Top 5 Must-visit Lakes in Siem Reap 2024

1. The Great Lake Tonle Sap 

Located in northwest Cambodia, the Great Lake of Tonle Sap is the best place to visit in Siem Reap, and it is also one of the biggest freshwater lakes in Southeast Asia. İt is known for being a natural flood reservoir for the Mekong River. The lake regulates floods during the rainy season and is an essential supplement to the dry season.   

Famously known as the floating village, Tonle Sap Siem Reap is considered one of the world's buoyant systems, which helps sustain the village locals. The lake is so significant that it spans 250 km, making it appear like an ocean surrounding you, with the land visible on the horizon.

Floating village at Tonle Sap Lake

2. Boeng Barayn Lake

Boeing Barayn Lake is an excellent destination for people who love to fish and be in nature. The fishing regulations are known to change throughout the year, so we highly recommend you keep a watch for any changes. Beyond the rules, Boeing Barayn lake is the perfect place to spend the day relaxing and cooling off away from the buzz of the city and busy tourist attractions.   

This grand lake is located in the Kent area of Siem Reap and is a reservoir 18 meters above sea level. The locals and communities around this lake make for a fantastic experience. Food stalls and markets around the town have lively and fun activities and food to explore. Alternatively, you could hire one of the boats and take a relaxing ride on the lake. 

Whatever your pleasure, we are sure you will be able to find it by visiting Boeing Barayn Lake. We recommend you try the local food stalls and BBQ to get a fully authentic experience.   

Gathering area at Boeng Barayn riverside

3. Srah Srang Lake

King Jayavarman VII built the lake near the Banteay kdei temple. If you search for a site to take a break, the elegant landing terrace, remodeled by King Jayavarman VII, makes for a pleasant place to enjoy the surrounding plain and greenery. The dusk is coming, and the sunset brings over the lake on the lake's bedsits of lion statues that overlook the large lake. From time to time, you can also enjoy the livestock grazing site by the lake banks.   

Not visited by many tourists, Srah Srang is the perfect destination for those looking to take a decoy from the hustle and bustle of the city buzz and enjoy a quiet sunrise or sunset away from the crowds.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery and wonder over the archaeological complexities of the build. If you come during the dry season, you could be lucky enough to spot the ruins of an old temple dedicated to the Kama, popularly known as the temple of love, in the pool's center.   

Tourists enjoy the sunset at Srah Srang Lake

Beyond lakes where tourists let their hair down, there are many gorgeous and well-known waterfalls in Siem Reap to refresh.

4. Chong Kneas

Chong Kneas is a floating village that is easily accessible in Siem Reap. That is a magical place to visit and a truly magical place to watch and see locals live their everyday life in this ecosystem. It can be said that Chong Kneas is one of Cambodia's most enticing attractions. Chong Kneas comprises a large lake where floating houses were constructed in the water. Going on a boat tour around the village is truly impressive.    

Although tour guides littered Chong Kneas floating village, it's still a must-see because its flawless scenery looks perfect when you watch the warm range of red tones touch the lake during the sunset.

Tourists and locals at Chong Kneas Lake

5. West Baray Lake

Only 23 minutes from Angkor Wat, West Baray is a large reservoir constructed by the Khmer Empire. West Baray lake is a large artificial lake that provides water for most of the city and is an excellent place for locals to spend their free time. West Baray lake is an ideal spot for tourists to meet locals and get a genuine experience.    

Located at the center of the reservoir is a small island with an architectural site of ancient temple ruins that tourists can visit during the dry season. We recommend you take a horse ride through the waters to the temple because it makes for an enthralling experience you will remember for the rest of your life.    

Additionally, there are many more beautiful things you can do and see at the West Baray. There are cottages by the beach where people can swim and enjoy themselves. They also serve drinks and food. Second, to Tonle Sap, West Baray lake is a popular spot among tourists and locals in the Siem Reap region. 

Tourists cycle and swim on the shore of West Baray Lake

Above are the best Siem Reap lakes where you can have a getaway from Angkor land. To have a complete and ideal exploration of mysterious Cambodia, you can refer to our Best Siem Reap tours [Y], which helps you schedule the best timetable. 

Swazi

(Image source: Internet)