Tonle BatiAbout Tonle Bati
Tonle Bati is a small freshwater lake and surrounding recreational area in Kandal Province, Cambodia, located south of Phnom Penh and known for nearby Angkorian temple ruins. The site combines natural scenery with compact temple complexes dating from the Angkor period.
The lakeshore area provides shaded picnic spots, local restaurants on stilts and opportunities for short boat rides on the water. The main archaeological attractions are the riverside temple commonly called Ta Prohm and the nearby Yeay Peau shrine, both small Angkorian brick complexes that are frequently visited together on day trips.
The principal temple at Tonle Bati dates to the Angkorian period and is associated stylistically with constructions from the late 12th to early 13th centuries under Jayavarman VII; these small complexes served religious and waystation functions along inland routes. The area has long been used by Phnom Penh residents for leisure and religious visits.
Tonle Bati lies in Kandal Province about 30 kilometers south of central Phnom Penh, accessible from National Road 2; the site sits in a lowland landscape of rice paddies and small villages on the outskirts of the greater Phnom Penh area.
- Proximity to Phnom Penh: Located roughly 30 kilometers south of central Phnom Penh, it is a common weekend destination for locals and visitors, combining a freshwater lake with small Angkorian temple ruins.
What to See#
- Ta Prohm (Tonle Bati): A small 12th-century Angkorian temple complex at the lake’s edge that is commonly called Ta Prohm of Tonle Bati; it features brick towers and carved elements in the Bayon style associated with King Jayavarman VII.
- Yeay Peau temple: A nearby smaller shrine complex often referred to as Yeay Peau that sits on the southern edge of the lake and is visited together with Ta Prohm by day-trippers from Phnom Penh.
Best Time to Visit Tonle Bati
November through February offers the most comfortable weather and light for temple visits.
Weather & Climate near Tonle Bati
Tonle Bati's climate is classified as Tropical Savanna - Tropical Savanna climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C. Abundant rainfall (1252 mm/year), wettest in October with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Ideal | 22° - 30° | 26° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 61% | 1.8 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.4h |
| February | Ideal | 23° - 31° | 27° | 6 mm | partly cloudy | 53% | 1.2 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.7h |
| March | Excellent | 24° - 33° | 30° | 31 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 1.6 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Very Good | 25° - 34° | 32° | 73 mm | partly cloudy | 60% | 1.3 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.3h |
| May | Acceptable | 26° - 33° | 34° | 149 mm | overcast | 74% | 1.2 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.5h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 34° | 127 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 2.4 extreme | 12.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 129 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 33° | 130 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.7 m/s | 2.3 extreme | 12.4h |
| September | Acceptable | 25° - 31° | 32° | 203 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Good | 25° - 30° | 31° | 245 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.0 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Very Good | 24° - 30° | 27° | 123 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 1.4 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 11.5h |
| December | Excellent | 22° - 29° | 26° | 30 mm | partly cloudy | 71% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.3h |
How to Get to Tonle Bati
Tonle Bati is about 30 km south of Phnom Penh. Visitors can reach it by car or tuk‑tuk (about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic) or by local bus from Phnom Penh’s main bus terminals; hire a driver for flexible timing.
Tips for Visiting Tonle Bati
- Visit early morning to avoid heat and to see local devotees at the small shrines.
- Combine a trip here with the nearby Phnom Penh-Kampong Tralach routes to make a full day of regional temples and lakes.
- Hire a tuk-tuk for the day from Phnom Penh or Takeo; public buses are infrequent for this rural site.