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.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Cambodia specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Angkor Wat at sunset
Believed to be the world's largest religious building, this temple is the perfect fusion of symbolism and symmetry and a source of pride and strength to all Khmers. Watching the sun set, sat on one of the temple's ancient walls is a magical experience.
Cooks in tuk-tuks cooking class
Join a Cambodian chef and go shopping at the local market for fresh locally-grown ingredients. You explore several classic Khmer dishes and enjoy tasting the end result at a traditional Khmer-style luncheon. The class takes three to four hours.
Kompong Khleang & the Tonle Sap
Travel southeast to one of the largest and least-visited villages on the Tonle Sap Lake, Kompong Khleang, about 55 km from Siem Reap. It has a population of about 10,000 people, all of whom make a living from the fishing industry.
Professional photographer workshop at the Temples of Angkor
For those with a keen interest in photography and wanting to get the best of their time at the temples in Cambodia, this trip has been designed to help you do just that. All levels of skill are welcome.
Sunset Quad Bike Adventure
Follow your guide into the countryside immediately surrounding Siem Reap for an insight into a different side of Cambodia seeing how local people live and taking in the rural scenery.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tours below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
