Cambodia

We begin our tour of Cambodia at the iconic ancient Khmer city of Angkor, starting with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat.
We begin our tour of Cambodia at the iconic ancient Khmer city of Angkor, starting with a sunrise visit to Angkor Wat.
Susan Myers
Heading over to the quieter eastern side of the temple, we'll enjoy a picnic breakfast and some early morning birding in the extensive temple gardens...
Heading over to the quieter eastern side of the temple, we'll enjoy a picnic breakfast and some early morning birding in the extensive temple gardens...
Susan Myers
The forests surrounding Angkor Wat are rich in birdlife; birds like this colourful Asian Green Bee-eater...
The forests surrounding Angkor Wat are rich in birdlife; birds like this colourful Asian Green Bee-eater...
Susan Myers
...unusual birds like this Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, a drongo mimic...
...unusual birds like this Square-tailed Drongo-Cuckoo, a drongo mimic...
Susan Myers
...and this charming Hainan Blue Flycatcher...
...and this charming Hainan Blue Flycatcher...
Susan Myers
and Taiga Flycatchers are usually quite common..
and Taiga Flycatchers are usually quite common..
Susan Myers
...as the day warms up we will explore the other temples and sites of this archeological marvel...
...as the day warms up we will explore the other temples and sites of this archeological marvel...
Susan Myers
...including the incomparable Bayon with its serene smiling stone faces...
...including the incomparable Bayon with its serene smiling stone faces...
Susan Myers
...and Ta Prohm, a temple that was once described as "one which had best merged with the jungle, but not yet to the point of becoming part of it"
...and Ta Prohm, a temple that was once described as "one which had best merged with the jungle, but not yet to the point of becoming part of it"
Susan Myers
not only is the temple a wonder, so are the birds here...
not only is the temple a wonder, so are the birds here...
Susan Myers
We'll be on the lookout for the imposing Alexandrine Parakeet which nests in the large trees here...
We'll be on the lookout for the imposing Alexandrine Parakeet which nests in the large trees here...
Susan Myers
But of course, the real stars of our day are the incomparable ancient wonders of Angkor
But of course, the real stars of our day are the incomparable ancient wonders of Angkor
Susan Myers
Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and we will make our way across it...
Tonle Sap, the largest lake in Southeast Asia, and we will make our way across it...
Susan Myers
...to the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site and home to a superbly rich avifauna...
...to the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO site and home to a superbly rich avifauna...
Susan Myers
Spot-billed Pelicans are abundant...
Spot-billed Pelicans are abundant...
Susan Myers
...and Painted Storks roost and nest in huge numbers...
...and Painted Storks roost and nest in huge numbers...
Susan Myers
...and amongst them, some very rare birds like this Endangered Milky Stork
...and amongst them, some very rare birds like this Endangered Milky Stork
Susan Myers
In the remote northern teak forests of Tmatboey...
In the remote northern teak forests of Tmatboey...
Susan Myers
we'll seek out more rarities...
we'll seek out more rarities...
Susan Myers
with the help of highly skilled and diligent rangers
with the help of highly skilled and diligent rangers
Susan Myers
Birds such as the White-shouldered Ibis, now realistically only found in Cambodia
Birds such as the White-shouldered Ibis, now realistically only found in Cambodia
Susan Myers
Here we celebrate Giant Ibis success!
Here we celebrate Giant Ibis success!
Susan Myers
These dry woodlands are one of the best places in the world for woodpeckers. Black-headed Woodpecker is a real beauty!
These dry woodlands are one of the best places in the world for woodpeckers. Black-headed Woodpecker is a real beauty!
Susan Myers
Black-headed Woodpecker
Black-headed Woodpecker
Susan Myers
Rufous Woodpecker
Rufous Woodpecker
Susan Myers
Great Slaty Woodpecker, the world's largest woodpecker really brings home the link between modern day birds and dinosaurs!
Great Slaty Woodpecker, the world's largest woodpecker really brings home the link between modern day birds and dinosaurs!
Susan Myers
We'll be on the lookout for other regional specialities, like this appealing Neglected Nuthatch...
We'll be on the lookout for other regional specialities, like this appealing Neglected Nuthatch...
Susan Myers
and the often elusive Chinese Francolin
and the often elusive Chinese Francolin
Susan Myers
Around our rustic lodge we often find small  forest birds like this Puff-throated Babbler
Around our rustic lodge we often find small forest birds like this Puff-throated Babbler
Susan Myers
while the spectacular and scarce White-rumped Falcon requires more effort.
while the spectacular and scarce White-rumped Falcon requires more effort.
Susan Myers
As we travel through the country, we'll naturally experience the unique Cambodian culture. This state in Kampong Thom depicts a self explanatory local legend
As we travel through the country, we'll naturally experience the unique Cambodian culture. This state in Kampong Thom depicts a self explanatory local legend
Susan Myers
Wings tour 2019, photos by Susan Myers
Wings tour 2019, photos by Susan Myers
Susan Myers
as are the White-rumped Vultures
as are the White-rumped Vultures
Susan Myers
Susan Myers
in the surrounding forests we may find Burmese Shrike...
in the surrounding forests we may find Burmese Shrike...
Susan Myers
...Pied Bushchat...
...Pied Bushchat...
Susan Myers
and flighty Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters.
and flighty Chestnut-headed Bee-eaters.
Susan Myers
Crossing the mighty Mekong River...
Crossing the mighty Mekong River...
Susan Myers
we make our way to the quiet town of Kratie, famous for its population of Irrawaddy Dolphins that dwell in the nearby river...
we make our way to the quiet town of Kratie, famous for its population of Irrawaddy Dolphins that dwell in the nearby river...
Susan Myers
Although not a major tourist drawcard like the dolphins, we will be equally attracted by the river endemic Mekong Wagtail.
Although not a major tourist drawcard like the dolphins, we will be equally attracted by the river endemic Mekong Wagtail.
Susan Myers
The Kratie rice fields provide a beautiful backdrop for more excellent birding.
The Kratie rice fields provide a beautiful backdrop for more excellent birding.
Susan Myers
Nearer to the capital, Phnom Penh, we'll make a brief stop for the very localised endemic Cambodian Tailorbird
Nearer to the capital, Phnom Penh, we'll make a brief stop for the very localised endemic Cambodian Tailorbird
Susan Myers
...before our next stop in the grasslands of Steung on the western side of Tonle Sap Lake
...before our next stop in the grasslands of Steung on the western side of Tonle Sap Lake
Susan Myers
where we'll spot many grassland species...
where we'll spot many grassland species...
Susan Myers
Cambodia is full of unexpected delights! This giant Durian statue is just one such surprise...
Cambodia is full of unexpected delights! This giant Durian statue is just one such surprise...
Susan Myers
...as are our delightful hotels...
...as are our delightful hotels...
Susan Myers
and the exceptionally delicious cuisine!
and the exceptionally delicious cuisine!
Susan Myers
Cambodia is just a wonderful birding, cultural and travel experience! (Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Ibis)
Cambodia is just a wonderful birding, cultural and travel experience! (Spot-billed Pelican, Oriental Darter, Black-necked Ibis)
Susan Myers
Nov 17 to Dec 1 2025
Tour Price to be Determined
2025
Tour Price to be Determined
(2024 Tour Price: $6,150)
Tour balances paid by check/bank transfer may carry a 4% discount

