Tonle Sap Lake Tours and Villages

The Tonle Sap Lake the most prominent feature on the map of Cambodia a huge dumbbell-shaped body of water stretching across the northwest of the country. In the wet season, the lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Asia, swelling to an expansive 12,000 km2. The Lake sits only 15 km south of town, a unique eco-system and cultural area offering the opportunity to see a different side of the Siem Reap – floating and stilted villages, culture and nature tours, bird watching.

Most lake tours begin at the port at Chong Khneas village directly south of Siem Reap town. Everything from 1 hour to multi-day tours are available. The quickest, easiest boat tours run out of the Chong Khneas port, with local operators offer 1-2 hour tours of the floating village just off shore, usually including a stop at a floating fish farm/souvenir shop. Not exactly an ‘authentic Cambodian experience’ but at least providing a glimpse of life on the Lake. Half and full day tours to the amazing stilted village of Kampong Khleang, or the flooded forests of Kampong Phluk, or a trip to the Prek Toal Bird sanctuary, all offer a very unique look at Cambodian culture and ecology. See the Tonle Sap Lake page for more information on these destinations.

You can go to Chong Khneas on your own and arrange a boat tour. Boats are always available for 1-2 hour tours, as well as to more distant villages like Kampong Khleng, but prices are in flux, and it can be difficult to identify a quality boat and operator. It is easier to arrange your boat trip though a Siem Reap tour agent, especially one that specializes in lake tours such as the following:

Cambodian Travel Partner
Tonle Sap Lake tours, Jeep tours, countryside tours
Tel: 063-963242
www.cambodia-travelpartner.com

Kampoul Adventure Tour
Cultural and adventure tours. Tonle Sap Lake tours.
#0593, Wat Bo Road, Siem Reap
Tel: 063-760909, 063-965865
www.adventure.com.kh

Komnob Airboat Tours
Airboat tours. Skim across the Tonle Sap to visit floating and lake’s edge villages and a crocodile farm.
Tel: 012-926966, 016-988896
www.komnobairboattours.com

Prek Toal Tours & Travel
Locally owned and operated tour operator, offering several tours, excursions and experiences on the Tonle Sap Lake. Bird watching at Prek Toal, cultural tours or floating and stilted village, eco-tours, custom arrangements.
Wat Damnak village, Sala Komruek Commune, Siem Reap
Tel: 077-797112, 093-707667
bookings@prektoal-tours.com
http://prektoal-tours.com

Sam Veasna Center (SVC)
Sam Veasna Center (SVC) organizes half or full day trips focusing on birds but offering a glimpse of Cambodian rural life with a trained local guide. SVC was set up to promote wildlife conservation in Cambodia. It works together with the Wildlife Conservation Society and local village communities to develop remote sites close to the habitat of some spectacular bird life. The local communities benefit from the infrastructure set up for the visitors. Trips to see Sarus Crane at Ang Trapaeng Thmor, Giant and White Shouldered Ibis at Tamtboey, A vulture restaurant at Chhep amongst others, plus some of the most beautiful and unspoiled countryside in Cambodia.
Tel: 092-554473, 063-761597
info@samveasna.org
www.samveasna.org

Tara River Boat
Tara Riverboat operates both half day trips and sunset tours of Chong Khneas floating village and stops at the Gecko Environmental Centre fish and a crocodile farm along the way. Meals and drinks are served on the boat. All boat tours include pick up and return to hotels and a guide. Price for half day 9:00AM – 12:00PM $29/person, 10:00AM – 2:00PM $32/person and sunset is 3:30PM – 7:30PM $38/person. The sunset cruise includes all drinks including unlimited champagne, wines, beers, etc. and a 2 course meal. Tours to Prek Toal (bird sanctuary,) and Kampong Phluk, Kampong Khleang (traditional lake villages) and Battambang also available. These tours also include food, drinks, pick up and return to hotel in an a/c car. Price for Prek Toal tour is $165/person. The Kampong Phluk for half day 8:30AM – 1:00PM $38/person, full day 10:00AM – 4:00PM $58/person and sunset 1:00PM – 7:30PM $68/person. Tailored adventure tours on request.
Located at Chong Khneas floating village
Tel: 092-957765
taraboats@gmail.com
www.taraboat.com

Terre Cambodge/Biking Cambodia
Mountain bike (TREK, GIANT) and trekking specialist. Overnights. Tonle Sap Lake boat tours (bird sanctuary, floating and stilted villages,) elephant trekking and more. Tailor made itineraries.
#R-30, Rolous Street – Borei Prem Prei
Tel: 077-448255, 092-476682
www.terrecambodge.com
www.bikingcambodia.net

Triple A Adventures
Floating village and Kampong Khleng tours. Bicycle tours.
Tel: 088-8366004
www.tripleacambodia.com