As part of our itinerary, my photography guide, Regis, took me on an exciting tour of the awe-inspiring Tonle Sap Lake. This magnificent lake, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is teeming with fascinating wildlife, including a seasonal population of waterbirds.
Where is Tonle Sap Lake?
Tonle Sap Lake is located in central Cambodia, stretching over five provinces: Kampong Thom, Siem Reap, Battambang, Pursat, and Kompong Chhnang. It is about 15 kilometers south of Siem Reap, where the famous Angkor Wat temple complex is located. The lake is connected to the Mekong River and is vital to the region's ecology and economy.
Importance of Tonle Sap Lake
Tonle Sap Lake's significance to Cambodia cannot be overstated, as it provides water for fishing, agriculture, and transportation and supports a diverse ecosystem filled with unique wildlife.
And that's not all - the lake has an incredible cultural heritage, being the birthplace of the Khmer civilization and home to fascinating floating villages with stilted structures that will leave you in awe.
What is the biodiversity of Tonle Sap Lake?
Tonle Sap Lake is a hub of biodiversity, and it's home to over 300 fish species, many of which are endemic. Over 100 recorded waterbird species, turtles, snakes, freshwater crabs, otters, civets, and more exist.
The flooded forests and wetlands surrounding the lake provide a habitat for many birds and wildlife, including threatened species. However, human activities like overfishing, pollution, and habitat destruction threaten the lake's unique biodiversity. Conservation and management efforts are in place, and visitors must respect the environment to protect this vital ecosystem.
If you're visiting Tonle Sap Lake, you gotta check out the floating village of Kompong Phluk. It's an absolute must-see!
The Floating Village of Kompong Phluk
As you motor up and down the waterway in one of the many identical wooden boats, the scenery might initially seem unremarkable, lasting for about 20 minutes. However, before long, you'll begin to see stilted buildings emerging in the distance, followed by more and more until the entire unique village of Kompong Phluk comes into view.
Around 3,500 people and 700 families call this floating village their home, and the village is built on stilts and floating structures that move with the Tonle Sap Lake's changing water levels.
As you explore the village, you'll witness the daily lives of the people who call it home. You'll see women preparing food, men mending nets, and children playing in the water. The people here rely on the lake for their livelihood; many are skilled fishermen who know the waters well.
They catch various fish, including some endemic species found only in the lake. Despite the challenges of living on the water, the people in the floating village have a strong sense of community and are proud of their unique way of life.
What are the things to do in Kampong Phluk?
Paddle on a traditional wooden boat to explore the flooded forest of Kompong Phluk.
Take a boat tour: Explore the village on a boat tour, and get a close-up look at the floating houses and the way of life on the lake.
Visit the stilted houses: Walk through the stilted houses and learn about the community's traditional lifestyle.
Visit the community temple. The temple is essential to the village's culture and daily life, providing a unique insight into the local customs and beliefs.
What are the unique customs and traditions of the floating village residents
As you tour the Kompong Phluk floating village of Tonle Sap Lake, you will discover the unique customs and traditions of the various ethnic groups such as the Khmer, Cham, and Vietnamese living there.
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In conclusion
If you want a cool and unique cultural and nature experience, visit Kompong Phluk in Tonle Sap Lake. I explored stilted houses and mangrove forests and saw the fantastic ecosystem. We did boat tours, saw many birds, and learned about the locals' traditional way of life.
I recommend Kompong Phluk as a must-see spot for anyone who loves culture and nature.