Cambodia’s expansive forests and untouched wetlands support some of the rarest birds and mammals in the region. In recent years there have been a number of notable discoveries, including a population of the near-mythical Giant Ibis, the Mekong Wagtail, the very recently discovered Cambodian Tailorbird, and a breeding population of the rapidly declining eastern race of Sarus Crane. The most extensive grasslands remaining in Southeast Asia are home to the splendid Bengal Florican, as well as the scarce Manchurian Reed-Warbler. And the dry forest of the northern plains hosts some very exciting, restricted range species including White-rumped Falcon, Neglected (Burmese) Nuthatch, White-shouldered Ibis, Brown Prinia and Black-headed Woodpecker. Unlike all its surrounding countries, Cambodia still has healthy populations of vultures, and we’ll visit a special “restaurant” to see these amazing and important birds. 

We’ll also have the opportunity to visit some of the greatest surviving architectural monuments in Asia—the temples of the ancient city of Angkor. They represent the heart and soul of Cambodia, harking back to an era of unrivaled influence when the Khmer Empire ruled over south China, Vietnam, Thailand, Burma, and Malaysia. Built at the height of the Khmer civilization, from the eighth to the twelfth centuries. The Angkor complex is known for its extraordinary artistry, and we’ll allow ample time to explore and reflect on these architectural masterpieces, many of which have excellent birding on-site. 

