Five provinces circled the area of Tonle Sap Lake,
more than three million of population inhabited around the bank of the Lake and
90% of them earn a living by catching fish and making agricultures. As you can
see on the map of Cambodia It stretches across the northwest section of the
country. The Lake is the largest fresh water in South East Asia. Its dimension
changes depending on the monsoon and dry season.
During raining season from June to October, the
lake is filled by water flowing from the Mekong with 14 meters in depth and
expands the surface of 10,000 square Kilometers. In dry season from November to
May its size 3,000 square kilometers with two meters in depth and water flows
out from the Lake to the Mekong, in and out flowing is the natural phenomenon
occurrences.
The flooded forest surrounding the edge of the lake
is the best shelter and also very important for all kinds of fishes spawned and
breeding babies. This lake providing many of bio diversities, over 300 species
of fresh water fishes, as well as snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, turtles and
otters. More than 100 varieties water birds including storks, pelicans. The
Lake is also an important commercial resource, providing more than half of the
fish consumed in Cambodia. In harmony with the specialized ecosystems, the
human occupations at the edges of the lake is similarly distinctive - floating
villages, towering stilted houses, huge fish traps, and an economy and way of
life deeply intertwined with the lake, the fish, the wildlife and the cycles of
rising and falling waters.
The lake located about 15 km south of Siem Reap
town; you can make your journey from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh by express boat
crossing the lake and dock at the village of Chong Khneas. Its takes only six
hours, but this trip we may recommend you during Monsoon season. In dry season
the boat sometimes stuck in mud because the water is low. There are several
ways to see the culture and wildlife of the lake area depending on the amount
of time you have and your interest. Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating
village at the edge of the lake. It locates at Southern part of Siem Reap town
about 15 Km, and takes only 30 minutes by vehicles to the boat dock where there
are always boats waiting for visitors.
The boat trip through the floating village takes
approximately two hours. You will explore the different of Khmer, Muslim and
Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, fisheries, clinics,
schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists. Chong
Khneas, was before very interesting, but now region is owned by private firm
they did increasing prices and the area looks more commercial. The boat trip
usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird
exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly
recommended Gecko Environment Centre, which offers displays and information
introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
Post a Comment