Life on the Tonle Sap

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Siem Reap - Tonle Sap Homestay - Siem Reap
Duration:
2 days / 1 night (flexible)
Price:
from £ 234.- per person (excluding flights)

Stay with a Khmer family in a traditional stilted house on Tonle Sap Lake, help prepare a delicious home-cooked dinner and watch the sun soaking in the serene waters of the lake. It’s a simple, unique and completely brilliant way to get a glimpse of the real Cambodia, far beyond the temple throngs of Angkor. During your stay, you’ll learn about traditional Khmer culture and join the fishermen as they sail into the lake before dawn.

Day 1 – Siem Reap – Tonle Sap

When you arrive in the remote village of Kampong Khleang (only a short drive from Siem Reap) this afternoon, you’ll be welcomed by your host family. The houses in the village are built on stilts to allow for the rising waters of the lake, and whilst you won’t find hot water here, there will be plenty of warm welcomes. Your hosts don’t speak much English but there will be no shortage of appreciation for staying in their home. Your guide will be with you throughout your stay to help you interact and learn about the Khmer people in this region.

You’ll take a trip out onto the lake, as the sun begins to sink over the stilted houses, before helping the family prepare dinner. Learn about Khmer cuisine and settle down for an early night, surrounded by the sounds of life on the lake. If you’re travelling in dry season (Jan-Apr), you can expect the water levels to be much lower so it won’t be directly on the water during these months.

Day 2 – Fishing on the lake

It’ll be an early start this morning as you’re up before the sun to set off with the local fisherman onto the water. Take in the serene atmosphere and watch as life around the lake begins to wake up. After a tasty breakfast with your hosts, you’ll wave goodbye and head back to Siem Reap with a better understanding of Khmer life on the lake.