Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. In the dry season the lake can shrink down to 2,700 km sq. (1,000 sq. miles) but in the wet season can swell to 16,000 km sq. (6,200 sq. miles).
Approximately 1.2 million people living in the greater Tonle Sap make their living by fishing on the local waters. Houses built on very tall stilts allow their homes to stay dry in the wet season when the waters swell. Large “floating villages” are can be seen throughout the entire lake.
The entire village will move with the seasons. During the dry season when the water is low, the villagers motor their homes to deeper water. This includes the schools, shops and all. When the wet season comes they move back closer to the shore to avoid the large storms that take place on the lake.
Their lifestyle to me is completely fascinating. Seeing how they survive with so little is inspiring.
There are a few villages that have tourist boat rides. The closest ones from Siem Reap, Phnom Krom and Kampong Phluk are overridden with tourists and lack the authentic experience. At times there, I feel like it is some kind of Disney attraction set up just for tourists.
The tour that Siem Reap Photo Tours runs, takes you to Kampong Khleang Village. Another 30-40 min further drive from Siem Reap, but well worth the time. This tour is one of the favorite tours we run, because we get away from the temples and crowds and have the opportunity to experience real countryside living.
The locals all love seeing westerners and especially cameras. Cambodians love to get their photos taken. The day is always full of smiles, laughter, and usually a sip or two of Khmer rice wine.
A small wooden boat will bring us through the stilted village and out to the lake to see a floating village. Depending on the time of day, we can stay out on the lake and see the sunset. Always a brilliant photo opportunity!