Thursday August 30, 2007Bangkok Post
During a recent trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia, I visited Tonle Sap, the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, 230 kilometres northwest of capital Phnom Penh.
It is home to millions of people and a major source of food boasting hundreds of species of marine life including the giant catfish.
Most tourists visit the floating village of Chong Kneas that charges them a US$10 fee, inclusive of an hour-and-a-half-long boat ride. They go to see the unique lifestyle of its residents who can be seen bathing or washing clothes, and boats selling fruit, vegetables and other daily necessities. There are also floating restaurants that raise crocodiles.
During day residents avoid the heat by staying indoors. I spotted these two women taking a peek at tourists from a window.
Villagers lead the life of a gypsy. They move their thatched huts from dry land every time water in the lake recedes leaving behind a lot of garbage. Boats are their main mode of transportation to school or church. Some children use enamelled basins as transport. They sit in it and use their hands as paddle.
It is home to millions of people and a major source of food boasting hundreds of species of marine life including the giant catfish.
Most tourists visit the floating village of Chong Kneas that charges them a US$10 fee, inclusive of an hour-and-a-half-long boat ride. They go to see the unique lifestyle of its residents who can be seen bathing or washing clothes, and boats selling fruit, vegetables and other daily necessities. There are also floating restaurants that raise crocodiles.
During day residents avoid the heat by staying indoors. I spotted these two women taking a peek at tourists from a window.
Villagers lead the life of a gypsy. They move their thatched huts from dry land every time water in the lake recedes leaving behind a lot of garbage. Boats are their main mode of transportation to school or church. Some children use enamelled basins as transport. They sit in it and use their hands as paddle.
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