In Cambodia there are villages surrounding Tonlé Sap Lake that become completely flooded with water during monsoon season; the residents that live in them have built their homes and lives in accordance.
Tonlé Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. In dry season the lake drains into the Mekong. In rainy season, however, the lake reverses its flow and can fill up to 30 feet, causing major flooding.
This creates some of the most productive fisheries in the world and an incredibly interesting subset of floating villages built around them.
Fishing is the main industry in these communities. The primary mode of transportation, as you can imagine, is boats. All of the markets and food suppliers are floating and even the power supply is kept on large barges.
Houses are practically built on stilts. And, as with any town, the kids are always out and about playing, though here they’re swimming or playing in water as opposed to streets or soccer fields.
Locals have happily welcomed an influx of tourism to the village and there is now a guesthouse, several restaurants, and many tour guides who will take you through via boat. To visit, inquire in the main city of Siem Reap.
(All images: Taryn Adler)
