If you want to experience authentic Cambodia, there is one place that is highly recommended. Tonle Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater body, and an area with a rich abundance of life, whether it’d be human, animal and fauna.
The Tonle Sap is an interesting body of water. It is both a river and a lake. How is that possible? Because of the lack of rain during the dry season (November – May), the Tonle Sap’s water volume is considerably less than the rest of the year. The current of the Tonle Sap also moves towards the Mekong in Phnom Penh. However, during the rainy months of June – October, the Tonle Sap’s volume increases dramatically (about four times in area and nine times in depth) and the water current reverses its flow up from the Mekong instead.
The citizens in the area have adapted accordingly, with some huts being dismantled and moved to the banks according to the seasons and floating villages move in or out to take their positions along the banks. Owners of floating houseboats simply tow their homes to their desired location.
Just knowing about this natural phenomenon and then being there in person is amazing enough. What makes the Tonle Sap even more amazing is its diversity in life and its true depiction of authentic rural Cambodia life. From the extraordinary masked finfoot to the 290 kilogram giant catfish and smiling villagers, a true depiction of Cambodia can be summarized at Tonle Sap.
You can experience Cambodia’s main lake/river hybrid and all the life that surrounds it with Exotissimo’s Authentic Tonle Sap day trip tour. What better way to see the contrast of Cambodia life than to leave from the country’s capital and Southeast Asia’s next emerging big city, Phnom Penh? By taking this trip, you will also be an innovator. Most tours to the Tonle Sap takes guests to Chong Kneas village. You will be one of the few who will actually venture out further into Kampong Phluck.
Don’t worry if you catch yourself daydreaming while you are enjoying your boat ride around the stilted house and flooded forest scenery of the area. The Tonle Sap tends to do that to visitors. Just make sure to prepare yourself for a delicious Tonle Sap-style lunch once you snap out of your dream world and into reality.
If you are looking to mix in rarely-seen spots outside of the country’s main attractions, look no further than Exotissimo’s Cambodia day trips. Our programs are perfect remedies for those looking to venture beyond the regular scenery of Phnom Penh and Angkor. Whether you are craving adventure, nature, authentic rural life or relaxation, these programs should satisfy those urges.
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