After waking up at such an unsociable hour to watch the Sunrise at Angkor Wat, we had a more relaxed afternoon and went to watch the sunset over Tonle Sap.

We were all exhausted by this point, but when you’re travelling, I think it’s easier to push yourself through the exhaustion. Perhaps it’s because there’s a chance you’ll only ever get the chance once.

Tonle Sap is the biggest freshwater lake in South East Asia. For me, having grown up by the beach, seeing a lake was genuinely a bit of a novelty. I’m used to rolling surf and pristine beaches. Tonle Sap had neither of these things.

We boarded colourfully painted boats and sat back and relaxed as we passed the hustle and bustle that is life on or by the water.

I do love a good sunset, especially when the clouds get involved.

We disembarked at a floating village to watch the sun’s final show of the day.

The children grow up around water to the point where watching them play, it became apparent that they were just an comfortable in the water, as out of it. Unfortunately, because tourist dollars are so integral source of income, the children often don’t get the chance to receive much of an education, and instead try to get tips from tourists by playing with pet snakes.

The sun gave us one final show before we headed home the evening.

Tonle Sap is a place worth visiting if you want to get away from the tourists at Siam Reap and get a small insight into the lives of the people of Cambodia. Tonle Sap not only provides a home to many people, but also an income, whether in tourism or fishing.

For me, I’d never seen anything like it. I didn’t think I’d ever be impressed by a lake, after having being brought up on the romance of the sea, but Tonle Sap is just incredible. On the lake, you feel as if the water must go forever. It certainly makes you feel small, but for so many people this place gives everything.

Going through my old photos is making me miss travel so much. Hopefully one day I’ll be back.