Live Your Best Lives
Tonle Sap Lake, also known as Phnom Penh Lake, is located in western Cambodia. It is an elongated lake nestled in the heart of the country and is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Its vast, flat lakeshore stretches 500 kilometers long and over 110 kilometers wide, traversing Cambodia from northwest to southeast and converging with the Mekong River, which runs through the country, in Phnom Penh. Like a vast, emerald green jade, it sits embedded in the Cambodian landscape, providing a solid resource base for the development and prosperity of the Khmer people and serving as the "Lake of Life" for the Cambodian people.
【climate】
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall year-round. Instead of four distinct seasons, it is divided into two main seasons: the rainy season and the dry season. The average annual temperature in Cambodia is 24°C. The rainy season runs from May to October, while the dry season is from November to April.
Best time to travel
November to January is a relatively mild period with suitable temperatures and little rainfall, making it the best time to travel.
【Kongbang Lufu Village】
The villages of Khlong Bang Luu are unique floating communities living on the shores of Tonle Sap Lake. Besides Cambodians, a large proportion of these residents are Vietnamese. The houses in Khlong Bang Luu, located on Tonle Sap Lake, are all 3-4 meters high on stilts, built along the riverbanks. The simple structures consist of one or two large rooms and terraces. The natural lakescape and Khlong Bang Luu complement each other, creating a beautiful scene.
US$20/person
Open all day
Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, vital to Cambodia’s ecology and economy. It supports fisheries, floating communities, and seasonal floodplain agriculture, playing a key role in local livelihoods and biodiversity.
The lake is in central Cambodia, near Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. Visitors usually travel by taxi, bus, or private car from Siem Reap. Boat tours depart from local docks around the lake.
The lake is accessible daily. The best time to visit is the dry season (November to April) for clear water and easier boat navigation; the wet season (May to October) offers dramatic flooding and rich wildlife.
Entry to the lake itself is free. Boat tours typically cost $15–$30 per person and are booked at local docks or via hotels; some operators allow online reservations.
Booking is optional for most tours, but during peak tourist season, reserving a boat 1–2 days in advance is recommended.
A half-day (3–4 hours) is enough for a standard boat tour, while full-day trips allow visiting multiple floating villages and bird-watching sites.
Guided boat tours are common, usually in English, French, and Khmer. Audio guides are rare.
Start from a docking point near Siem Reap, visit a floating village, observe local life and fishing, then head to bird-watching areas or nearby wetlands, and end with sunset views.
Night visits are limited; most tours operate during daylight. Special eco-tours or cultural demonstrations may be offered by some operators.
Peak tourist season (December–February) can be crowded. Weekdays are quieter, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.
Basic facilities are available near docks: toilets, small food stalls, and souvenir shops. Floating villages have minimal amenities.
Accessibility is limited on boats and floating villages; elderly and disabled visitors may need assistance. Children should be supervised carefully near water.
Cash (US dollars or Cambodian riel) is preferred for tours, food, and souvenirs; card payments are rarely accepted.
Restaurants and cafes are mainly in Siem Reap near lake docks, offering local Khmer cuisine and international dishes.
Vegetarian options are available; halal food is limited but can be found in some Siem Reap restaurants.
Accommodations are concentrated in Siem Reap, ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts near the lake or riverfront.
Souvenir shops are near lake docks and in Siem Reap, offering handicrafts, local textiles, carvings, and small traditional items.