This tour offers an opportunity to see some of the world’s rarest birds and mammals amid some of its most celebrated cultural artifacts, with the added attraction of some wonderful food! 

Tour Team
Itinerary (Click to see more)

NOTE: The itinerary for the 2025 tour will be slightly amended from the below. The length of tour and species list will remain the same, and an updated itinerary is forthcoming. 

Day 1: Our tour begins this evening in Siem Reap, Cambodia. A highlight of our visit to Cambodia will be our wonderful hotel in Siem Reap. The Angkor Village Hotel, set in an expansive, lush tropical garden, is a charming small family-owned and operated property built in the traditional Khmer style, designed with respect for local culture and nature. One night we will visit the famous Apsara Theatre to experience a performance of Khmer (Cambodian) traditional dance. Night at Siem Reap.

Day 2: We’ll begin our explorations of the magnificent complex of Angkor. We will of course visit the temple at Angkor Wat, with an expert guide to explain some of the finer details, as well as touring Angkor Thom and other nearby temples. One of them, Ta Prohm, has been left to the elements, and strangler fig roots snake around its crumbling walls and ancient statues.

The birding in the lush forests here is a fine supplement to the cultural experience, and we can expect large congregations of Oriental Pied-Hornbills and Red-breasted and Alexandrine Parakeets, fine views of Black Bazas, numerous Asian Barred Owlets, and Hill Mynas. In the drier forests we may find Greater Flamebacks, Black-hooded Orioles, and Hainan Blue-Flycatchers. Lesser Adjutants can occasionally be seen flying overhead. Night at Siem Reap.

Day 3: We’ll visit Tonle Sap Lake, one of the fascinating geological features of Asia. It is a huge lake fed by the mighty Mekong River, and on its northern shores the flooded forests of Prek Toal host the largest breeding colonies of big waterbirds in Southeast Asia. We’ll cross the lake as the sun rises, surrounded by small fishing boats. At the floating village we may transfer to a smaller boat, depending on the water level and the size of our group, before entering the narrow watercourses and making our way to the colonies of Lesser Adjutants, Painted Storks, and Spot-billed Pelicans. As we take the time to absorb this dazzling scene, we’ll search for the rarer Greater Adjutants and the very rare Milky Storks. Night at Siem Reap.

Day 4: We’ll leave Siem Reap early this morning to visit the designated Bengal Florican Conservation Area in the seasonally flooded grasslands of Kampong Thom. These and the grasslands in Siem Reap Province support the largest known population of Bengal Florican in Cambodia (and likely the world). This charismatic species is declining rapidly due to the continuing loss of its grassland habitat and is otherwise found only in northeastern India, but we have a very good chance of finding it here. Our visit, as with the Giant Ibis in Tmatboey, will materially assist in the floricans’ conservation.

While we search for the floricans, we should also see other birds including Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers, Australian Bushlark, Bluethroat, and Red Avadavat. We’ll also take time to track down Manchurian Reed-warbler. After lunch we’ll continue our journey to Prey Veng, a small remote village deep in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. The simple community ecolodge is nestled on the banks of an Angkorian baray or reservoir which provides a permanent water source for both the community and wildlife. The whole area is a remarkable location for birdwatching, and we will hope to encounter Black-headed Woodpecker, Collared Falconet, Rufous-winged Buzzard, Indochinese Bushlark, Brown Prina, and Neglected Nuthatch, along with many others. Night at Prey Veng.

Day 5: We’ll continue our birding explorations at Prey Veng this morning, leaving after lunch for the drive to the remote village of Tmatboey. Improvements to the roads in the area mean that our destination is now only three hours away so we should arrive in the late afternoon, perhaps in time for birding before dinner. Night at Tmatboey.

