Cambodia, surrounded by mountains on three sides, is home to the Mekong River, which originates in Qinghai, China, and Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake - Tonlé Sap.
◦ The Floating Village
The fish, shrimp, and water birds of Tonlé Sap Lake receive ample nourishment from the sediment of the Mekong River, making the fishing industry abundant during both the dry and rainy seasons. Wherever there is water and fish, it attracts people to live by the water. Over time, this has created a unique cultural landscape known as the "floating village."
◦ The Forest in Tonlé Sap
My friend and I took a boat to experience the local way of life. Every building we passed by, whether they were homes or public places like shops, hospitals, schools, and gas stations, everything was happening on the water.
After passing numerous floating villages, we switched to a small boat and paddled slowly into the forest, finally reaching a mysterious area where trees were intertwined. The surroundings gradually became quiet, with only the gentle sound of oars touching the surface of the lake.