Tonle Sap Lake Cambodia

Tonle Sap is one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating natural wonders. The name translates to “Fresh River” or “Great Lake” in Khmer. It is designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

The size of the lake expands dramatically with the seasons, averaging 2,700 KM in the dry season and up to 16,000 km during the wet season. As to depth it can range from only 1 meter in the dry season to over 10 meters during the monsoons. It is connected to the Mekong River via the Tonle Sap River.  

Of particular interest are the floating villages with several communities living in stilted or floating homes.

Fishing is paramount and the communities here provide over 60% of Cambodia’s’ freshwater fish catch.

We visited the lake in April 2023.