Day 6: We’ll spend the next two days birding around the remote village of Tmatboey, where we’ll search for the critically endangered Giant Ibis and where there is a very good chance of finding White-shouldered Ibis and Pale-capped Pigeon, although the latter is becoming increasingly scarce. The villagers here work in conjunction with conservation organizations to protect these fabulous birds, and our presence is not only very welcome but also beneficial to the community, as our tour dollars contribute directly to the construction of clean water wells and other much-needed facilities in the village. The forests here are home to some of the most vigorous Asian populations of birds such as Rufous-winged Buzzard and Blossom-headed Parakeet, and we also hope to find Black-necked Stork, Indochinese Bushlark, Brown Prinia, and Neglected (Burmese) Nuthatch. As we rest at a trapeang (a permanent waterhole), Green Bee-eaters, Eurasian Hoopoes, Green-billed Malkohas, and Rufous Treepies may delight us as they come in for their evening drink. Night at Tmatboey.

Day 7: In the cool of the early morning, we’ll venture out of the village into the neighbouring forest. Our plan is to walk to nearby trapeangs where the ibises tend to gather during the dry season. As we walk, we’ll keep an eye out for Yellow-legged and Orange-breasted Green-pigeons, Shikra, Woolly-necked Stork, Burmese Shrike, Small Minivet, and White-shouldered Starling, among others. Chinese Francolins are moderately common and flush up noisily; if we’re lucky we may get a good view of one of these noisy but secretive ground birds. At the permanent watercourses there is often feverish activity, and we may find the impressive Brown Fish-Owl, Oriental Cuckoo, Radde’s Warbler, White-crested Laughingthrush, and Tickell’s Blue-Flycatcher. Night at Tmatboey.

Day 8: After some pre breakfast birding we’ll transfer to Boeng Toal, ready for tomorrow’s vulture adventures. The birding in this lovely forest is great for other birds, too, so we’ll spend the afternoon in search of forest birds here. In particular, we’ll hope to see the beautiful Rufous-bellied Woodpecker, but we may also encounter Burmese Shrike, Chinese Francolin, Asian Woolly-necked Stork, and Blossom-headed Parakeet, amongst many more. Night at Boeng Toal Tented Camp.

Day 9: There are three critically endangered vulture species in Cambodia: White-rumped, Red-headed, and Slender-billed. There are many causes for their rapid and dramatic decline in the region, including loss of habitat, loss of prey species, and poisoning through veterinary use of the drug diclofenac (which is highly toxic to many vulture species). Fortunately, this drug is not used in Cambodia and—combined with Cambodia’s successful conservation programs of supplementary feeding—means that the country has held on to a stable population of vultures while the species have disappeared from surrounding countries.

We’ll visit a feeding station in the Chhep Wildlife Sanctuary (Beng Toal), which has been set up as a means of supporting the vulture population and conducting research. The ‘restaurant’ attracts other birds including Greater Adjutant, as well as mammals such as jackal, dhole, and even leopard (rare). We’ll visit the hide before dawn in order to witness the feeding spectacle of up to seventy vultures. After lunch back at camp, we’ll make our way to the town of Kampong Thom. If we have time, we’ll visit the nearby grasslands for some later afternoon birding. Night at Kampong Thom.

Day 10:  For those who wish to, we’ll make a very early morning birding sojourn to the grasslands near Kompong Thom. The birding here can be very good with possibilities for Pin-tailed Snipe, Pied Harrier, Striated Grassbird, Bluethroat, and Siamese Pied Starling. After breakfast we’ll start our drive toward the Mekong, the longest river in Southeast Asia, to the riverside town of Kratie. Night at Kratie.

Day 11: This morning we’ll travel by boat on the Mekong where our main target will be the recently discovered Cambodian endemic Mekong Wagtail. This highly localized and attractive species, first described in 2001, can be seen with the very rare Irrawaddy dolphin. As we travel upriver, we may encounter Small Pratincole, Kentish and Little Ringed Plovers, Blue-tailed Bee-eater, Grey-throated Martin, and White Wagtail. Exploring the wetlands near Kratie may also reveal the rare Golden Weaver and shy Chestnut-capped Babbler. In the afternoon we’ll drive on to Phnom Penh but before our arrival in the city, we’ll take a slight detour to look for the endemic and recently discovered Cambodian Tailorbird. This distinctive species was first described as recently as 2012. It occurs only in floodplain wetlands where the mighty Mekong meets the Tonle Sap and Bassac rivers. The ancient Khmers knew this area as Chaktomuk, literally “four faces,” referring to the confluence of these rivers and giving the tailorbird its scientific name, Orthotomus chaktomuk. Night at Phnom Penh.

