Five provinces circled the area of Tonle
Sap Lake , more than
three million of population inhabited around the bank of the Lake
and 90% of them earn a living by catching fish and making agricultures. As you
can see on the map of Cambodia It stretches across the northwest section of the
country.
The Lake is the largest fresh water in South
East Asia . Its dimension changes depending on the monsoon and dry
season. During raining season from June to October, the lake is filled by water
flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in
depth and expands the surface of 10,000 square Kilometers. In dry season from
November to May its size 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth and
water flows out from the Lake to the Mekong , in
and out flowing is the natural phenomenon occurrences. The flooded forest
surrounding the edge of the lake is the best shelter and also very important
for all kinds of fishes spawned and breeding babies. This lake providing many
of biodiversities, over 300 species of fresh water fishes, as well as snakes, crocodiles,
tortoises, turtles and otters. More than 100 varieties water birds including
storks, pelicans, etc
The Lake is also an important commercial resource, providing
more than half of the fish consumed in Cambodia . In harmony with the
specialized ecosystems, the human occupations at the edges of the lake is
similarly distinctive - floating villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish
traps, and an economy and way of life deeply intertwined with the lake, the
fish, the wildlife and the cycles of rising and falling waters
The lake located about 15 km south of Siem Reap town; you
can make your journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh
by express boat crossing the lake and dock at the village of Chong Khneas
Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating village at the
edge of the lake. It locates at Southern part of Siem Reap town about 15 Km, and
takes only 30 minutes by vehicles to the boat dock where there are always boats
waiting for visitors. The boat trip through the floating village takes
approximately two hours. You will explore the different of Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese
floating households and the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball
course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists.
Chong Khneas, was before very interesting, but now region is
owned by private firm they did increasing prices and the area looks more
commercial. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy
floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the
other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers
displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake
area.
