How to Plan Your Tour of Tonle Sap Lake – Fishing Village & Flooded Forest in Siem Reap

If you’re planning a trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, you won’t want to miss the opportunity to explore Tonle Sap Lake, a vast freshwater lake that is home to floating villages and flooded forests. With this half-day tour, you’ll get a chance to explore the lake and see the unique and fascinating way of life that exists on the water.

Overview

This tour is operated by Journey Cambodia and includes an experienced and licensed English-speaking tour guide. You’ll start the tour with a boat cruise on Tonle Sap Lake, followed by a visit to a traditional fishing village. You’ll then have the opportunity to take a rowboat ride through the flooded forest before returning to your hotel.

What’s Included

In addition to the services of an experienced and licensed English-speaking tour guide, this tour includes a Tonle Sap boat cruise, mineral water, and a meal. Tips are also included, ensuring that you don’t have to worry about tipping any of the local guides or drivers.

Meeting and Pickup

This tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Siem Reap. The pickup window is between 7:40 am and 8:00 am, with a reminder email sent one day prior to your tour.

What to Expect

During the boat cruise portion of the tour, you’ll get a chance to see the floating villages that are home to many Cambodians who live and work on the water. Your guide will provide information about the unique challenges and opportunities that come with living on the lake.

After the boat cruise, you’ll visit one of the traditional fishing villages on the lake, where you’ll see how locals catch and process fish. Finally, you’ll take a rowboat through the flooded forest, an otherworldly experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over.

Additional Info

This half-day tour is available both in the morning and the afternoon. It is not wheelchair accessible and is suitable for most travelers. The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience for everyone.

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, you will not receive a refund.

To book the tour, visit this website and follow the instructions on the page.

Conclusion

Exploring Tonle Sap Lake and the floating villages and flooded forests that exist on its waters is an experience that you’ll never forget. With this half-day tour, you’ll get a chance to see a side of Cambodia that most tourists never see. Book your tour today and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.

Siem Reap: Frequently Asked Questions

Siem Reap is a charming city located in northwest Cambodia, famous for its ancient temples, markets, and rich cultural heritage. If you are planning a trip to Siem Reap, it’s natural to have some questions. In this blog post, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about Siem Reap to help you plan your trip better.

1. What is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The best time to visit Siem Reap is between November and March when the weather is dry and cool. During this period, the temperature ranges from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius. The rainy season is from May to October, and it can be humid and hot. However, the rainy season also offers lush green landscapes and fewer tourists.

2. How many days do I need to explore Siem Reap?

It’s advisable to spend at least three days in Siem Reap to explore the city and its surroundings properly. You can easily spend two days visiting the Angkor Wat temple complex. You can use the third day to explore the city, visit local markets, or take a cooking class. Many travelers spend up to a week in Siem Reap to explore the city and its surrounding areas fully.

3. Can I explore Siem Reap on my own, or should I hire a guide?

It’s entirely possible to explore Siem Reap on your own, but hiring a guide can enhance your experience. A local guide can provide you with valuable insights into the history and culture of the region. They can also help you navigate the crowded temple complex and guide you to the best spots for photographs. Having a guide can also save you time and ensure that you don’t miss out on any must-see spots.

4. What should I wear when visiting Siem Reap?

The weather in Siem Reap can be hot and humid, so it’s best to wear lightweight, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. It’s also essential to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples out of respect for local customs. Comfortable walking shoes are a must as you’ll be exploring the temple complex on foot.

5. Is it safe to travel to Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is a relatively safe city for travelers. However, as with any destination, it’s always important to be vigilant and take precautions. Pickpocketing and theft can occur in markets and crowded areas, so it’s essential to keep your belongings safe. It’s also best to avoid walking alone late at night in areas that are not well-lit.

6. What is the currency used in Siem Reap?

The official currency in Siem Reap is Cambodian Riel (KHR). However, US dollars are widely accepted, and you can pay for most things in US dollars. It’s advisable to carry small denominations of both currencies as it can be challenging to get change for larger bills.

7. What is the food in Siem Reap like?

The food scene in Siem Reap is a mix of traditional Cambodian cuisine and international options. Some must-try local dishes include Amok (steamed fish with coconut milk and spices), Lok Lak (stir-fried beef with pepper and lime), and Num Banh Chok (rice noodles with fish gravy and vegetables). Siem Reap also has a thriving street food scene where you can try local snacks and drinks.

8. What are some must-visit attractions in Siem Reap?

The Angkor Wat temple complex is undoubtedly the most famous attraction in Siem Reap. However, there are several other must-visit spots in the city, including:

– Ta Prohm temple
– Banteay Srei temple
– Phare, the Cambodian Circus
– Angkor National Museum
– Floating villages
– Kulen Mountain

9. How can I get around in Siem Reap?

The most convenient way to get around Siem Reap is by tuk-tuk. Tuk-tuks are readily available and can be hired for the entire day or for a specific journey. You can also rent a bike or a scooter if you’re comfortable with riding two-wheelers. Some tourists also prefer to hire a private car with a driver.

10. What should I shop for in Siem Reap?

Siem Reap is famous for its silk fabrics, silver jewelry, and traditional handicrafts. Some popular souvenirs include silk scarves, silver bracelets, and wooden carvings. You can find these items in local markets and handicraft stores. It’s essential to bargain when shopping in markets to get a reasonable price.

Conclusion

Siem Reap is a beautiful city with a lot to offer. We hope this article answered some of your questions and helped you plan your trip better. Remember to respect local customs and take necessary precautions to stay safe. Enjoy your trip to Siem Reap!