Day 12: Departing Phnom Penh this morning we’ll drive to the floodplain grasslands of Pursat Province which support a number of birds that we won’t have encountered previously. The star of the show is Chinese Grassbird (formerly Rufous-rumped Grassbird), discovered here in 2013; it is one of only two sites in Southeast Asia where they’ve been seen in the last 80 years! With a bit of patience and an early start from the hotel, we should be able to see the grassbird relatively easily. What strikes one about the grasslands in Pursat is the abundance of seed-eating birds. All three weavers will probably be seen along with Black-headed Munia and Red Avadavat. Warblers are another feature of this site, and Lanceolated can usually be seen if one is patient. Large-flocks of Yellow-breasted Bunting can also be seen, as this is one of the few sites globally where they still thrive. Small Buttonquail is usually flushed without trying too hard, but seeing one on the ground is more of a challenge. Blue-breasted Quail are fairly common, and we will make a special effort to look for Australasian Bushlark; the Southeast Asian taxon is now extremely rare and restricted to only a few sites. Night at Pursat.

Day 13: This morning we’ll head out again to search for other grassland specialists that we may have missed yesterday. In the afternoon we’ll drive south towards the coast to the charming town of Kampot. On arrival we’ll head up the hill to the fantastic Bokor National Park to bird in the wonderful old growth rainforest. We will travel slowly with many stops as the birding along the road is excellent and, due to the different habitat, we should see many species different from those encountered thus far in Cambodia. These forests are populated by Thick-billed and Wedge-tailed Green-pigeons, Emerald Dove, Moustached and Blue-eared Barbets, spectacular Wreathed Hornbills, Racket-tailed Treepie, White-rumped Shama, Orange-headed Thrush, Ashy and Ochraceous Bulbuls, Ruby-cheeked Sunbird and Little Spiderhunter. Bokor is known as the best site to find the endemic Chestnut-headed Partridge, and although it is always difficult to find these Arbophilia partridges, we do have a good chance of finding this attractive species. In addition, we may find migratory Mugimaki Flycatchers and Siberian Blue Robins, Streaked Wren-Babbler, Orange-breasted and Red-headed Trogons, the beautiful Black-throated Sunbird, and Blue Pitta is even possible. Other birds we may find here include Rufous-bellied Eagle, Gray-faced Buzzard, Blue-bearded Bee-eater, Large and White-browed Scimitar-Babblers, Forest Wagtail, and Silver Pheasant, which sometimes forages along the roadsides. Night at Kampot. 

Day 14: We will bird at an excellent roadside lookout area this morning, and in the afternoon we’ll pack our bags and head back to Phnom Penh, Cambodia’s charming capital, often described as the most beautiful city in Asia. Night at Phnom Penh. 

Day 15: The tour concludes this morning in Phnom Penh with transfers to the airport.

Last updated Apr 30, 2024
Tour Information (Click to see more)

Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for this tour. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they take this tour. Although we do our best to make sure that what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.

ENTERING AND LEAVING CAMBODIA: A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure and with at least one blank page for an entry stamp is required for United States citizens to enter Cambodia. Upon arrival in Cambodia, a one month tourist visa is obtained very quickly. At present the cost is $US30 and a passport photo is required. If you do not have a passport photo, you will be charged an extra $2 and the process will take a little longer (but it is generally very quick and efficient).  There is no longer a payable departure tax. It is possible to obtain a visa online now, but please be careful to choose a reputable website. We recommend the government website https://www.evisa.gov.kh. Do not apply for your visa more than three months prior to your planned arrival.  

Non U.S. citizens should check with their consulate/embassy for instructions.   

COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can review the U.S. Department of State Country Specific Travel Information here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html. Review foreign travel advice from the UK government here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice and travel advice and advisories from the Government of Canada here:  https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories.

PACE OF THE TOUR:  We’ll be in the field at or before dawn (around 6.00 am) so that we can hear the birds singing as the day starts up. For some critical species such as the Giant Ibis, this may be our only opportunity to discover if they are present or not. Typically, we’ll return to our hotel or lodge for lunch and then rest up during the heat of the day when bird activity is virtually nil, before going out again in the late afternoon. 

