The bird sanctuary at Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve is called "the single most important breeding ground in South-East Asia for globally threatened large water birds." The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the north-west tip of the Tonle Sap Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers. The best time of year for viewing is the dry season when flocks of migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult. A day trip is commended to visit the bird sanctuary with early departure.

1- Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary Day Trip

Transfer to the shore of Cambodia’s great lake, Tonle Sap, at 05.30am. On arrival board a small boat and cruise for an hour across Tonle Sap to the village of Prek Toal situated on the Sangkae River, 4km from the lake shore. Depending of the weather, breakfast is taken either on the boat or at Prek Toal village. After breakfast the morning is spent bird-watching from a wooden boat and watching towers in the flooded forest with a local guide from the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve. Prek Toal has one of the largest concentrations of water birds in South-East Asia with Spot-billed Pelican, Painted and Milky storks, Asian Open bill, Greater and Lesser adjutants among the species that can be seen. A typical lunch of fresh fish will be served in the middle of the seasonally inundated forest.

Return to Siem Reap around about 5pm after a visit to the small GECKO (Global Environmental Chhong Kneas Office) visitor centre if the water level allows. Note that this itinerary may vary depending on local conditions at Tonle Sap.

PRICE: USD90 per person (minimum 2pax)

INCLUDING: Transfers in private vehicle,   breakfast, packed lunch, English-speaking guide, boat fee, entrance fee at Prek Toal, ranger fee, soft drink & water.