What is the surface area of Tonlé Sap Lake in Cambodia?
Lake Tonlé Sap covers 2,700 km² during the dry season, making it Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. During the rainy season (May to November), its surface area can triple due to the unique phenomenon of reversed water flow.
An area that varies by season
Tonlé Sap Lake presents an exceptional geographical feature: its size fluctuates considerably depending on the time of year. During dry season (December to April), it covers 2,700 km², roughly five times the size of Lake Geneva.
During the rainy season (May to November), the lake can triple in volume thanks to the phenomenon of current reversal in the Tonlé Sap River. The waters of the flooded Mekong then flow back towards the lake, flooding the surrounding rice fields and forests over an area that can reach 16,000 km².
The largest lake in Southeast Asia
This area of 2,700 km² makes it the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. It constitutes a major biodiversity reserve and feeds over 3 million Cambodians through fishing and agriculture.
Key takeaways
The best time to observe this unique natural phenomenon is the end of the rainy season, between September and November, when the lake reaches its maximum size before gradually receding.