Khneas is one of the most visited floating villages on Tonle Sap. Here, you can find floating restaurants that offer a variety of seafood, including grilled fish and prawns. These restaurants are often part of boat tours.
• Kompong Khleang Floating Restaurants: Another popular floating village on Tonle Sap, Kompong Khleang, also has floating restaurants where you can enjoy a meal while experiencing life on the water.
• Local Stilt Houses: Some villagers in the floating communities offer home-cooked meals in their stilt houses. This can be a unique and authentic dining experience, but it’s often arranged through local guides or tour operators.
• Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary: If you’re visiting the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, you may find simple restaurants serving basic Cambodian dishes. The experience here is more about birdwatching than gourmet dining.

The dining options around Tonle Sap Lake are limited compared to larger cities like Siem Reap or Phnom Penh. The focus here is more on experiencing the local way of life and enjoying freshly caught seafood. If you’re looking for a wider variety of dining choices, it’s recommended to dine in nearby towns like Siem Reap before or after your visit to the lake.

The best time to visit Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia is during the dry season, which generally spans from November to April. This period offers the most favorable weather conditions for exploration and enjoying the lake’s unique features:

• November to February: This is the peak tourist season as the weather is cool and dry, making it ideal for sightseeing. The lake is at its lowest water levels during this time, which allows for more extensive exploration of the floating villages and a better chance to see various bird species.
• March to April: These months are also part of the dry season, with warm temperatures. It’s a good time to visit if you want to avoid larger crowds compared to the peak months of December and January.

Transportation in the Tonle Sap region, especially around the lake and the floating villages, primarily involves boats and watercraft due to the extensive waterways. Here are the main modes of transportation you’ll encounter

• Local Boats: Small wooden boats, often with canopies, are commonly used for short-distance travel between floating villages, nearby towns, and fishing locations. These boats are usually operated by local villagers.
• Longtail Boats: Longtail boats with outboard motors are frequently used for both short and longer trips. They are a common means of transport for tourists exploring the lake and its surroundings.

Many tour operators in Siem Reap offer boat tours to Tonle Sap Lake and its floating villages. These tours often include visits to local communities, bird-watching excursions, and opportunities to learn about life on the lake.
You can choose from various boat sizes and styles, including traditional wooden boats or larger tour boats.

In the floating villages themselves, small boats, often paddle-powered, are used for daily activities such as commuting, fishing, and shopping. Visitors to the villages may take short rides in these smaller boats

In the towns and villages surrounding Tonle Sap, you can explore on foot or by bicycle. However, note that these modes of transport are primarily used for getting around on land rather than on the water.

On the mainland near Tonle Sap, you can use tuk-tuks or taxis for transportation to and from towns like Siem Reap. They can take you to boat departure points and pick you up after your boat tour.

• Tonlé Sap is a must-see for adventurous travelers and first-timers.
• Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when boating on the lake.
• Many lake boat tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off.
• Day trips to Tonle Sap can last from four to nine hours, depending on the option chosen.