we did the tour which included the bird santuary and floating villages. there were close to 10 people who signed up, so tour was $85 per person. was a little hesitant since our visit was in the beginning of the bird viewing season (mid nov), but saw plenty of them. we were able to climb up to a viewing platform in a tree, then transfer to smaller row boats to get a closer look at the nesting birds. the floating village tour included lunch, looking at an crocodile farm, weaving facillity among other things. be prepared for a long day. we were picked up from our hotel at 5:50am, and were told we would return at 3pm. didnt get back till 6pm, but it was a beautiful and relaxing day on a boat.

A great break from the 3 days of Angkor Wat, smooth and peacful sailing amongst the local villages and schools, particular of note Chong Kneas, marvel at the self sufficiency of the families and the tradespersons going boat to boat to sell their wares - and no hassle for us as the tourists. Our boat was crewed by two young lads who were brilliant, very safe and such fun as they pointe dout people and sights to us in their broken English.

I found Osmose in tripadvisor and attended "tour 3" in a group of totally 5 people today. So far I have had no trip advisor account and have never written a review before. This tour today is the reason I signed up, as I feel I owe them an excellent review. I enjoyed the whole day so much and I can recommend this tour to everybody who wants to learn more about the ecosystem and floating village community.
During this day I also saw some other boats, packed with tourists rushing through the program. I was happy I hadn't choosen one of those - probably cheaper - alternatives. The tour guide named Ho was extremely friendly and very knowledgeable. He made this day to something special. Besides I want to mention that what this NGO has been doing in this area is just great and a bit higher price with which you support their work shouldn't hold you up from choosing this tour.

Most people visit Siem Reap to see temples but it is worth visiting Tonle Sap to see this delicate fascinating ecosystem.
The trip starts early, taking the group through the Cambodian countryside to the ferry terminal. The ferry then goes out to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary which is in the Battambang direction. It visits a floating village adjacent to Prek Toal.
The lake is vast with many birds. Unfortunately It was early in the season and windy so we did not see many birds, but good binoculars were available. The guide provided a clear description of the lake and its birds and how they changed during the seasons, together with the conservation work.
He also described the work which the NGO was undertaking with the villagers to encourage not only the conservation of the ecosystem but also to give them a better style of living. Breakfast was provided in baskets woven by the villagers, lunch was prepared in the floating village by their specially trained cooks. Lots of cooling water was available. Later we were paddled around the village to view various projects.
It was a most lovely day. We returned late afternoon.