A visit to this huge inland sea is a great way to cool off after several days of temple touring. Although enormous in area, most of the lake is very shallow, so much so that there are many villages built on stilts out in the open waters. Its just a short drive from Seam Reap to the shores of Tonle Sap, where you can rent a boat to take you out on a tour of one of the villages.
One of the many species of fowl making its home on the great lake.
Tonle Sap is home to numerous floating villages made up of charming houseboats, shops, and schools. Most of the residents are Vietnamese immigrants. A haven for wildlife, the lake is visited by millions of migrating birds, especially during the period from December through March.
There's a 'toll' of sorts payable by tourists on the road from Siem Reap to the lake. The cost is US$1. The going rate for a boat and guide is US$10. A stop at one of the floating fish farms turned restaurants / souvenir shops is usually included. These places usually have an elevated platform that's good for taking a picture. The 'cost' of using these is usually the purchase of a drink, usually costing US$1 no matter what you order.