Birdwatching at Prek Toal Biosphere & Tonle Sap Lake

An early start (5am) will allow you to reach the Prek Toal Biosphere by 9am, the best time for viewing birds. To reach Prek Toal, you will journey across the mighty Tonle Sap Lake in a traditional wooden longtail boat. This excursion is not only a great birdwatching opportunity but also offers a fascinating insight into life on the lake.

The village of Prek Toal is one of the largest floating villages on the lake. The sanctuary harbours seven species of water birds of global significance: Spot-billed pelican, milky stork, painted stork, lesser adjutant, greater adjutant, black-headed ibis, Oriental darter and over 150 species have been recorded in the reserve. Viewing platforms have been erected to allow better views over the freshwater swamp, the nesting ground for the large water birds. After spending the morning birdwatching, you will enjoy an early lunch in the village. The floating houses are made from bamboo and visiting the village is a unique experience in itself. After lunch they will organise an optional paddle boat tour of the floating village.

December to April sees the heaviest concentration of birds at Prek Toal. The trip also requires a certain level of agility as the platforms are quite difficult to access.