Our longest walks will probably be at Tmatboey when we search for the Giant Ibis. At Tmatboey, we’ll depart before dawn and walk through short grassland on indistinct trails, the area is flat but the surface can be very uneven at times. It is important to bring a flashlight, and a hiking stick may be helpful. The distance we will walk depends on how quickly we find the ibis but will be between one to three miles. On one day we will explore Angkor and there will be opportunities to either bird around or explore the ruins, depending upon your interests. We will take a boat trip at Kratie where we use two six seater motorized boats to explore the Mekong River with its many islands that harbor birdlife. 

Otherwise, we’ll be walking on level ground either on paved or unpaved roads or tracks and occasionally trails. There is some walking through grassland but very little uphill walking. Where there is, this will always be at a gentle pace with regular stops. 

HEALTH: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all travelers be up to date on routine vaccinations. These include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. 

They further recommend that most travelers have protection against Hepatitis A and Typhoid. Please contact your doctor well in advance of your tour’s departure as some medications must be initiated weeks before the period of possible exposure. 

The most current information about travelers’ health recommendations can be found on the CDC’s  Travel Health website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/cambodia

Malaria: Malaria is present, including the chloroquine-resistant strain.  Please consult your doctor or local travel clinic for recommendations. 

Smoking:  Smoking is prohibited in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists, etc. If you are sharing a room with a nonsmoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, do so well away and downwind from the group. If any location where the group is gathered has a stricter policy than the WINGS policy, that stricter policy will prevail. 

Miscellaneous:  Insects such as mosquitoes and sand-flies can be a problem although scarce in the dry season. We recommend using insect repellents with a high concentration of DEET. 

CLIMATE: Cambodia is generally hot with high temperatures approaching 90 F (32 C) and the northern forests do not offer a great deal of shade. Night temperatures can be warm in the north but generally cool enough, 70 F (22 C) for a light jacket. Humidity averages from 70-80% year round; our visit in December coincides with a period of lower humidity at just below 75%. It is unlikely that we’ll encounter any rain at this time of year; that said, there is always a possibility.

ACCOMMODATIONS: At Tmatboey we’ll stay in a small lodge with individual huts and private if very simple bathrooms. The beds are equipped with good quality bedding and mosquito netting. Towels are provided. The toilets are western style but with a bucket flush. There is solar powered electricity available, but we cannot guarantee that it will be sufficient for recharging batteries (generally we don’t have problems, though). Please do not wear your shoes inside the room or the dining area. These accommodations are very simple yet peaceful and refreshing.

The tented camps are not luxurious but quite comfortable. They are large, walk-in canvas tents with a floor. They are spacious and you can stand up in them. The beds are canvas cots and bedding is supplied and clean. There is a tent toilet and a tent shower. And best of all they are right in the middle of some great birding.

Elsewhere our hotels are modern and comfortable with all the amenities one would expect. 

Internet, WiFi and telephone:  Wi-Fi is generally available. Cell phones can be useful while on tour but keep in mind that many countries operate on a different cellular technology than US or Canadian carriers. Your phone may be incompatible with the local system, so please check with your local carrier. 

FOOD: The food in Cambodia is always fresh and tasty. The staple is rice, and this will be served with every meal. If you do not like rice, don’t worry, there is enough food in the form of vegetables and meat. Most of our meals will consist of chicken or fish dishes as well as a variety of vegetable dishes. Vegetarians can be catered for but please understand that this is a rather foreign concept to most Cambodians. Breakfasts are usually Western style with coffee, bread and eggs. At the remoter lodges though, breakfast will be fried rice or similar. Western food is available at our hotels in the bigger towns and cities.

Food Allergies / Requirements:  We cannot guarantee that all food allergies can be accommodated at every destination. Participants with significant food allergies or special dietary requirements should bring appropriate foods with them for those times when their needs cannot be met. Announced meal times are always approximate depending on how the day unfolds. Participants who need to eat according to a fixed schedule should bring supplemental food. Please contact the WINGS office if you have any questions. 

Drinking Water: Tap water should be avoided. In smaller towns and rural areas, assume the water is unsafe and stick with bottled or boiled drinks. This will be provided throughout the tour. A bottle will be provided to fill from a larger water container; please bring your own bottle if you prefer. Sanitation throughout Cambodia is relatively good compared to most tropical areas of the world.

