Step away from the crowds and embark on an extraordinary day tour to uncover Cambodia’s hidden treasures. Begin with a scenic boat ride through Kampong Khleang, the largest stilted village on Tonlé Sap Lake, where you’ll witness a vibrant community living among floating homes, schools, and temples. Savor a traditional picnic lunch in a tranquil stilted house, fully immersing yourself in local culture. In the afternoon, delve into the jungle to explore Beng Mealea, where you’ll traverse elevated wooden walkways through a captivating temple ruin, seamlessly blending historical allure with lush natural beauty.
Today, venture away from the bustling crowds to explore Kampong Khleang, the largest floating community on the edge of Tonlé Sap Lake, also known as the “Great Lake” or “sea of fresh water.” Home to over 10,000 people, this village offers a unique glimpse into traditional riparian life. Begin your adventure with a scenic boat trip through the village, where stilted houses, floating schools, and temples create a picturesque and dynamic landscape. As you glide along the waterways, observe the daily routines of the villagers, including fishermen casting their nets and children playing among the stilted structures. The resilience and adaptability of the community, who live in harmony with the lake’s seasonal changes, are truly inspiring.
Tonlé Sap Lake is a geographical marvel, demonstrating the natural and cultural richness of Cambodia. The lake’s ecosystem is intricately linked to the Tonle Sap River, which uniquely reverses its flow between the wet and dry seasons. This reverse flow, originating from the Himalayan Mountains, creates a fascinating dynamic where the lake’s water level can vary dramatically.
During the dry season, the lake’s reduced water levels expose the stilted houses, making them resemble towering skyscrapers. In contrast, during the wet season, these homes are submerged beneath the lake’s rising waters, highlighting the villagers’ adaptive lifestyle. The local economy is primarily based on fishing, with residents producing a variety of products such as fish paste, fermented fish, smoked fish, dried fish, and dried prawns.
Enjoy a local picnic lunch in a traditional stilted house, immersed in the serene surroundings.
*Remark: During the dry season (Feb – May), the water levels of Tonle Sap Lake drop dramatically, causing boat tours to be limited, and some areas may become inaccessible. However, the dry season offers a different experience for tourists, with the chance to see the unique stilted villages and the exposed lakebed.
In the afternoon, continue to discover Beng Mealea, a remarkable temple complex often referred to as the ‘Lotus Pond’ in Khmer. Hidden deep within the jungle, Beng Mealea offers a unique and immersive experience. Navigate the elevated wooden walkways that meander through the ancient ruins, allowing you to explore the temple’s captivating blend of history and nature. The temple’s overgrown, mysterious atmosphere evokes the spirit of an ‘Indiana Jones’ adventure, making it a memorable highlight of the tour.
Return to your hotel and unwind for the remainder of the day, reflecting on the day’s memorable experiences.
Alternatively, you may detour to wander through Bakong Temple, Angkor’s first mountain temple dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries and still remarkably well-preserved. Bakong is the largest and most captivating temple of the Roluos group, featuring an active Buddhist monastery situated just north of its east entrance.
