Quick Facts:
Siem Reap is famous for not only the ancient Khmer temples but also the unique floating villages on the bank of Tonle Sap, situated 9 kilometers to the west of Siem Reap. One of three largest villages is Mechray-the residence of thousands of locals for centuries.
The Tonlé Sap of Cambodia is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and has many favorable conditions to create the habitat for people of Siem Reap. Therefore, it plays an important and indispensable role in their life and economic.Residents of Mechray move all houses, schools, restaurants, markets and necessities of life onto lake although water levels fluctuate seasonally, even pets and livestock also were fedin floating pens. Because of this significant seasonal changes, their houses are designed especially, some as high as 20 feed as a precaution rainy season beginning in June.The traditional wooden boats are the only means to move of the residents in here.
The fishing floating village Mechrey will be an ideal stop if you are interested in working life of locals after visiting the ancient Angkor temple. Coming to Mechrey, you will see the present instead of the history of Cambodia.The local people have to try to adapt to seasonal changes of the Tonlé Saplake to grow the traditional agricultural and fishery economy. Although the living conditions are difficult and needy, the bright smile always appears on their face. There is a school dedicated to children in the village, where visitors can donate money, food, clothes, books to encourage them to study. Any contributions whether being minimum are also welcomed here.
Visiting Mechrey village will be an unforgettable memory in your life.
