Meet Sopond: Our Lake Guide Born on Tonlé Sap
By Tara Riverboat Team | Cambodia Travel & Culture Blog
Introduction: A Life Shaped by the Great Lake
Every journey on the Tonlé Sap tells a story — and few know its chapters better than our very own guide, Sopond. Born and raised on the lake itself, Sopond has spent his life surrounded by the ever-changing waters, the floating homes, and the rhythm of Cambodia’s Great Lake. Today, he shares that world with visitors from all over the globe aboard the Tara Riverboat.
“When I was a boy, the water was our playground, our road, and our market. Everything happened on the lake,” Sopond recalls with a smile.
Growing Up on the Floating Village
Sopond grew up in Kompong Phluk, one of the most well-known stilted villages on Tonlé Sap. Like many children there, he learned to paddle before he learned to ride a bicycle. School days depended on the season — during high water months, lessons took place in floating classrooms; during the dry months, paths of mud connected homes that once drifted on open water.
“We didn’t think of it as strange,” he says. “It was just life. The lake gave us everything — fish to eat, water to travel, and sunsets that no camera can capture.”
From Fisherman’s Son to Tour Guide
Before joining Tara Riverboat, Sopond worked with his father, casting nets in the early mornings and repairing boats during the afternoons. When eco-tourism began to grow around Siem Reap, he saw a new opportunity — to become a guide and share his community’s way of life with visitors in a respectful and educational way.
He joined the Tara family several years ago, bringing with him a deep local knowledge and a passion for storytelling. His easy humour and fluent English quickly made him a guest favourite.
“I love when people ask questions,” Sopond says. “It means they want to understand — not just take photos.”
A Voice for the Lake
Sopond’s work goes beyond guiding. He helps visitors see the lake not as a tourist attraction, but as a living, breathing ecosystem — one that supports millions of Cambodians. He also assists in community outreach projects Tara Riverboat supports, such as education programs for local children and environmental clean-ups around the floating villages.
“If the lake is healthy, our people are healthy,” he says. “We must protect it for the next generation.”
What Guests Say
Travellers often mention Sopond in their reviews — describing him as “knowledgeable,” “kind,” and “the heart of our tour.” His genuine love for his community shines through every story he tells, whether he’s pointing out a rare bird, explaining the flood cycles, or translating a greeting from a local fisherman.
Join Sopond on the Lake
Next time you join one of our tours — whether it’s a sunset cruise, a half-day village visit, or a full-day adventure — chances are you’ll meet Sopond on deck, ready with a warm smile and a story or two.
Come see the Tonlé Sap through the eyes of someone who has called it home since birth — and discover why this incredible lake holds a piece of Cambodia’s heart.
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