Our adventure in Siem Reap, Cambodia continued with a must-not-to-be-missed visit to the Chong Khneas Floating Village and Tonle Sap Cruise. For info, there are three main areas open to visitors: touristy and easily accessed Chong Kneas, floating village Kampong Phluk, and stilted community of Kompong Khleang. These villages are located by the edge of Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in South East Asia.
After had enough resting & napping in our Hostel, at 3pm we were ready to continue exploring Siem Reap. Our Tuk-Tuk arrived at the Hostel on time, picked us up and we were on the road again to the outskirts of Siem Reap. The journey took approximately 30-40 mins.
Cars in the city of Siem Reap. Mostly we saw Toyota & Honda on the road.
It was pleasant to the eyes to see a change of setting from the busy, hectic city to the laid-back, rustic countryside of Siem Reap, Cambodia. In the city, we were surrounded by hundreds of vehicles on the road, whereas there was more greenery in the countryside.
Top : Petrol Station at the outskirt area. Bottom: Row of shops at the city.
iv) Visiting Chong Khneas Village and Lotus Lake, Tonle Sap
We knew that we were nearer to our destination when we went off-road, onto the dusty red dirt path of the countryside. Along the road, there were numerous makeshift stalls selling fruits, food and drinks. Most buildings were made of wood and had attap/zinc roof. Time stood still as we passed by the villagers going about their daily activities without the intervention of fast-moving modern developments. Children were seen roaming on the streets without a care in the world.
Dusty red dirt path of the countryside.
It is essential to wear mask along the journey. Our masks were provided by Kassim.
As we got closer to our destination, we noticed something strange – that almost everything we saw was earthy red in colour! From the roads, the roof, the walls of the buildings to even the plants, everything was in the same colour tone. Upon closer inspection, we found out that it was actually a thick layer of red dirt/earth and not paint.
This is one of the unique features found in the villages along the road to Tonle Sap. Its land consists of layers of loose red earth/dirt, so whenever the wind blows, particles of red earth and dust are sent flying into the air. These red earth/dust particles then stick to anything that it touches, creating a thick layer of colour that looks like paint over the buildings and plants from afar.
A lovely view of the Chong Khneas Floating Village....
Traditional Cambodian wooden houses on stilts.
During monsoon season, the water is said to cover the rice paddies and often reaching the foot of the homes of these floating villages, which the main reason why these houses were built on stilts.
Red earth/dirt and dust everywhere!
A common scene in the Cambodian countryside.
Learning Centre / School.
Hospital / Clinic.
Seeing such an interesting sight made our journey more memorable, if not comfortable. The road to the Tonle Sap was very dusty and bumpy. The unpaved road was uneven and had potholes everywhere. Nonetheless, we enjoyed the bumpy ride very much. However, the amount of dust was unbearable, therefore it is essential to have a mask on hand and bring several bottles of drinking water too to stay hydrated for it can get rather hot, dry and dusty especially during the dry season.
Some construction work to prevent flood from the lake.
Hey, before reaching the Tonle Sap, our Tuk-Tuk stopped at one place nearby the lake where there was a paddy field and lots of lotus grew at the edge of Tonle Sap lake.
View of the Lotus lake and Paddy Field from the Tuk-Tuk.
After being served with red and dusty view all along our journey, it was such a pleasure to see this greenery view.
We went off our Tuk-Tuk and walked down to one hut which was the entrance to the Lotus lake. There, they sold these spices and lotus seeds to the visitors.
Local spices.
Wooden plank along the lotus lake.
Walked further the paddy field. As it's located nearby the lake, the water from the lake could be easily extended to flood this paddy field.
Another view overlooking the main road and the welcomed hut.
Farmers were spotted working to plow up the field. Hat off to them for working during this very hot weather in the evening.
Closer to the lotus flower.
Teratai bunga indah.
Selfie.
Selfie with paddy field as backgound.
Luckily Lina saw me selfie, and volunteered to take my photo here. Thanks Lina.
We spent not so long here. Around 20 mins as it was so hot with no shades at all. We then walked back up to the hut.
Mama Mas walked back to the hut.
Miss Yar, Bamalex and Emmer Musa just sat in the hut since they cannot bear the hot weather (especially Emmer Musa). Miss Yar posed with friendly local children and also bought the Lotus flowers and seeds as a token and support the local industry.
Next we continued our journey to Tonle Sap lake.
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