Small Group Sunset Cruise on Tonle Sap Lake with Cambodian drinks and Canape

This small group tour will take you to a pleasant sunset cruise into Tonle Sap Lake while you immerse yourself in Cambodian culture.  En route the boat dock to the lake, we’ll stop first at Wat Athvea, a 12th century less touristy temple built by the same workers who have helped put up the Angkor Wat.  We will then take the boat ride through Chong Kneas floating village where you will get a chance to see village life along Tonle Sap’s floodplains.  Enjoy a tranquil sunset at a secluded spot in the lake while enjoying a sip of local drinks.  End the tour as we take you back to your hotel after sunset.   

Start the tour at 2:30 PM as we pick you up at your hotel variable between 2 am and 2:30 pm. We will drive south of Siem Reap towards the Tonle Sap quay and stop en route to visit Wat Athvea.  This pagoda is a 12th century temple dedicated to Vishnu and is relatively in a good state of preservation.  Even though the temple has not been completed, one will recognize its resemblance to Angkor Wat architecture.  Wat Athvea is, in fact, used as a training ground for workers whose hands would later build the Angkor Wat.  As the temple is located outside the regular Angkor Wat Complex, it is less frequented by tourists, making it a perfect place to enjoy peace and quiet in the late afternoon.

Upon arrival at the quay, we’ll then board a local boat for a pleasant ride onto the Tonle Sap Lake, passing through the floating village of Chong Kneas.  Along the way, take a glimpse of daily life at the floating village, while sailing through brightly colored floating households, schools, clinics, sports hall and even pig farms. 

We will continue past the village until we reach the extensive waterscape of Tonle Sap Lake.  The immense lake expands to 16,000 km² during the wet season, making it the largest fresh water lake in Southeast Asia.  Stretching across the northwest portion of Cambodia, the lake serves as a major source of fish in the entire country of Cambodia.  Apart from being an essential source of food for Cambodians, the lake and its floodplains also serves as important habitat for several species of water birds and other aquatic animals.  Learn from your expert guide about the unique flow cycle of Tonle Sap Lake and how it affects upstream Mekong River and downstream Mekong River traversing Vietnam. 

Enjoy being in a secluded spot on the lake and take in the peace and scenery while admiring the sky as it change into sunset colors. Watch sunset with Cambodian Canape and beers or soft drinks before returning to the port for a transfer back to town. Return to the port after sunset and head back to Siem Reap by car and drop off at pub street.