Siem Reap in Cambodia is world renowned for the ancient religious ruins of Angkor Wat, but travellers that thought this region has nothing more to offer will be proven wrong by a visit to the floating village of Chong Kneas. This village is built on the Tonle Sap River which simply translated means Large Fresh Water River. The region has also been designated as an ecological hotspot as well as the largest natural collection of fresh water in South East Asia.
Due to the abundant supply of water and food, the area was a natural habitat for wandering tribes and today the shores of the lake are home to Cham and Vietnamese ethnic groups. The village of Chong Kneas is one such example, though it is referred to as floating village it has a sizeable population whose houses, shops, schools and every other building imaginable is built on stilts sunk into the sediment on the bottom the Tonle Sap River.
Many of the villages inhabitants are fisherman and they eke out a meagre living catching and selling fresh water fish, though not the majority an interesting few farmers. However, this should not be taken in the agricultural sense as by farming what these villagers refer to is: Fish and Crocodile farming.
Visitors are usually allowed access to these farms for a nominal fee; the fish farms usually rear cat fish. However the real highlight of a visit to Chong Kneas are the crocodile farms, these consist of about ten crocodiles held in wooden pens or cages that are fed fish by the locals. Though the village has lost much of its authenticity, a trip to here is imperative for travellers who wish to experience a different way of life.
A visit to Chong Kneas can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Tonle Sap Bird Sanctuary which is easily accessed via road or river from a
Siem Reap hotel such as the Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor. Though it is a little difficult to find an
Angkor hotel close to Tonle Sap, the highway provides easy access to the area from many of the city hotels.