TRANSPORTATION: Transportation is by a small minibus or four-wheel drive vehicles suited to the terrain. There are no internal flights. There are several long drives, but these are broken by stops for birdwatching and rest stops. Participants should be able to ride in any seat in our tour vehicle. We cannot guarantee that couples will always be seated together, although we will try to accommodate on most days. There is one day where we will use boats to get to our birding spot (see above). Life jackets are provided.

Last updated Jan 11, 2023
Bird Lists (Click to see more)
Map (Click to see more)

Approximate Tour Routing

Narrative (Click to see more)

2023 Narrative

Cambodia may not have the most extensive bird list, but it is home to numerous rare and unique species that are seldom seen elsewhere. This small Southeast Asian nation is home to a diverse range of bird species, making it a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. Several rare and endangered species feature in our birding explorations; notable species we were lucky enough to encounter include:

1. Giant Ibis: One of the most iconic and Critically Endangered bird species in Cambodia, once widespread throughout Indochina, now restricted to small areas of north Cambodia and southern Laos, with a tiny and declining population. The global population is believed to number only 345.

2. White-shouldered Ibis: Another Critically Endangered species, numbering only 650 individuals! Cambodia is undoubtedly the stronghold for this species, with only very few records from Vietnam, Laos and Borneo.

3. Bengal Florican: This Critically Endangered bustard is the world’s rarest with two small and declining disjunct populations in Cambodia and the Subcontinent. The total population is believed to number only in the hundreds.

4. Sarus Crane: Considered to be the tallest flying bird in the world, the Sarus Crane is classified as Vulnerable. The sharpii subspecies is endemic in Southeast Asia and has disappeared from most of its former range.

5. Mekong Wagtail: First described as recently as 2001, the Mekong Wagtail is endemic to the Lower Mekong River Basin, including Cambodia, and is named after the Cambodian birding pioneer, Sam Veasna.

These are just a few examples of the diverse bird species that inhabit Cambodia. During our tour, we had the privilege of observing a wide array of fascinating birds, including the Black-headed Woodpecker, Chinese Grassbird, White-faced Plover, Greater Adjutant, Milky Stork, Chinese Egret, Red-headed Vulture, Pied Harrier, Great Hornbill, White-rumped Falcon, Brown Prinia, and Burmese Nuthatch, among others.

Angkor

We embarked on our journey through Cambodia, beginning our exploration at none other than the awe-inspiring world heritage site, the ancient city of Angkor. The heart of Angkor, the magnificent temple of Angkor Wat, holds such significance for the Khmer people that it graces their national flag. As we set off at dawn, we were mesmerized by the spectacle of the sun ascending over this remarkable testament to history and beauty. Later we began our birding explorations, with some great results. The forest around the temple is rich with birds and highlights included Asian Barred Owlet, Forest Wagtail, Black-capped Kingfisher and the vibrant Hainan Blue Fycatcher. Later, we explored the amazing Bayon Temple, renowned for its iconic stone faces. After lunch we finished off with an exploration of Ta Prom. This temple has largely been left as it was after it was abandoned in the 15th Century. When the effort to conserve and restore the temples of Angkor began in the early 21st century, the École française d’Extrême-Orient decided that Ta Prohm would be left largely as it had been found, as a “concession to the general taste for the picturesque.” Apart from the temple we had our eyes on some birds as well, namely the robust Alexandrine Parakeet, which we found in low numbers mingling with the much more numerous throngs of smaller Red-breasted Parakeets.

Prek Toal & Tonle Sap 

Early in the morning, we gathered at the hotel lobby, eager to embark on an adventure through one of Cambodia’s most biodiverse regions. We boarded our minibus, ready to traverse the dusty roads that led to their destination, a local village near the vast expanse of Tonle Sap Lake. At the water’s edge, a large boat awaited, ready to ferry us across the lake with its panoramic views of the surrounding wetlands and distant mountains.

After a while the boat came to a halt, anchoring near a secluded spot for breakfast. Having fueled themselves for the adventure ahead we continued to Prek Toal floating village, a remarkable bustling community located next to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary. Here we transferred to two smaller boats, navigating through narrow channels and past roosting cormorants and darters.

