Cambodia, with a land area of 181,000 square kilometers, boasts 72,000 square kilometers of protected areas. Currently, the country has a total of 73 nature reserves, covering 41% of its territory. Its rich natural resources have nurtured more than 600 species of birds, making many parts of Cambodia top birdwatching destinations that attract countless eager visitors.
Located in western Cambodia, Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia. Stretching across nine provinces in Cambodia, it is home to stunning natural landscapes and a rich, diverse ecosystem. Hundreds of species of birds, fish, mammals, and various plants coexist in this unique habitat. In 1997, Tonle Sap Lake was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve.
Of the more than 600 bird species found in Cambodia, over 200 can be spotted around Tonle Sap Lake. Three protected areas established along the lake are ideal birdwatching spots. The best time for birdwatching is during the dry season, from December to May, when the weather is clear, water levels recede, and birds nest and thrive in the area.
1.Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Located in the northwestern upstream region of Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal boasts a unique ecological environment. It is the largest bird sanctuary in Southeast Asia and forms the core zone of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve. Flocks of waterbirds and migratory birds gather deep within the sanctuary’s seasonally flooded forests and wetlands.
Many rare and endangered bird species can be found here, including the critically endangered white-shouldered ibis, which is rarely seen elsewhere.
Upon arrival, visitors can choose to join a forest ranger and take a boat ride deep into the flooded forest. From a respectful distance, you’ll have the opportunity to observe and learn about these birds in their most authentic natural habitat — a truly remarkable and unforgettable experience.
2.Boeng Tonle Chhmar Nature Reserve
Located in the central-eastern region of Tonle Sap Lake, Boeng Tonle Chhmar is connected to expansive floodplain forest areas and serves as a vital feeding ground for large waterbirds and migratory species. This reserve is home to several endangered birds, including the brahminy kite, white-shouldered ibis, black-necked stork, and Indian cormorant, offering birdwatchers a rare chance to encounter these remarkable species in the wild.
3.Stung Sen Nature Reserve
Located near the confluence of Tonle Sap Lake, the Stung Sen River, and the Mekong River, Stung Sen is a key habitat for waterbirds. One particularly special species found here is the giant ibis.
The giant ibis is Cambodia’s national bird—a critically endangered species once thought to be extinct. Of the roughly 300 individuals remaining worldwide, about 90% live in Cambodia, highlighting the country’s vital role in protecting global biodiversity.
If you’re birdwatching in this area, keep an eye out for the elusive giant ibis — a true symbol of Cambodia’s natural heritage.
