Wildlife and Bird Watching: Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Most visitors to Siem Reap spend their time at the temples and never make it to the Tonle Sap. That is understandable. It is also a missed opportunity. Fifteen kilometres south of the city lies the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, and at its northwestern edge sits one of the most significant bird sanctuaries in the region. Prek Toal is not a minor attraction. It is one of the most important breeding grounds for endangered large waterbirds in all of Southeast Asia, and the experience of visiting it is completely unlike anything else available within a day’s travel of Siem Reap.
What is Prek Toal
Prek Toal covers 22,000 hectares of freshwater swamp forest at the edge of the Tonle Sap and forms the core area of the Tonle Sap UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. It is home to over 150 bird species including the greater and lesser adjutant storks, the spot-billed pelican, the painted stork, the milky stork, the black-headed ibis, and the grey-headed fish eagle. During breeding season the birds gather in vast numbers. The treetop observation platform gives you views of nesting colonies and birds in flight that visitors consistently describe as unlike anything they have encountered before, regardless of whether they came as birdwatchers or not.
When to Go
The best time to visit is November to May, when migratory birds are present and breeding activity is at its peak. November to February is the optimal window. From October the birds begin returning from their seasonal movements. After February water levels drop, which makes some areas of the sanctuary less accessible though the birds remain. Between June and September most species have left for the season.
The boat approach to Prek Toal changes seasonally. From February to July boats depart from Chong Kneas pier south of Siem Reap. From August to January boats depart from Mechrey pier. Your tour operator will handle this.
How to Visit
Prek Toal requires a guided tour. You cannot visit independently in any meaningful way. Hotel pickup is standard at around 5.30 to 6am given the distances involved. The boat journey across the Tonle Sap takes around one to one and a half hours depending on conditions. Tours include the boat ride, entrance fees, a local ranger guide, breakfast on the water, lunch at the floating community restaurant at Prek Toal village, and return transport. Full day tours return to Siem Reap by around 3 to 5pm.
Entrance fees are around $20 to $25 per person payable to the local community and conservation programme. Total tour cost with transport, guide, meals, and fees runs from around $60 to $100 per person depending on the operator and group size.
Recommended Operators
Cambodia Bird Guide Association, Osmose Ecotours, and Prek Toal Tours and Travel, which is run by Prek Toal villagers themselves, are all established and consistently reviewed operators. Sam Veasna Center is recommended for serious birdwatchers and has spotting scopes set up at observation towers within the park. Overnight stays are possible for those who want early morning access to the sanctuary before day-trip groups arrive.
Practical Notes
Bring binoculars if you have them. Tour operators can provide them on request. Wear light long sleeves, a hat, and sunscreen. The boat journey is exposed and the sun is relentless. Bring insect repellent. The visit to the floating village at Prek Toal is a genuine and largely untouristed community, significantly more authentic than the heavily visited Chong Kneas, and forms an important part of the day.
This is one of the most memorable days available from Siem Reap. Book in advance, particularly during peak season.
