Tonle Sap Lake, which we’ll be introducing today, is formed when a portion of a tributary of the Mekong River creates a large lake (more than 3.5 times the size of Lake Biwa). There are villages here that live on the water, as well as schools and other facilities. During the rainy season, the lake reaches a depth of 9 meters, but during the dry season, it is only 1 meter deep.
I heard there are plenty of fish, and even alligators live there. When I booked a sightseeing boat at the hotel, I was surprised to see that it was a small boat being steered by a child.
Banteay Srei Temple is one of the Angkor ruins. “Banteay” means “fortress” and “Srei” means “woman,” so the name apparently translates to “Women’s Fortress.” The carvings are exquisite, and there are many beautiful female figures; although the site is small, it’s a joy to explore. There are souvenir shops outside, but the adults working there seem to be taking it easy—it’s hard to tell if they’re actually interested in making a sale. If you stop to rest, children will approach you with small trinkets to sell, making it difficult to turn them down.
It’s safest to arrange transportation through your hotel or a tourist information center. The area around the Angkor ruins is safe, and if you hire a guide, you can explore without worry and make new discoveries. Since the ruins are part of a religious site, you need to be mindful of your attire, but Western tourists seem to be sightseeing quite freely.
© Source travel watch