Tonle Bati is a small lake that serves as a popular weekend destination for the local population, located in the Takéo Province in the southern part of the Kingdom of Cambodia.
With about 30 km (19 mi) south from the capital city, Phnom Penh, Tonle Bati is one of the most favorite spots during the weekends to those who would like to escape the busy life in the capital, and find some peace and tranquility in the nature that surrounds this alluring lake.
The fishing too is also popular, not just for those visiting, but also to those who are already living in the area. There are plenty of bamboo shacks built over the water that people can rent out for eating and whiling away the day. Even though the water is not as clear as one would want it to be, it is possible to swim in the lake, and after that one could enjoy in the varieties of food and drink stands that sell everything you need for a picnic along the lake.
On the road to Tonle Bati there are two interesting Angkorian era temples, Ta Prohm and Yeay Peau. Built under the rule of Jayavarman VII in the late 12th century during the same period that Bayon and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap were constructed, there is somewhat resemblance with them.
Ta Prohm is the more extensive and impressive of the two, displaying a number of very well-preserved carvings. Yeay Peau is a single sandstone tower situated next to an active pagoda displaying some carvings.
As it is a popular spot, still one should be cautious if he or she would wants some peace because there are organized tours that take plenty of groups to the lake. So, to explore this interesting Cambodian heaven, one should make sure that there will be a simple small lone place “reserved” specially for him or her.
