Tonle Sap Lake Fishing Village Tour
About this activity
Highlights
- Explore Tonle Sap's floating villages
- Cruise through flooded forests
- Experience local Cambodian culture
- Visit traditional stilted houses
- Observe unique aquatic ecosystems
Full description
Included / Excluded
- English-speaking tour guide
- Tonle Sap boat cruise
- Tonle Sap entrance fee
- Meals and beverages
Itinerary
Our journey out to the village takes us through small communities and we stop along the way for a tour of Rolous Market. This is a great chance to take photos of the interesting local foods and vegetables found in the more rural markets.
The Tonle Sap one of the world’s most productive bodies of fresh water. In the wet season, the Tonle Sap Lake swells to 12,000 km². During the dry half of the year, the lake shrinks to as small as 2,500 km², draining into the Tonle Sap River. Each year, millions of fish come to spawn in the seasonally flooded forest surrounding the lake, attracting a myriad of water birds as well as people, who have settled in villages along the shores and who live with the rhythm of the water. This ecosystem was classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1997. Take a boat trip to ‘Kampong Phluk’ a collection of three small fishing villages in an atmospheric flooded forest setting. Cruise through the village and see unique houses on stilts, and Cambodians at work in the floating forest. Our boat will meander slowly through forest canals, allowing you to catch glimpses of flora and fauna, and see a truly beautiful eco-system.
Important information
Know before you book
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from downtown Siem Reap hotels.
- The tour is conducted in English; ensure you understand the language.
- The boat cruise is subject to weather conditions; check forecasts before booking.
Know before you go
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for boat travel.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for protection.
- Carry a camera to capture the scenic beauty and cultural landmarks.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Good to know
- This half day tour is available both morning and afternoon depart
Traveler reviews
Highly recommend!
We had a lovely time with our guide, Sopheat Rap. He grew up in the fishing village we visited, and had so much knowledge about the area. We would highly recommend this tour.
Wow
Beautiful visit to the village with Pal and Narro At first, a nice walk followed by taking a boat accompanied by a lady with her son, both very kind Pal was a great help in guiding us and explaining everything in a very kind and passionate manner Even during the car ride, he helped us by sharing some history, religion, and culture of Cambodia A beautiful afternoon, to be repeated Recommended
A unique place in the world
I had a wonderful time during the tour on Tonle Sap Lake: an experience not to be missed for those who want to experience local life and see unique places in the world. The boat ride on the lake is the highlight of the excursion: it allows you to observe the typical floating communities, the stilt houses, and the aquatic landscapes that change with the seasons, a true glimpse into the daily life of the residents. Guided by Pal, the visit was even more special: he was very kind and well-informed, telling us the history of the country and explaining how life on the lake works with clarity and passion. A special mention also goes to Narro, the driver: always courteous and punctual, he made the transfers comfortable and relaxing.
Great, knowledgeable tour guide
Our tour guide Pal was great. He had a lot of knowledge about the area. Our driver Verey was great as well. Would definitely do another tour and then.
Relaxing fishing village Tonle Sap tour
We had a fun time today half-day tour, on a trip to Tonle sap. It included market walk, boat ride, walk through fishing village and floating restaurant stop. Our guide Sopheap Rath kept us entertained throughout with stories about Cambodia and village life. We went to a school at the village and spoke to the children there who were learning English. Our driver Ra Da kept cold towels and cold water ready for us, he drove very well which was an hour return trip through scenic countryside.