Tonle Sap Lake

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a biological hotspot of immense global importance. Its defining characteristic is a unique hydrological phenomenon where the Tonle Sap River reverses its flow during the monsoon season, channeling water from the Mekong into the lake basin. This causes the lake's surface area to expand dramatically from about 2,500 square kilometers in the dry season to over 16,000 square kilometers at its peak. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1997, it supports an extraordinary array of biodiversity, including over 200 fish species and numerous endangered waterbirds. The seasonal flood pulse powers one of the most productive inland fisheries in the world, supplying roughly 75% of Cambodia's annual protein intake. Historically, the lake's resources were the foundation of the Angkorian civilization, providing the agricultural surplus needed for empire-building. Today, tens of thousands of people live in floating villages, their livelihoods intricately tied to the lake's cyclical nature. Sustaining this fragile ecosystem is critical for Cambodia's food security and environmental heritage.

Nearby cities

Siem Reap

Serving as the gateway to the majestic ruins of Angkor, this city is the country's main tourist hub with a vibrant cultural scene.

Kampong Phluk

An authentic fishing village on the Tonle Sap lake, famous for its towering seven-meter stilted houses and the surrounding flooded mangro…

History & landmarks

Preah Ko

The first temple built in the ancient capital of Hariharalaya, known for its surviving stucco decorations.

Lolei

A small temple of the Roluos Group that originally stood on an island in the historical Indratataka reservoir.

Pre Rup

Pre Rup is a brick and laterite temple mountain in the Angkor area.

East Mebon

A monumental temple that once stood on an artificial island in the middle of the now-dry East Baray reservoir.

Kbal Spean

A sacred river in the mountains, whose riverbed is intricately carved with numerous reliefs and Hindu symbols.

Banteay Kdei

A fascinating Buddhist monastic complex in Angkor, whose ruins are peacefully shaded by tall trees today.

Ta Keo

An unfinished, massive sandstone temple mountain that stands out due to its simplicity and lack of external carvings.

Thommanon

A small, well-preserved Hindu temple in Angkor, known for its detailed Devata carvings.

More places

Roluos Group (Bakong)

Some of the earliest permanent temples of the Khmer Empire, with Bakong featuring the first significant temple-mountain architecture.

Kulen Elephant Forest

A spacious sanctuary where former working elephants can live a peaceful and natural life.

Phnom Kulen National Park

Phnom Kulen National Park covers a sacred mountain range north of Siem Reap.

Phnom Kulen Plateau

A sacred mountain plateau considered the birthplace of the Khmer Empire.

Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre

This interactive centre showcases a vast variety of native butterflies in a tropical netted enclosure.

Banteay Srei

A Hindu temple made of red sandstone, renowned for its extremely fine and intricate carvings.

Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity

Located near Siem Reap, the ACCB is dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating Cambodia's threatened wildlife.

Ta Som

A small Buddhist temple whose eastern entrance is famously engulfed by the massive roots of a sacred fig tree.