Large ponding areas called beoungs, or lakes, are a common feature of the Cambodian terrain. Most of the country is very flat, and during the rainy season the beoungs absorb the rising waters and lessen the flooding as areas like the grassy swamp land in the photos become full-fledged lakes ten feet deep. Cambodian people have a strong relationship with the water, and restaurants like this one, with individual cabanas built out over what will become a lake, are very popular for those with enough money and with the vehicles to reach these eating places on the outskirts of town.