Phnom Krom Area Recommended Sites
August 2024

In June-August 2024, researchers Valentina and Sari led two exploratory campaigns to identify potential ecotourism locations in the Phnom Krom area. This part of the northern shore of Tonle Sap Lake has been selected for

1) its cultural and natural assets;

2) its accessibility from Siem Reap town and from Siem Reap International Airport (SIA).

Five locations have been selected:

Site #1 Khleang Basin | Site #2: Ta Po Lake | Site #3: Phsort Lake | Site #4: Sambour Lake | Site #5: Svay Dangkum Area

For more information, see:

Phnom Krom Area Additional Report 1 (pdf)

Phnom Krom Area Additional Report 2 (pdf)

In each and every case, community representatives and other stakeholders (existing operators of ecotourist activities, etc...) have been consulted.

These reports are additions to The Ecotourism Potential, CAPFISH Program "Support to Cambodian Fishing Communities Livelihoods' (MAADS/Pavilion) \ Langphum Capital Business Plan.

Site #1 អាងទឹកឃ្លាំង KLEANG BASIN

GPS: 13.301495 N 103.796245

Accessibility: Phnom Krom is situated southwest of Siem Reap town. The distance from Siem Reap town to the site is approximately 12 km, around 25 min smooth drive. The road leading to potential developmentsites within the rice farm area is approximately 2 km long and may require maintenance or improvements to ensure smooth access for visitors and vehicles.

Kleang Basin is a large reservoir managed by the Siem Reap Provincial Department of Water Resources. It receives water from annual rainfall and flows from Tonle Sap Lake during the high water season. This reservoir is crucial for dry-season farming for the residents of Phnom Krom village and covers an area of over 4 square kilometers.

It is rich in fish and attracts birds in February and March. However, due to insufficient protection, Kleang Basin faces issues of contamination from agricultural activities, such as raising ducks near the waste ponds. Without stringent management and protection, it would be challenging to justify investments in eco-tourism infrastructure at Kleang Basin.

Contacts: Mr May Sameth, Siem Reap Sangkat Chief: 012 650 877 | Mr Vann Prek, Phnom Krom Village Chief: 012 430 684.

Site #3 បឹងផ្សោត Phsort Lake

GPS: 13.264286,􀀀 N 103.798299

Accessibility: Phnom Krom is situated southwest of Siem Reap town. The distance from Siem Reap town to the site is approximately 12 km, around 25 min smooth drive. The road leading to potential developmentsites within the rice farm area is approximately 2 km long and may require maintenance or improvements to ensure smooth access for visitors and vehicles.

Phsort Lake covers an area of 6 hectares, with a water depth of 2 meters during the dry season, rising to 2.5 meters above the surface during the high-water season.

Access is available from the Phnom Krom village community near the base of the mountain via 3km distance and 3 meter-wide road, which is planned to be expanded to 12 meters, according to measurements by the Siem Reap Cadastral Administration. This road expansion offers significant advantages for investors interested in developing floating lodges, eco-lodges, or eco-bungalow in the area.

Contacts: Mr May Sameth, Siem Reap Sangkat Chief: 012 650 877 | Mr Vann Prek, Phnom Krom Village Chief: 012 430 684.

Site #5 សង្កាត់ស្វាយដង្គំ Svay Dangkum

GPS: 13.09691, 104.1244

Accessibility: Asphalt high quality road from Siem Reap to Phnom Krom Pagoda parking area - 24 min; from SIA - 70 min.

With cultural attractions (Chong Kneas Village, Prasat Phnom Krom) nearby, this is a scenic area of river banks, small lakes, flooded bushes and flooded forest.

Biodiversity: spectacular flora [Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Mimosa Pigra (giant mimosa), Koki trees...], rich fauna [black and white water herons,gray eagles, pheasants, pelicans, freshwater turtles, tortoises, fishing and leopard cats, a few otter], and populated water bodies [tilapia, bighead carp, common carp, golden apple snail...]

Potential outdoor activities: fishing, birdwatching, kayaking.

Existing tourism infrastructure: none. Previous tourism development or NGO projects: none.

Real estate for rent, sale: This is Sangkat Svay Dangkum (a large circonscription stretching from South Siem Reap to Tonle Sap Lake) rice field community. Many villagers are selling wetland plots in the area.

Local boat transportation: 50$ per day for 2 people (boat is very basic)

Opportunity for investors: Floating hotel, tourist point, restaurant, kayaking, birdwatching.

Contacts: Sangkat Svay Dangkum at Phnom Krom Village. Mephum: Mr Keo Wai 089 284 648.

Site #2 បឹងតាពោធិ Ta Po Lake

GPS: 13.262417, N 103.80899

Accessibility: Phnom Krom is situated southwest of Siem Reap town. The distance from Siem Reap town to the site is approximately 12 km, around 25 min smooth drive. The road leading to potential developmentsites within the rice farm area is approximately 2 km long and may require maintenance or improvements to ensure smooth access for visitors and vehicles.\

Ta Po Lake covers an area of 5 hectares, with a water depth of 2 meters during the dry season, rising to 2.5 meters above the surface in the high water season. While access to the lake begins from the Phnom Krom village community vis 3km and 3-meter-wide road, set to be expanded to 12 meters according to the Cadastral Administration of Siem Reap, there is no direct dirt road to Ta Po Lake. Travelers must cross 300 meters of private land owned by local villagers.

For investors seeking to develop floating lodges, eco-lodges, or eco-restaurants at Ta Po Lake, purchasing land from seven private owners would be necessary to build a road for direct access. However, the planned road expansion still presents significant opportunities for eco-tourism development in the area.

Contacts: Mr May Sameth, Siem Reap Sangkat Chief: 012 650 877 | Mr Vann Prek, Phnom Krom Village Chief: 012 430 684.

Site #4 សង្កាត់សំបួរ Sambour Lake

GPS: 13°16'05.7", N 103°47'01.0"E

Accessibility: Car: Asphalt high quality road from Siem Reap to Phnom Krom Pagoda parking area - 24 min; from SIA - 70 min. Boat: 1.There is a straight connection from Phnom Krom Pagoda to Sambour Lake, valid from August to February when water levels are high. Boat trip duration is 30 minutes. 2. Departure from the Chong Kneas ferry and go around the lake bank 12 km (2 hours). This connection is available in dry season March-July.

With cultural attractions (Chong Kneas Village, Prasat Phnom Krom) nearby, this is a scenic area of river banks, small lakes, flooded bushes and flooded forest.

Biodiversity: spectacular flora [Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth), Mimosa Pigra (giant mimosa), Koki trees...], rich fauna [black and white water herons,gray eagles, pheasants, pelicans, freshwater turtles, tortoises, fishing and leopard cats, a few otter], and populated water bodies [tilapia, bighead carp, common carp, golden apple snail...]

Existing tourism infrastructure: none. Previous tourism development or NGO projects: none.

Real estate for rent, sale: This is Sangkat Svay Dangkum (a large circonscription stretching from South Siem Reap to Tonle Sap Lake) rice field community. Many villagers are selling wetland plots in the area.

Local boat transportation: 50$ per day for 2 people (boat is very basic)

Opportunity for investors: Floating hotel, tourist point, restaurant, kayaking, birdwatching.

Contacts: Sangkat Svay Dangkum at Phnom Krom Village. Mephum: Mr Keo Wai 089 284 648.