A three-day tour from Siem Reap to the northern plains starting with the morning birding at Florican Grassland (Tonle Sap floodplain) to see the global critically endangered species Bengal Florican and the wintering Manchurian Reed Warbler, before continuing to dry dipterocarp forest at Tmatboey in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary for the both global critically endangered ibises – Giant Ibis (national bird of Cambodia) and White-shouldered Ibis. Visit this must-see sites with a 3-day 2-night trip with Cambodia Bird Guide Association to:

• Enjoy bird watching in these two top birding hotspots of Cambodia – Tmatboey and Florican Grassland and get a list of over 120 species including these:
• Florican Grassland species: Bengal Florican, Manchurian Reef-warbler, Yellow-legged Buttonquail, Pied Harrier, Red Avadavat….
• Tmatboey key species: Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Pale-capped Pigeon, White-rumped Pygmy-falcon, Woolly-necked Stork, Indian Spotted Eagle, Chinese Francolin, Savanna Nightjar, and many more (16 species of woodpeckers, 9 species of Owls….)
• Get further away from the city to the birding world – a place where birdwatchers wish to visit and spend most of their time.
• Stay at Tmatboey eco-lodge among the forest.
• Enjoy delicious local food prepared by Tmatboey community cook team while staying at Tmatboey.
• Greeting from our friendly local communities members (local guides, cooks, housekeepers)
• A chance to visit Koh Ker and Beng Mealea temple when traveling (optional)
• And learn more about birds, conservation works, local’s culture and lifestyle.

Day 1: AM Florican Grassland ; PM Tmatboey

Our CBGA specialist bird guide will pick you up from Siem Reap at 5.30am. First driving to Florican Grassland located at the provincial border between Siem Reap and Kampong Thom. We will spend about 3 hours at this Tonle Sap flooded grassland to find the Critically Endangered Bengal Florican, the winter visitor Manchurian Reed-warbler, and many other birds about 40 species. Around 10.30am we will move and drive up north to have lunch at Beng Mealea temple. We then continue to Tmatboey – the flagship site situated in the Northern Plains, within the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. Along the way near Koh Ker, we will try to the White-rumped Pygmy Falcon. By 3 pm we will arrive at Tmatboey. After check-in the room we will start birding near the lodge for the White-shouldered Ibis. The day tour finish after dusk, the group come back to the lodge for dinner and rest for the following day early rise.

Day 2: Full day birding Tmatboey

We start to leave at 4.30am with packed breakfast, go for the  Giant Ibis roost. We will spend the whole morning also for other key species and come back for lunch and rest before the afternoon birding that start at 3 pm. 

A full day at Tmatboey to allow more time to find the two critically endangered ibis species.  Tmatbeoy also supports other target species such as Woolly-necked Stork, Black-headed woodpecker, White-rumped pygmy Falcon. The Pale-capped Pigeon is another highlight along with Night-birding is often productive; Spotted and Brown Wood Owls, Collared and Oriental Scops Owl, Brown Fish Owl and Spotted Owlet all being possible viewing at daytime.

 Day 3: AM Tmatboey; PM back to Siem Reap

We will start a bit later like 5.30am and focus more on other birds we missed or not yet find the previous days. After lunch, we will leave Tmatboey and back to Siem Reap. The group can still be able to do birding along the road again and/or visit Beng Mealea on the way if wishes. Arrive in Siem Reap around 5 pm.

INCLUSION

• English-speaking bird guide
• Transportation (4WD)
• Accommodation at Tmatboey
• Food (D1 breakfast to D3 lunch)
• Drinking water
• Local guide/range
• All entrance fees and conservation contributions

EXCLUSION

• Gratuities (tip)
• Soft drink / beer
• Dinner and accommodation in Siem Reap
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance

What to Expect

• Pick up from Siem Reap at 5.30am on day one, and finish in Siem Reap at about 5pm on day 3.
• Accommodation in Tmatboey is basic. The lodge is comprised of a central dining hall and 5 surrounding bungalows (10 twin rooms in total). Each room comes with a private bathroom with hot water.
• The temperature in Tmatboey may drop cold at around 23°C (Nov to Feb) especially in early morning and night time. So be prepared to bring warm clothes as well.
• Please advice in advance if you are a vegetarian
• CBGA will provide drinking water in a big container to refill, so we request you to bring your own water bottle from home or from your hotel. It is our campaign to reduce plastic waste.