When Traveling Is Caring ❤️
ព្រែកទាល់Tonle Sap Lake
A floating village and a vast flooded forest on Tonle Sap lake, home to one of Southeast Asia's most important colonies of large waterbirds. Here is when to go and what the day involves.
Prek Toal lies on the north-west shore of Tonle Sap, Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake, within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Around a floating village of houseboats, schools and shops, a protected flooded forest shelters large breeding colonies of waterbirds, including spot-billed pelicans, painted storks and adjutant storks.
Visiting is a proper expedition: an early start from Siem Reap, a boat across the lake to the village, then a smaller boat through the flooded forest to observation platforms. It is a long day, but for birdwatchers and anyone who loves wild places, it is one of the most rewarding trips in Cambodia.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so we can arrange an early start, the right boats and a guide who knows the birds.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
Climb observation platforms in the flooded forest to see nesting storks, pelicans, cormorants and ibises. Bring binoculars.
Glide past floating homes, schools, pig pens and gardens, and see how families live entirely on the water.
The boat ride across the open lake is an experience in itself, with fishing boats and wide horizons.
Rangers and local guides explain how the colonies are protected and how communities on the lake are involved.
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Customise My TripMost visits are a long day trip from Siem Reap: a short drive to the lake, a boat to Prek Toal village, then a smaller boat into the bird sanctuary. Times vary with water levels, so leave the day free.
Places that pair well with Prek Toal, with approximate travel times.
The best time is the dry season, roughly January to April, when nesting birds gather in their largest numbers. Visits continue in other months, but bird numbers are lower and access depends on water levels.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppFor birdwatchers and nature lovers, absolutely. The colonies of large waterbirds are spectacular in the dry season. If you only want a glimpse of lake life, a floating village closer to Siem Reap may suit you better.
January to April, during the dry season, when birds gather in large numbers. Start very early, as birds are most active in the cooler morning hours.
Plan for most of a day, leaving Siem Reap before sunrise and returning in the afternoon. Times depend on lake levels and boat conditions.
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