Photos from Tonle Sap Lake, Cambodia (October 8-11, 2008)

Tonle Sap Lake is one of Cambodia's more unusual natural phenomena. During the dry season, the lake measures only 2,500 square km, with water flowing away from the lake. During the wet season, however, the Mekong River backflows into the lake via the Tonle Sap River, causing the lake to expand to a massive 10,000 square km.

The floating village of Chong Kneas ebbs and flows with the seasonal rains. During the wet season, the houseboats spread out over the lake, while in the dry season, they crowd together. The village has a floating school, church and caged athletic court; several floating restaurants; and even a traveling coffee boat that makes rounds throughout the day!

House boats float on the calm waters of Tonle Sap Lake

The local one-room school at Chong Kneas

Fishermen make their way home in the early evening

A caged floating athletic court; I'd imagine these kids would have a serious home court advantage!

A crocodile farm in Chong Kneas

Two girls watch their mother fish as the sun sets over Tonle Sap Lake