- Cambodia
- Things to do in Siem Reap
- Tonlé Sap
Tonlé Sap
Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, located just a short distance from Phnom Penh. This UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve is a unique natural wonder, offering a glimpse into Cambodia’s rural life and ecological diversity. Known for its floating villages, lush wetlands, and incredible birdlife, Tonlé Sap provides a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of Phnom Penh. Visitors can explore the lake by boat, experiencing life on the water firsthand as you cruise past floating homes, markets, and schools. The lake is also a crucial part of Cambodia’s ecosystem, supporting diverse species of fish, birds, and plants, making it a must-see for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Tonlé Sap Tours & Excursions
Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour by Boat
€19
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Private Phnom Kulen & Angkor Wat 2-Day Tour
€33
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat 5-Day Sightseeing Tour
€67
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk and Tonle Sap Sunset Boat Cruise
€22
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Full Day Kulen Mountain With Picnic And Tonle Sap Tour
€47
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Explore Angkor Sunrise Small-Group Tour & Tonle Sap Sunset
€57
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Private Phnom Kulen and Kampong Phluk Tour
€48
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Kulen Mountain, Beng Mealea, And Tonle Sap Tour
€66
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Beng Mealea & Tonle Sap Sunset Boat Cruise
€88
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Tonle Sap Sunset Boat Cruise with Transfers
€22
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat And Floating Village 3-Day Trip
€173
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Private Phnom Kulen And Kampong Phluk Tour
€48
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip
€165
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Tonle Sap and Kampong Phluk Tour with Street Food
€52
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Angkor Wat Sunrise Small-Group Tour & Tonle Sap Boat Sunset
€65
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Kompong Kleang Floating Village Guide Tour from Siem Reap
€3
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Floating Village Tour by Boat
€38
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Discover the Enchantment of Chong Kneas Floating Village
€24
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Kampong Phluk: Floating Village Bike Tour and Sunset Cruise
€71
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: 4-Day Angkor Wat and Beng Mealea Tour
€0
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Angkor Wat: 2-Day Sunrise and Floating Village Tour
€47
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: 2-Day Angkor Sunrise, Banteay Srey, & Beng Mealea
€191
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
From Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour by Boat
€19
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Angkor Wat Temples & Phnom Kulen Park 3-Day Tour
€0
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Private 4-Day Angkor Wat and Phnom Kulen Tour
€0
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Khmer Village and Fish Farm ATV Tour
€43
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Kompong Pluk Tour
€12
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
3-Day Angkor, Kompong Phluk & Roluos Temples Tour
€16
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Floating Village Sunset Boat & Jeep Tour inclusive Drinks
€67
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Angkor Twilight & Boat Vespa Adventure
€66
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Siem Reap: Floating Village Sunset Boat Guided Vespa Tour
€58
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Siem Reap - Cambodia
Kampong Phluk: Floating Village Bike Tour and Sunset Cruise
€71
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The Basics
Tonlé Sap is situated about 15 kilometers (9 miles) from Phnom Penh, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The lake spans an impressive 2,700 square kilometers and is home to several floating villages, the most famous being Kampong Phluk, Kampong Chhnang, and Kampong Luong. The lake is particularly well-known for its unique seasonal variations, where the water level can rise by up to 10 meters during the rainy season, creating a breathtaking landscape. A boat ride on Tonlé Sap offers visitors a chance to see the lake’s vibrant ecosystems, local communities, and traditional way of life, making it a perfect blend of nature and culture.
From Siem Reap: Kampong Phluk Floating Village Tour by Boat
Siem Reap - Cambodia
Explore the serene beauty of Kampong Phluk Floating Village by boat from Siem Reap! This unique tour offers a fascinating glimpse into traditional Cambodian life, set amidst picturesque waterways.
€19
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Siem Reap: Private Phnom Kulen & Angkor Wat 2-Day Tour
Siem Reap - Cambodia
Experience an unforgettable two-day journey that combines the spiritual beauty of Phnom Kulen with the world-renowned grandeur of Angkor Wat—a perfect blend of history and nature.
€33
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Siem Reap: Angkor Wat 5-Day Sightseeing Tour
Siem Reap - Cambodia
Discover the unmatched beauty and history of Cambodia’s iconic Angkor Wat and surrounding landmarks on this comprehensive 5-day sightseeing journey.
€67
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Things to Know Before You Go
Before visiting Tonlé Sap, it’s important to be prepared. The boat trips can be quite long, often taking up to 4-5 hours, so bring water, snacks, and a hat for sun protection. Be mindful of the weather conditions, as the best time to visit is during the dry season (November to February), when the water levels are lower and the roads leading to the lake are more accessible. The boat rides can be bumpy, so if you are prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to bring medication. Additionally, modest attire is recommended, as the floating villages are residential areas. Respect the local culture and take time to appreciate the unique lifestyle of the communities on the lake.
How to Get There
Reaching Tonlé Sap from Phnom Penh is relatively simple. The most convenient way is to take a private taxi or a shared minivan, which will take you directly to one of the boat departure points. The boat trips usually depart from Kampong Chhnang or Kampong Phluk, which are approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from Phnom Penh by road. For a more adventurous journey, you can hire a moto-dop (motorbike taxi) to the lake, or take a guided tour that includes transport and a boat ride. It’s recommended to book your boat tour in advance, especially during the peak tourist season.
When to Get There
The best time to visit Tonlé Sap is during the dry season, from November to February, when the weather is cooler and the water levels are more manageable. This is when the floating villages are most accessible by boat, and the landscape is particularly picturesque. During the rainy season (May to October), the lake expands significantly, which makes access to the floating villages more challenging. However, this is also the time when the lake’s ecosystem is at its most vibrant, with abundant wildlife and lush greenery. If you are visiting during the rainy season, be prepared for possible delays or changes in the tour schedule due to weather conditions.
Day Trips from Siem Reap
Tonlé Sap is an excellent option for a day trip from Phnom Penh, offering a peaceful escape into nature. A typical day trip includes a boat ride to the floating villages, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the unique way of life of the local communities. Tours often include a visit to the Kampong Phluk village, famous for its stilted houses, or Kampong Chhnang, where you can observe traditional pottery-making techniques. Many tours also combine visits to nearby bird sanctuaries, allowing you to see the incredible biodiversity of the area. A day trip to Tonlé Sap offers the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion.
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