For birding enthusiasts and photographers looking for a unique birdwatching experience, Tonle Sap in Cambodia is a destination not to be missed. Our tailor-made travel experience will take you on a journey across the expansive Tonle Sap Lake, where you will embark on a traditional wooden longtail boat to reach the Prek Toal Biosphere, with an early start at 5 a.m. This excursion not only offers an opportunity to witness some of the magnificent bird species unique to the area but also provides a captivating insight into life on the lake.
As you make your way to Prek Toal, a village that is one of the largest floating villages on the lake, you will be accompanied by park rangers who will provide you with in-depth information about the birdlife and the area. Upon reaching Prek Toal, you will be in for a treat as the sanctuary is home to seven species of globally significant water birds, including the Spot-billed Pelican, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Black-headed Ibis, and Oriental Darter. Over 150 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, and viewing platforms have been erected to provide better views over the freshwater swamp, which serves as the nesting ground for the large water birds.
After an exciting morning of birdwatching, you will be able to enjoy an early lunch in the village, where the floating houses are made from bamboo and offer a unique experience in itself. The trip to Prek Toal requires a certain level of agility as the viewing platforms can be quite difficult to access, but for those who make the effort, December to April offers the heaviest concentration of birds and is truly a sight to behold. And for those who want to explore the floating village even further, an optional paddle boat tour is available after lunch. Overall, adding a stop at Tonle Sap to your holiday in Cambodia is definitely worthwhile and immensely rewarding.
