Bird Tours in Cambodia: The Complete Guide for Birdwatchers

Why Choose Cambodia for a Birding Tour?

Cambodia is home to more than 670 recorded bird species (Fatbirder, https://fatbirder.com/world-birding/asia/kingdom-of-cambodia/), making it one of the richest birdwatching destinations in Southeast Asia.

Its unique combination of wetlands, grasslands, deciduous forests, evergreen forests, and river ecosystems creates habitats for resident birds as well as thousands of migratory species.

Many of Cambodia's flagship birds have become exceptionally difficult to find elsewhere in Asia, making the country a must-visit destination for international birders.

Some of the most sought-after species include:

• Giant Ibis
• White-shouldered Ibis
• Bengal Florican
• Sarus Crane
• White-rumped Vulture
• Red-headed Vulture
• Slender-billed Vulture
• Green Peafowl
• Germain's Peacock-Pheasant
• Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbon, often encountered during the Jahoo in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, where birdwatchers can also observe a rich diversity of forest birds alongside one of Cambodia's most iconic primates.

Unlike many destinations where wildlife viewing depends heavily on luck, Cambodia's long-term conservation efforts and experienced local guides have significantly improved opportunities to observe these remarkable species responsibly.

The Best Birdwatching Destinations in Cambodia

Tmat Paeuy

Located within the Northern Plains Landscape, Tmat Paeuy has earned international recognition as one of Asia's premier birdwatching destinations. It is one of the best places in the world to search for the critically endangered Giant Ibis, while also offering excellent opportunities to observe White-shouldered Ibis, Green Peafowl, White-rumped Falcon, and many woodland specialists.



For visitors exploring the Northern Plains, Kriel Lodge provides the ideal base for birdwatching adventures in Tmat Paeuy. Situated near the Community Protected Area, the lodge offers comfortable accommodation and easy access to guided birding excursions led by experienced local guides.

The surrounding Community Protected Area is a leading example of how conservation tourism supports local livelihoods while protecting some of Cambodia's rarest bird species and their habitats.

Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary

Situated within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Prek Toal supports one of Southeast Asia's largest breeding colonies of colonial waterbirds.

Visitors may encounter:

• Spot-billed Pelican
• Painted Stork
• Asian Openbill
• Oriental Darter
• Black-headed Ibis
• Milky Stork
• Lesser Adjutant



The best season typically coincides with the breeding period when thousands of birds gather around the flooded forest.

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary

Although internationally known for its Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons, Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary is also one of Cambodia's finest birdwatching destinations. The sanctuary protects one of the country's largest remaining evergreen forests and is home to an impressive diversity of forest birds.

Birders visiting the sanctuary through the Jahoo experience can search for species such as:

• Germain's Peacock-Pheasant
• Green-legged Partridge
• Great Hornbill
• Wreathed Hornbill
• Blue-rumped Pitta
• Banded Kingfisher

Morning birding walks with expert local guides often reveal an impressive diversity of forest birds, while the Jahoo also offers the unforgettable opportunity to encounter endangered Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons in their natural habitat. This unique combination of birdwatching and gibbon tracking makes Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary one of Cambodia's most rewarding wildlife destinations.

Ang Trapeang Thmor

This protected wetland is one of Cambodia's best locations for observing Sarus Cranes during the dry season.

The surrounding rice fields and wetlands also support numerous raptors, ducks, waders, and migratory species.

Cambodia's Most Iconic Birds

Giant Ibis

As Cambodia's national bird, the Giant Ibis is one of the world's rarest ibis species.

Seeing one in the wild remains a dream for many birdwatchers, and Cambodia offers the best opportunity anywhere on Earth.

White-shouldered Ibis

Another critically endangered species, the White-shouldered Ibis survives in only a handful of locations.

Northern Cambodia has become its global stronghold.

Bengal Florican

One of the world's rarest bustards, the Bengal Florican inhabits Cambodia's remaining natural grasslands.

The breeding season provides the best opportunity to witness the spectacular aerial displays performed by males.

Cambodia's Critically Endangered Vultures

Cambodia is one of the last strongholds for White-rumped Vulture, Red-headed Vulture, and Slender-billed Vulture. Once widespread across Asia, these three critically endangered species have suffered dramatic population declines but continue to survive in the Northern Plains thanks to dedicated conservation efforts. Birdwatchers visiting managed vulture feeding sites have a rare opportunity to observe all three species in the wild, making Cambodia one of the world's most important destinations for vulture conservation and birdwatching.

Best Time for Birdwatching in Cambodia

Birdwatching is rewarding throughout the year, with each season offering unique highlights.

November to February
Cool, dry weather and the arrival of migratory birds make this the most popular season for birding.

March to May
Excellent for observing breeding behaviour, including the spectacular displays of the Bengal Florican.

June to October
The green season brings lush landscapes, active birdlife, and fewer visitors, making it ideal for nature photography.

One of Cambodia's greatest birding highlights is that the Giant Ibis & White-Shouldered Ibis can be seen year-round in Tmat Paeuy, giving birdwatchers the chance to encounter the country's national bird in every season with the guidance of experienced local experts.

Why Choose a Guided Bird Tour?

Finding Cambodia's rarest birds requires local knowledge, patience, and years of field experience.

Professional bird guides understand:

• bird calls
• seasonal movements
• feeding behaviour
• nesting locations
• habitat preferences

Guided bird tours dramatically increase the chances of observing species that independent visitors often miss.

They also contribute directly to conservation by supporting local communities and protecting important habitats.

Birding That Supports Conservation

One of the unique aspects of birdwatching in Cambodia is that your visit can contribute directly to conservation.

Many birding destinations operate in partnership with local communities and conservation organizations, creating incentives to protect forests, wetlands, and endangered wildlife.

Responsible tourism helps generate sustainable income while encouraging long-term habitat protection for some of the world's rarest bird species.

Plan Your Bird Tour in Cambodia

Whether you're hoping to photograph the Giant Ibis, search for rare forest birds, or explore Cambodia's diverse birding hotspots, joining an experienced local guide offers the best chance of a rewarding experience.

For more than two decades, Sam Veasna Conservation Tours has led birdwatching expeditions across Cambodia, combining expert local guides with responsible tourism that supports conservation and local communities.

Explore our collection of birdwatching and wildlife tours to find the experience that's right for you, from day trips to multi-day birding adventures across Cambodia's most important habitats.

Ready to start your birding adventure? Browse our birdwatching tours in Cambodia and book your next unforgettable experience.