The selection for 5 days birding near and beyond Siem Reap to the most visiting birding site in Cambodia. Starting from day trips from Siem Reap at the wetlands of the Tonle Sap floodplains Prek Toal and Ang Trapeang Thmor, then continue with 2 nights 3 days tour to the dry dipterocarp forests (DDF) in the northern plains at Tmatboey (en route with Florican Grassland).

This 5-day itinerary targets Milky Stork, Greater Adjutant, Sarus Crane, Eld’s Deer, Bengal Florican, Manchurian Reed-warbler, White-shouldered Ibis, and Giant Ibis. With approximately 200 species expected on the list.

Day 1: Prek Toal – Large Waterbird Colonies

An early start to transfer to Cambodia’s great lake, Tonle Sap. The day is spent birding at the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve by boat and from watchtowers in the flooded forest. Prek Toal has one of the largest concentrations of waterbirds in South-East Asia with Oriental Darter, Spot-billed Pelican, Painted and Milky storks, Asian Openbill and Greater and Lesser adjutants among the species that can be seen. Return to Siem Reap in the late afternoon. The itinerary may vary depending on local conditions at Tonle Sap. Overnight at Siem Reap.

Day 2: Ang Trapeang Thmor – Sarus Crane

Today our birding hotspot is going to the wetlands at Ang Trapeang Thmor to look for Sarus Crane, duck, Black-necked Storks, Greater Spotted Eagle, Milky Stork, Painted Stork, Oriental Plover, and many other species. One globally threatened species – the Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii). About 200 bird species recorded in the reserve.Overnights at Siem Reap.

Day 3: Florican Grassland & Tmatboey

Leave Siem Reap early morning for the grasslands at Kompong Thom to search for the rare and endangered Bengal Florican and wintering Manchurian Warbler. Raptors including Eastern Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, and Greater Spotted Eagle are often seen cruising over the grasslands here. In the afternoon continue to Tmatboey, one of the last strongholds of the very rare Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis. Overnight at Tmatboey.

Day 4: Tmatboey – Giant and White-shouldered Ibis and land of Woodpeckers

We’ll have the next two days to devote to the ibis and special birds of the dry dipterocarp forests here. Other rare species we’ll be on the lookout for include White-shouldered Ibis, Brown Fish-Owl, Spotted Wood-Owl, and White-rumped Falcon, with Crested Treeswift, Common and Greater flameback, and White-bellied, Black-headed, Grey-headed, Rufous-bellied, Rufous, Yellow-crested, and Great Slaty woodpeckers also in the area. We’ll spend tonight in Tmatboey Eco-lodge in simple wooden huts with mosquito nets.

Day 5: AM birding around Tmatbey; PM transfer back to Siem Reap 

After a last morning’s birding and lunch, we will leave Tmatboey by 1 pm and head back to Siem Reap. Around 5 pm the group will arrive at Siem Reap hotel.

START/FINISH POINT

Siem Reap

WALKING DIFFICULTY

Easy to moderate

GROUP SIZE

Min. 1   /  Max. 8

INCLUSION

• Guiding by CBGA birding expert
• Overland transportations
• Accommodations at Tmatboey
• Meals (excludes dinner in Siem Reap)

• Drinking water
• Entrance fees
• Conservation contributions
• Local guide/ranger

EXCLUSION

• Siem Reap’s accommodation
• Tips
• Drink

• Flight / airport tax
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance