Inland & Freshwater Diving – Cambodia Diving

About Inland & Freshwater Diving

Inland and freshwater diving in Cambodia centres on the Siem Reap Quarry, a flooded stone quarry near the Angkor Wat temple complex used primarily for PADI training and recreational freshwater diving. The quarry at 5 to 18 metres depth features a remarkable collection of sunken objects including a small Cessna airplane, cars, and Buddha statues at 15 metres, creating an unusual and entertaining underwater experience far from the ocean. Freshwater fish inhabit the quarry with highly variable visibility depending on rainfall and sediment disturbance. The Tonlé Sap, Cambodia's great lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, offers limited exploratory diving focused on scientific research with encounters of giant Mekong catfish and freshwater stingrays — the largest freshwater fish in the world. No established recreational infrastructure exists for Tonlé Sap diving, making it an adventure for experienced freshwater divers and scientific expeditions. The proximity to Angkor Wat makes the Siem Reap Quarry a popular addition to temple touring itineraries, allowing divers to combine world-class cultural exploration with freshwater diving in a single destination. The quarry is accessible year-round with water temperatures ranging from 25 to 30 degrees Celsius.

Highlights

• ✓Siem Reap Quarry – sunken Cessna airplane, cars, and Buddha statues at 15 metres
• ✓Primary PADI training facility in Cambodia's interior near Angkor Wat
• ✓Tonlé Sap exploratory diving with giant Mekong catfish and freshwater stingrays
• ✓Unique combination of Angkor Wat temples and freshwater diving
• ✓Buddha statues underwater creating extraordinary photographic subjects
• ✓Year-round accessibility with warm freshwater temperatures

Getting There

Siem Reap is located in northwestern Cambodia, approximately 6 hours by road or 45 minutes by air from Phnom Penh. Siem Reap International Airport (REP) receives flights from major Southeast Asian cities. The quarry is located a short drive from the town centre. The Tonlé Sap lake is accessible by boat from Siem Reap. Tuk-tuks and taxis provide local transport. The proximity to Angkor Wat makes Siem Reap one of Cambodia's most visited cities.