Best Season: October – April (dry season for easier bird sightings)
Location: Siem Reap and Battambang Province, Cambodia
Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
About: 40 minutes from Siem Reap.
The Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, located on the Tonlé Sap Lake within a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, is one of Southeast Asia’s most important waterbird colonies. This 2-day tour offers a close-up experience with rare and endangered bird species, combined with an authentic visit to a floating village.
Highlights
- Private boat journey across the Tonlé Sap to Prek Toal floating village
- Sunrise birdwatching with an expert local guide
- Spot endangered species such as the Greater/ Lesser Adjutant, Milky Stork, Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican
- Overnight stay in a floating homestay for a unique local experience
- Learn about wetland ecology and local conservation efforts
OVERNIGHT TOURS TO PREK TOAL, TONLE SAP
The sanctuary harbours seven species of water birds of global significance: Spot-billed Pelican, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Black headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter. There is a globally significant population of Grey-headed Fish Eagles. Over 150 species have been recorded in the reserve.
The trip will depart from Siem Reap at 1:30 pm, transferring to the boat pier. Enjoy the landscape of the floating village, flooded forest, and waterbirds alongside before reaching Prek Toal village.
Check in for accommodation (overnight stays at the Environmental Research Station or floating house can be arranged in the town), then head out to the open lake to await sunset—dinner at a local restaurant.
Early in the morning of the next day, at 6:30 am, enjoy your breakfast and coffee, then head into the core reserve to observe the water colonies where you will claim the observation platform (tree) to see those colonies—heading back to the village and enjoying the paddle boat tour to visit the floating garden, fish farm, crocodile farm, and water hyacinth workshop.
Check out and enjoy lunch before heading back to Siem Reap. The tour will conclude at 2:00 p.m.
Day 1: Siem Reap – Prek Toal
- 2PM boat transfer from Siem Reap to the floating village of Prek Toal
- Check in at the floating homestay
- Afternoon exploration of the village and community-based conservation projects
- Sunset boat ride on the lake (paddle boat)
- Dinner and overnight at the homestay
Day 2: Birdwatching in Prek Toal – Siem Reap
- Early morning birding trip with a specialized guide
- Observe large waterbird colonies in their natural habitat
- Return to the village for breakfast
- Boat transfer back to Siem Reap around midday
What to Expect at Prek Toal bird sanctuary:
- It is kind of wintertime for Cambodia from November to March, so when traveling on the boat, it is sometimes windy and cold. You might wanna bring your jacket along or at least a long-sleeved shirt during the trip, which also helps.
- Other things to bring: Ear-plugs, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
| Group Size | 1pax | 2pax | 3pax | 4-10pax |
| Price/pax | 395$ | 243$ | 193$ | 168$ |
Included:
- Accommodation (Floating House in floating village)
- Kids under 10 year old are Free
- All meals during stay and drinking water
- Guided birding with expert local guide
- Entry and conservation fees
Tour Excludes:
- Personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, and tips.
