For the people of Siem Reap, a standard day off involves a picnic by the Angkor Wat moat or the West Baray, maybe a walk to see the waterfall at Phnom Kulen. The Khmer people love nature and the outdoors, so in recent years eco-tourism has begun. Community Eco-Tourism of Trav Kod has become popular with locals.Trav Kod is the beautiful lake at the base of Phnom Kulen and the center part of a hydrophilic park. During the early days of the Angkor dynasty, there was a city on this mountain, the summit is fl at, trapezoid shape. A rare scene in Siem Reap as there are few mountains here. On the lake shore there are rest areas with restaurants and local type eateries. This area is lively with Cambodians during the holidays.

Eco-tourism is led by local volunteers and aims to protect nature while elevating the regional economy. People enjoy sightseeing on the lake in pedal boats, and children’s gleeful voices can be herd playing in the water near the shore. Shops selling grilled chicken, fish, fruit juice, and more become an important income for locals. The Trav Kod Community Association representative, Mr. OU Panha, says that rather than cutting down trees, protecting nature and turning it into a tourist attraction gains more economically. As Cambodia is a hot country, “water” is the keyword for a nice holiday. This lake along has 60 hectares of water and has become a popular power spot. On clear days, the smooth lake water reflects the sky, mountain, and forest.

On the waterside are pavilions complete with hammocks. The thatch roof has good ventilation, making for great relaxation. In one weekend about 1,000 people visit here. On the lakeshore there are 50 big and small restaurants, eateries, and food stalls. The City Garden restaurant opened in 2015, they have 50 pavilions for dining, and the charming pier and tropical fl ower garden are worth noting. Here you can enjoy delicious Khmer cuisine surrounded by nature.

Trav Kod Lake is about 28 kilometers east of the urban Siem Reap. It takes about 1 hour by tuk-tuk. The roads have been put into place to make access easier. While sightseeing courses for foreign visitors are not typical, it is best to visit and ask the trustworthy locals for guidance. Phnom Bok, Tani Kiln sites, and the Chau Srei Vibol ruins are in the surrounding area.

1.The wooden pier on the lake 2. Locals playing in the lake. Swan boat is also available. Phnom Kulen can be seen in the background  3. The pavilions with straw thatched roofs are best for relaxation  4. Enjoy Khmer cuisine at the City Garden Restaurant  5. Food stall selling charcoal grilled meat and fish 

Contact: Community Eco-Tourism of Trav Kod Tel: 092-555-888 (Mr. OU Panha) Web: www.travkodkoulen.com