Best Birdwatching Destinations in Cambodia: Where to See Cambodia's Rarest Birds
Cambodia is home to some of Southeast Asia's most important birding destinations. From dry forests and grasslands to flooded forests and tropical evergreen forests, the country's diverse habitats support an incredible variety of resident and migratory birds.
For international birdwatchers, Cambodia offers the opportunity to see species that are increasingly difficult to find elsewhere in Asia, including the critically endangered Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Bengal Florican, and three species of critically endangered vultures.
Whether you are looking for rare birds, spectacular waterbird colonies, forest species, or a combination of birdwatching and wildlife experiences, Cambodia has a destination to suit your interests.
What Makes Cambodia a Great Birdwatching Destination?
Cambodia's birding destinations span a variety of important habitats, each offering a different experience.
The country's dry forests and grasslands provide habitat for some of the world's rarest large birds, while wetlands support thousands of waterbirds. Evergreen forests offer opportunities to search for forest specialists and combine birdwatching with other wildlife encounters.
Some destinations are particularly important for endangered species, while others are ideal for experiencing large concentrations of birds.
For this reason, choosing the right destination is an important part of planning a successful birdwatching trip in Cambodia.
The Best Birdwatching Destinations in Cambodia
Tmat Paeuy
Located within the Northern Plains Landscape, Tmat Paeuy is one of Cambodia's most important birdwatching destinations and one of the best places in the world to search for the critically endangered Giant Ibis.
Birdwatchers can also look for:
- Giant Ibis
- White-shouldered Ibis
- Green Peafowl
- White-rumped Falcon
- White-rumped Vulture
- Red-headed Vulture
- Slender-billed Vulture
- Other dry forest and woodland specialists
The surrounding Community Protected Area demonstrates how tourism and conservation can work together to protect threatened species while creating opportunities for local communities.
For visitors exploring the Northern Plains, Kriel Lodge provides a comfortable base for guided birdwatching experiences around Tmat Paeuy.
Best for: Giant Ibis, endangered birds, dry forest birding, and multi-day birdwatching experiences.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Located within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is one of Southeast Asia's most important wetland birding destinations.
The flooded forests provide an important breeding habitat for large colonies of waterbirds. Depending on the season, visitors may encounter:
- Spot-billed Pelican
- Greater Adjutant
- Glossy Ibis
- Gray-headed Fish-Eagle
- Painted Stork
- Asian Openbill
- Oriental Darter
- Black-headed Ibis
- Milky Stork
- Lesser Adjutant
Exploring the sanctuary by boat provides a unique opportunity to see large numbers of birds in their natural wetland habitat.
Best for: Waterbirds, bird photography, flooded forest, and boat-based birdwatching.
Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in eastern Cambodia, Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary protects extensive evergreen forest and is home to an impressive diversity of birds and other wildlife.
Birdwatchers can search for forest species such as:
- Germain's Peacock-Pheasant
- Bar-bellied Pitta
- Green-legged Partridge
- Red-vented Barbet
- Gray-faced Tit-Babbler
- Great Hornbill
- Wreathed Hornbill
- Blue-rumped Pitta
- Banded Kingfisher
Keo Seima is also internationally known for its population of Southern Yellow-cheeked Gibbons.
Through the Jahoo experience, visitors can combine forest birdwatching with the opportunity to encounter these endangered primates in their natural habitat.
Best for: Forest birds, hornbills, gibbons, rainforest trekking, and combined wildlife experiences.
Ang Trapeang Thmor
Ang Trapeang Thmor (ATT) is an important wetland and one of Cambodia's notable birdwatching destinations.
The protected wetland and surrounding agricultural landscape provide habitat for a variety of waterbirds, raptors, waders, and migratory species.
The site is particularly well known for Sarus Cranes, which gather in the area during the dry season.
For birdwatchers interested in Cambodia's wetland species and large cranes, Ang Trapeang Thmor offers a different experience from the dry forests of the Northern Plains or the evergreen forests of Keo Seima.
Best for: Sarus Cranes, wetland birds, migratory birds, and day trips.
Which Birdwatching Destination Should You Visit?
Each destination offers something different, so the best choice depends on what you hope to see.
| Destination | Best For | Wildlife Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tmat Paeuy | Rare birds & dry forest | Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, vultures |
| Prek Toal | Wetland birding | Pelicans, storks, darters, ibises, adjutants |
| Keo Seima | Forest birding & wildlife | Hornbills, pheasants, gibbons |
| Ang Trapeang Thmor | Wetlands & cranes | Sarus Crane, waterbirds, migratory Waterfowl, Harriers, Eagles |
If your main goal is to see Cambodia's rarest birds, Tmat Paeuy should be high on your list.
If you are interested in large concentrations of waterbirds, Prek Toal offers an entirely different experience.
For forest birds and wildlife, Keo Seima provides the chance to combine birdwatching with the Jahoo experience.
And if Sarus Cranes and wetland habitats are your priority, Ang Trapeang Thmor is an excellent choice.
Plan Your Birdwatching Adventure in Cambodia
From searching for the Giant Ibis in the Northern Plains to watching thousands of waterbirds at Prek Toal, Cambodia offers birdwatching experiences for both dedicated birders and travelers who simply want to experience the country's wildlife.
Sam Veasna Conservation Tours offers guided birdwatching and wildlife tours across Cambodia's most important birding destinations, with experienced local guides and a strong focus on conservation and community benefits.
Whether you are planning a dedicated birding holiday or looking to add a wildlife experience to your Cambodia itinerary, explore our range of tours to find the right experience for you.
Ready to explore Cambodia's best birdwatching destinations? Browse our birdwatching tours and start planning your next wildlife adventure.
