It is difficult to avoid being in awe of Southeast Asia’s natural wonders as one travels along the region’s winding roads. There are many beautiful sites to see, from the tropical jungles of Thailand to the historic temples of Cambodia. Amongst them, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is a haven for avian enthusiasts, tucked away in Cambodia’s lush countryside.
Best way to reach Prek Toal
Prek Toal is situated in the north-western part of the Tonlé Sap Biosphere Reserve.
Suggested route from Bangkok:
- Fly from Bangkok to Siem Reap: The closest significant city to the Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is Siem Reap, and numerous airlines offer flights between here and Bangkok. The flight lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes an there are many providers.
- Take a taxi or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap to the boat dock: You can hire a taxi or tuk-tuk to reach the boat dock in Chong Khneas once you get to Siem Reap. Depending on the amount of traffic, the trip takes between 30 minutes and an hour.
- Take a boat from the dock to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary: You can book a boat to reach Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary from the boat dock in Chong Khneas. Depending on the weather and water level, the trip takes one to two hours.
You can reach Prek Toal easily either through Phnom Penh and Siem Reap. Visitors from Bangkok can ride one of the many buses in Cambodia that travel to Siem Reap from the Thai capital. You can buy bus tickets online on Camboticket.com. Visitors can book a tour of the sanctuary once they arrive in Siem Reap, which usually includes transportation to and from the location.
As an alternative, travelers from Phnom Penh can benefit from the Phnom Penh to Siem Reap bus schedule, which offers regular departures all day long. For those seeking to book a Phnom Penh to Siem Reap bus ticket, Camboticket.com provides a variety of options with various departure times and price ranges.
Note: It is advised to reserve a tour or guide in advance to simplify transportation plans and guarantee you have a fun and safe time.
Make the best use of your time there
In addition to bird watching, there are several other activities you can enjoy while visiting the sanctuary:
- Take a boat tour: A boat tour is a fantastic opportunity to see the area and some of the bird species up close.
- Visit a floating village: There are several floating villages worth exploring close to the bird sanctuary. These communities provide a glimpse into the traditional way of life of the locals, who rely on the Tonle Sap lake for a living.
- Explore the wetlands: The Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is located within the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, one of Asia’s biggest freshwater wetlands. The wetlands can be explored on foot or by boat to see a diversity of flora and fauna.
- Experience local cuisine: Cambodian cuisine is varied and flavorful, and the nearby floating villages provide an excellent opportunity to sample local specialties such as fish amok, a steamed fish curry wrapped in banana leaves, or kuy teav, a noodle soup with pork and fish balls.
Overall, Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary offers a variety of activities besides bird viewing. It is undoubtedly worth a visit to explore it’s abundant biodiversity, distinctive culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
