The Tonle Sap Lake is the heartbeat of Cambodia. It is the largest fresh water lake in South East Asia and is fed by the Mekong and the Tonle Sap River. It is among the top five biggest fresh water lakes in the world and considered a geographical wonder of the world. The lake measures an astonishing 2500 – 3000 square kilometres in the dry season and due to a 10 meter raise in water level, increases four to five times to 10000 – 16000 square kilometres in the wet season. Due to this natural phenomenon, the lake hosts a tremendous diverse and exciting flora and a very high biodiversity of fish, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Other spectacular sites include the floating villages and floating forests.

The Tonle Sap is not just a lake; it is a way of life. More than a million Cambodians depend on the resources of this great lake. There are many floating communities to be seen on the Tonle Sap from which most are accessible for daytrips. There are several exhibitions on the Tonle Sap that offer basic information about the flora and fauna that can be found in and around the lake. One of them can be found in Chhong Kneas floating village just outside Siem Reap town. The staff of the Tonle Sap Exhibition Centre is very helpful and eager to explain you all the details of the Cambodian pride called Tonle Sap. Another interesting exhibition is in Phnom Krao and is called the Gecko Environmental Centre. Other activities that could be done include watching sunset on the lake, visiting the floating school and church in Chhong Kneas, fishing or just have a drink or bite at one of the floating restaurants on the lake.

Another interesting way to get an impression of the size of the Tonle Sap Lake is to take a boat from Siem Reap to either Battambang or Phnom Penh. The prices are higher than travelling by bus, around US$25 from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap and US$10 from Siem Reap to Battambang. It must be said that the trip to Battambang is by far the best boat trip available for a reasonable price. Just make sure you bring plenty of sun block.

Tonle Sap Great Lake view from the upper bank.