Finally, we arrived at our ultimate destination: a towering tree platform nestled high amidst the dense foliage. From this vantage point, the true expanse of this remarkable RAMSAR wetland revealed itself. Enormous flocks of cranes, herons, pelicans, and cormorants soared overhead. With binoculars in hand and cameras at the ready, we scanned the treetops, hoping to catch a glimpse of our most wanted bird, the elusive Milky Stork. Finally, our perseverance was rewarded when Mony spotted a single bird that then teasingly appeared and disappeared until finally everyone got great views of this very rare bird.

Kampong Thom

On leaving Siem Reap, we headed to the Bengal Florican Conservation Area near the city of Kampong Thom in the eponymous province, located on the Steung River and roughly halfway between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh. While we enjoyed a picnic breakfast in the “unimproved” rice paddies, we had some great birding, with our main target – the florican – soon located and scoped!

Prey Veng

We next headed northwards to a remote forest site where a rustic lodge is managed by the local villagers in the Kulen Promtep Province. Despite only having one night, we had some of our best birding of the trip here. We recorded over 80 species at this bird rich area with numerous highlights – Black-headed Woodpecker was a particular favourite.

Tmatboey

Tmatboey is a small and remote village located on Cambodia’s far north plains area in the province of Preah Vihear. Over ten years ago the villagers built an ecolodge to cater for international birders who wanted to see the Critically Endangered Giant Ibis and the rare White-shouldered Ibis – coincidentally our most wanted birds here! As of 2024 the plan is to totally upgrade the lodge in order to cater for “other forms of tourism”. Personally, I will miss the good old days of its rustic charm that makes for a truly memorable experience. 

We spent three days exploring this fantastically rich area, finding the ibises with relative ease. The Giant Ibis on its nest was a surprise bonus! As the blurb says “Ecotourism in this community plays an integral role in protecting two of the world’s most critically endangered bird species [the two ibis species] by providing alternative forms of direct and indirect income, thus showing the importance of beautiful evergreen forests integral to the survival of critically endangered species.”

Vulture Restaurant

Another local community initiative is the so-called Vulture Restaurant located near the village of Boeng Toal in Preah Vihear Province. While the surrounding forest is great for all sorts of forest birds, our main aim here was of course to see the three species of endangered vulture species that can be found, their last stronghold in Southeast Asia. Just prior to our visit, a cow carcass had been placed near a strategically located hide in hopes of attracting these rapidly declining birds. Although it didn’t attract quite the numbers we were hoping for, we did see all three and had some brilliant views of perched and flying birds.

Kratie & the Mekong River

Kratie is THE place for the highly localised Mekong Wagtail, which favours the braided sections of broad lowland rivers with “swift-flowing water, and with distinctive mosaic of sandbars and gravel shoals and numerous emergent rocks and bushes.” After some tense moments we all achieved fabulous views of this rare bird, soon followed by equally great looks at the rare Irrawaddy Dolphins that dwell here.

Some birding in the fields near the town of Kratie was not only fruitful but fun, with some evening libations while taking in a typically gorgeous Cambodian sunset.

Poursaat

After a brief luxury respite in Phnom Penh, with Cambodian Tailorbird en route, we made the long drive over to the other side of the immense Tonle Sap Lake with a bunch of grassland birds in our sights. From Poursaat we made the very bumpy drive through small villages and rice padi to an undisturbed grassland area, again managed for the wildlife by local villagers, where we almost immediately found our target, the very range restricted Chinese Grassbird (unlike other grassbirds, this is a babbler and not a warbler). We also caught up with Red Avadavat, Baya Weavers, and Zitting Cisticolas galore.

Kampot & Bokor

Our final destination in the delightful seaside town of Kampot was notable not only for some great birding, but also for some excellent meals. A late afternoon visit to the sandflats added some truly outstanding birds to an already outstanding list – we were especially excited to find Chinese Egrets, Malaysian and White-faced Plovers.

Heading up to the highlands of Bokor National Park, we encountered a whole new suite of species, including behemoth Great Hornbills, followed closely by their slightly smaller cousins, the Wreathed Hornbills. A non-avian sighting of a nuclear family group of Pileated Gibbons was a fabulous way to finish our wildlife explorations of this small but captivating country.

                                                                                                                                                                                          - Susan Myers

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Tour Notes

Maximum group size eight with one WINGS leader and local assistants

Single rooms may not be available at Chong Kran Roi, Okoki and Tmatboey.

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