Tonle Sap Lake

The lake has been inhabited throughout history, with earlier records coming from a Chinese diplomat in the 14th century who disembarked his boat at the lakeside town known today as Kompong Khleang. In 1997 the lake was designated as a protected area under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere programme. The unique embankment has a rich biodiversity of fish, birds, reptiles and other mammals around the lake. The aquatic habitat provides 75% of the inland fishing catch and supports over 3 million people with food. The lake houses over 300 species of fresh water fish, 20 varieties of snakes, 10 varieties of turtles, a species of crocodile and a species of leopard cat. There is a bird sanctuary at Prek Toal between Siem Reap and Battambang. There are huge giant catfish here, with record specimens up to 300 kg. This endangered species is confined the Mekong and surrounding rivers and lakes. A large crocodile farming industry thrives on and around Tonle Sap. The main species is the Siamese crocodile, critically endangered in the wild. The lake also provides a habitat for 13 species of turtle. The best time to visit is the dry season (November - April), when the water level falls and the birds are concentrated in a comparatively small area. The passenger ferry from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap (6 hr) travels up the Tonle Sap River, stopping at Kampong Chhnang, and travels straight across the lake. It is a good way of viewing the Tonle Sap and all activities on it, if a little fast....