If you are traveling through Cambodia, you will definitely be visiting Siem Reap for Angkor Wat, and while you are in Siem Reap, I really urge you not to skip out on seeing Tonlé Sap.
Around thirty minutes outside of Siem Reap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake. Tonlé Sap is home to a number of floating villages and a beautiful, diverse ecosystem.
Visiting the lake is a really amazing way to experience this way of life that over 3 million Cambodian and ethnic Vietnamese people live, and to support the locals that are kind enough to welcome us into their homes.
It is important to remember that the whole reason you are visiting is learn about the ecosystem, how it supports the people, to learn about their lives, and to give back as a foreign tourist, not just for Instagram photos.
I urge you not to book a private tour in advance by someone who does not work or live on Tonlé Sap.
All that you need to do is rock up at the start of the river, where you can hop on a boat with an English speaking local driver that can teach you all about the lake, and how it provides for the people, it has provided for this area for centuries. It will be cheaper for you to split the boat with some people, as the boat itself will cost $20 USD no matter how many people are on it.
During the ride, you will have the opportunity to hop on another boat with a local that will take you through the freshwater swamp forrest. Being on this small little boat in the water through the narrow paths between the mangroves is something that I will never forget.
While most tourism here goes towards the local economy on the lake, my guide was explaining to me that a bigger Korean tour company has come in and taken over parts of the river and the lake, forcing locals to go elsewhere, and making it extremely difficult for the everyday routines of these people, and their livelihoods.
Please keep this in mind while you are visiting. Again, the whole reason you are there is to experience this way of life and to contribute to the economy.
I had a great time and learned so much during my evening here on the lake and hopefully one day I will be able to return again soon. I really recommend a visit while you are in Cambodia!
Madigan Murphy 