The Tonie Sap is is the largest lake in SE Asia. The Mekong starts its journey in the Himalayas, flowing through China, Laos and Cambodia before discharging into the sea at its delta in South Vietnam. The Mekong Delta cannot absorb all the river water; so in May, the river reverses its normal seaward flow and begins for flow back up the Tonle Sap River.The 160km long lake fills with water and, expands to 250kms long by up to 100kms wide over a period of 3 months. The lake rises and progressively floods the surrounding forests and rice fields. The people who live in simple shacks along the Causeways and rivers; move up towards the shore. As the water retreats, and the rainy season approaches; the floating villages move inland to take shelter along the river banks.
Chong Khneas is where the ferries from Phnom Penh and Battembang dock. There are well over 5000 people living over 1300 houseboats. Houses, shops, schools, gas stations, flower and fruit gardens all float on the serene lake water (they even raise farm produce on these floating structures). When lake’s water level rises the village also rises along with; when lake recedes the vice versa! No flooding of homes or farmlands because all float.
The residents of Chong Khneas and other floating villages are mostly Vietnamese and Cham People. The Cham People are considered to have descended from Malay and Polynesian stock; they are a part of the 7th to 15th century Champa Kingdom which existed in the present Vietnam. The language they speak is called Cham. It is needless to say their main occupation is fishing but bamboo basket making and catering to the needs of the numerous tourists who visit their village also is a source of income. Large fish traps floating houses, schools, farms, and gas stations dot the entire village.
They live in various sized houses:
Here is a school complete with playground.
Enjoy lunch in this outdoor restaurant.
We liked the name of this boat.
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