Explore the floating villages on the Tonle Sap Lake on our half-day guided tour from Siem Reap. Enter a world time has forgotten, cruise along the rivers and canals on the way to the largest fresh water lake in SE Asia, and see the only river system in the world that flows backwards (2 ways every year). in the wet season the river and lake flow northwards,where in the dry season they flow south into the South China Sea.
experience a true floating village where fisherman and their families have lived and worked for thousands of years, nothing much changes here from centuries gone past, without roads every thing is transported by rafts or boats,in fact we will be stopping on a very old 100 year old,ex cargo boat for lunch and drinks,the Tara Riverboat has been carrying cargo from the 1920s up through Vietnam and Mekong River into Cambodia, she is a beautiful example of the type of vessels that plied the Mekong in the day.
Following a free pick-up from your hotel or guesthouse, transfer by air-conditioned vehicle or tuk tuk to the Port near Phnom Krom. Your English and Khmer-speaking guide will point out areas of local interest along the way and answer any questions you may have. Pass rice paddies and fields of lotus flowers - a deeply important flower in Buddhism. Please note: the views of the lotus and rice fields will vary depending on the time of year. we will have a quick stop at the lotus farm as our guide will explain the many uses of the flower and plant itself, when we arrival at the port area on of our boats will be wiating to take you on a cruise into a very different world.
Continue to a crocodile and fish farm on the lake (depending on current water levels). Learn about some of the trades of the people on the lake. If catfish, crocodiles don't interest you, there is a souvenir shop and viewing deck on board where you can purchase souvenirs and take some stunning photographs of the views.
During the boat ride through the floating village, watch the locals going about their daily life. Briefly enter the edge of the Great Lake before docking at the Queen Tara, the biggest boat on the lake, in the heart of the floating village. Enjoy a well-deserved meal and 2 free drinks. After lunch, take a seat on the viewing deck and watch the world go by.
Depart the Queen Tara and journey back to the port. Here, your transport will be waiting to transport you back to your hotel or guesthouse in Siem Reap.