Discover the beauty and wildlife of the Tonle Sap Lake, rivers and flooded forests and enter a hidden world few will ever discover as we slowly ply our way along the beautiful and fascinating river systems that make up the biosphere reserve of this unique place, its important to note we will cross the largest fresh water lake in S E Asia, and one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world, designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO in 1997 due to its high biodiversity.
On this guided tour from Siem Reap you will experience nature at its undeveloped best, no roads are out here, all transport is via the rivers and streams, all year round, children going to schools that floats in boats, see local farms and villages as you cruise up the Sangkor River.
Maybe come across a siemese crocodile, a water buffalo cooling off in the river, rare, wild and endangered water birds, as we cruise passing Prek Toal,(home of the huge waterbird population). children playing in the rivers and keeping cool, fishing is the main source of income out here,so seeing fishing nets everywhere is a very common sight.
Be picked up from your accommodation in Siem Reap by our experienced lake guide and drive to the floodplains of Tonle Sap Lake. View the numerous floating villages and stilted homes. Begin in the morning on an adventure few will experience. Let your expert guide tell you about the local culture, lifestyle, and ecosystem.
On your way out to the floating village, pass by rice paddies, lotus fields, and rural villages. Capture pictures of the lotus flowers, a deeply important flower in Buddhism. Stop at the stilted houses and learn how the water levels affect the way locals live and take a look at a floating schools.
Board the boat and witness everyday life on the lake. There truly is a floating city out there, and fishermen, boat-makers, markets, schools, and waving children are always just a glance away.
Departing from the Mer Ch hay, cross the great Tonle Sap Lake and pass the Flooded Forest near Prek Toal, (famous for the bird sanctuary). As water levels change, no two tours are the same. Gently glide through the different floating villages and stilted villages.
Experience nature is at its best out on the river systems with huge migratory water birds that are very rare and some endangered jumping fish. Look for water buffalo and Siamese crocodiles.
During the dry season, the houses rise like giants nearly 18 feet or 6 metres above you, while during the rainy season, you'll be right at door level. Cruise up the awesome Sangkor River to see traditional fishing methods still being used in areas that remain unchanged for 100s of years.
Travel through areas where no roads exist and all transport is via boats on a river system that time seems to have forgotten.
When we arrive in Battambang we use tuk tuks to transfer you to your hotel, all in all a once in a life time adventure that will be in your memory forever, after all that is what travelling is all about.