Tonlé Sap — Attraction in Soutr Nikom District

The Tonle Sap River Market is a unique and lively experience, offering a fascinating glimpse into local Cambodian life and culture. Located along the Tonle Sap River, one of Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lakes, the market is bustling with vendors selling a wide range of goods—from fresh produce and local crafts to souvenirs and textiles. It’s a great place to shop for authentic Cambodian items while experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of the area. Tonle Sap itself is a significant part of Cambodia’s history. It is the lifeblood of many local communities and has provided sustenance and transportation for centuries. The river’s ecosystem supports a rich diversity of wildlife and is central to Cambodia’s agricultural industry, especially with its unique seasonal fluctuations that bring fish, rice, and other resources to the region. A truly unforgettable experience at the market is seeing the live crocodiles! These impressive creatures are often kept in tanks near some of the stalls, offering visitors a rare opportunity to view them up close. It’s an exciting and slightly thrilling sight amidst the market’s more peaceful surroundings. Whether you’re interested in shopping, exploring the history of the Tonle Sap River, or simply enjoying the lively local atmosphere, the Tonle Sap River Market is a great stop. Highly recommended for anyone looking to experience the authentic heart...

Turist Trap! Scam! Avoid. Sad that I have only checked other reviews after visiting the place.

We went direct via our driver, paid 175 dollars for 7 people, costing 25 dollars each.

An absolute ripoff, had a return trip to the lake. On the way stopped at the filfiest restaurant that we declined to eat at and saw caged crocs.

Had a back massage from the little boy on the way back that has quickly stopped after refusing to pay.

In the lake was approached by a lady selling variuos drinks, she tried to sell few exercise books for school children and after agreeing to buy one bunch for 6 dollars she gave another one and set of pencils for more than double of the agreed price. Had to refuse, she carry on pushing by telling how poor are the kids.. a blunt hard sales talk. Refused completely and saw her unhappy face going away.

On the way back driver tried to take us to other restaurant, we refused as conditions are generally way bellow basic hygiene standards.

On the way back we went to the ticket booth and asked for the refund, spent there maybe 40 minutes, turned away few customers by telling what to expect out there. Did manage to get 80 dollars back but had to have a row and where pushed out by force by a local 'police' to stop pushing them for more refund. Overpriced, unpleasant and...

Warning to all tourist read this review.

Good thing this is a government ferry so it's a fix expensive pricing and you do not get rip off from the locals. 28USD for a boat of 5, so if there's 1 person or 5 person, the total cost is 28USD (see photo), gather people before buying the tickets. You do get to see how the locals live.

These are the only good thing...

The boatman will try to RIP YOU OFF once the tour starts He brings you to a mangrove tour and tries to ask you to board the smaller boat for ANOTHER 15USD, reject at all cost.

He brings you to a school and forces an awkward situation where you need to physically put cash IN THE HANDS of the school teacher. Do not donate at all cost.

At the pier, a camouflage lady will suddenly appear to take photos of you, very very suddenly. Both our instinctive reflex was to dodge the camera. After the boat trip she ran to us again and followed us to our vehicle wanting to sell us our awdwardly taken photos. It was very uncomfortable and we quickly drove off without buying it.

Do not hesitate to NOT TIP your boatman once he commited any of the crimes above. As with other reviews, they will SHAMELESSLY ask for tips. Tipping their bad behaviour is detrimental to tourism and further income for the...