Tailormade Holidays in Cambodia

Tour Code: TKHM

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Cambodia with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

The Best of Cambodia & Vietnam's Birding

19 Days

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When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

January to April, December

Speak to a Cambodia expert

Tom Mabbett

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Siem Reap Area - Angkor Complex, Ang Trapeang & Prek Toal
Tmatboey
Boeng Toal Vulture Project
Seima Wildlife Reserve

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Summary

The world-renowned Angkor temple complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of soaring architectural marvels and is understandably many people’s sole reason to visit Cambodia. However, for the wildlife enthusiast, the country also offers a wealth of possibilities, and supports a mind-boggling array of species including over 530 species of birds, many endemic, and others which are almost lost to the rest of south-east Asia. Cambodia is nestled in tropical south-east Asia between Laos, Thailand and Vietnam and hosts abundant wildlife treasures. There is a wonderful mix of habitats, including dry forests, evergreen forests, open grasslands, wetlands and the mighty Mekong River, the latter home to rare Irrawaddy Dolphins and the recently discovered Mekong Wagtail. The number of rare and endangered species found in Cambodia, such as Giant and White-shouldered Ibis which are almost impossible to see elsewhere, will surprise and delight visitors to this fascinating country. Other star species present in encouraging numbers include Bengal Florican, Milky Stork and the trio of endangered Asian vultures – Red-headed, White-rumped and Slender-billed. Some impressive conservation projects are also underway in the country, many of which are predominantly funded by eco-tourism. No trip to Cambodia would be complete without a visit to Angkor Wat, an excellent birdwatching site in its own right. But this is merely a jewel in an opulent crown, for Cambodia boasts many fabulous temples, statues and other historical marvels, many of which will be explored during a wildlife holiday.

Our Locations

The most famous part of Cambodia is the Siem Reap area, which includes Angkor Wat itself. However, many people don’t realise that just to the north of the temple complex is south-east Asia’s largest freshwater lake. The flooded woodland of Prek Toal hosts one of the most important colonies of waterbirds in south-east Asia, with 100,000 pairs of storks, herons, egrets, ibises and pelicans, including rarities such as Spot-billed Pelican and Milky Stork. A boat trip here offers the opportunity to get close to the birds and is perfect for photography. Not far away is Ang Trapeang Thmor, a complex of wet grassland and rice paddies where the fast-declining Sarus Crane, the tallest bird in Asia, breeds, along with a host of other exciting birds and the critically endangered Eld’s Deer. Angkor Wat itself is also set within an area of disturbed dry forest with permanent watercourses (‘barays’ or moats) and is surprisingly good for birding. Arriving at Angkor Wat for first light to enjoy the temples and birds in the morning air is an experience not easily forgotten. Forest Wagtail and Hainan Blue Flycatcher are just two of the avian delights one might encounter here. Not far away, the Bayon Temple in Angkor Thom, the last capital city of the Angkor Empire, is also profoundly impressive, as is the delightful Ta Prohm Temple nestled amidst tangled tree roots. All these places are easily accessible in a relatively small area, with comfortable hotel accommodation in Siem Reap itself.

White-shouldered Ibis, Cambodia shutterstock_1460683706.jpg

The village of Tmatboey is on Cambodia’s northern plains and basks in a rich ecosystem encompassing seasonal grasslands, open woodland and deciduous dipterocarp woodland (the signature forests of the region). This extraordinary area is home to a remarkable conservation project aimed at helping two great rarities, the Giant Ibis and the White-shouldered Ibis. We stay at the community eco-lodge established by the Ministry of Environment, a unique project aimed at linking wildlife tourism, conservation and development. Nearby, the natural grasslands provide habitat for the critically endangered Bengal Florican.

Red-headed Vulture shutterstock_478252069.jpg

Cambodia is one of the few countries with stable populations of Asia’s three critically endangered vultures; the Red-headed, White-rumped and Slender-billed. The premier cause of the decline, a drug that was administered to sick cattle but which kills vultures, has never been used here. To keep the birds from straying to other countries, the Wildlife Conservation Society has set up ‘vulture restaurants’ for supplementary feeding and research, and the one at Boeng Toal may attract 60-70 birds at dawn, as well as Golden Jackals, Dholes and Greater Adjutant Storks. The carcass is funded by visitors, thereby contributing to the local economy. Accommodation is in a nearby camp.

Black-shanked Douc, Cambodia shutterstock_1195754419.jpg

This reserve lies in the Eastern Plains, the largest intact block of forest in the whole of south-east Asia; a wonderful mixture of dipterocarp woodland, evergreen forest and bamboo. The biodiversity here is incredible, with more than 300 bird species recorded, and nearly 100 mammals. Among the latter, the reserve plays host to an internationally important population of Asian Elephants; although, despite their size, it can take quite an effort to see them. There are also some wonderful primates, including the rare Black-shanked Douc Langur and Southern Buff-cheeked Gibbon. Birds abound here, and the reserve hosts one of the highest concentrations of woodpeckers in the world, with 16 species recorded including Great Slaty (the largest of all woodpeckers), White-bellied and Heart-spotted. Other birds of note include Germain’s Peacock Pheasant, Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Great Hornbill, Orange-necked Partridge and the stunning Bar-bellied Pitta. This is one of the last remaining wilderness areas in the country.

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View key locations on the map.

Sample Itineraries

This itinerary includes Cambodia's best birding locations whilst also incorporating the country's most iconic cultural sights.

Day

Depart UK

Days

2 - 5

Siem Reap

Days

6 - 8

Tmatboey

Days

9 - 10

Boeng Toal

Days

11 - 13

Seima Wildlife Reserve

Day

Depart Phnom Penh

14 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Experience the diverse array of birdlife across these two spectacular neighbouring countries, whilst also marvelling at the magnificent temples at Angkor

Day

Depart UK

Day

Arrive in Ho Chi Minh City, travel to Cat Tien National Park

Days

3 - 5

Cat Tien National Park

Day

Di Linh

Days

7 - 10

Dalat

Day

Siem Reap, Cambodia

Day

Tmatboey via Kompong Thom

Days

13 - 14

Tmatboey

Day

Kratie

Day

Siem Reap

Day

Angkor

Day

Depart Siem Reap, fly to UK

Day

Arrive UK

19 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

An excellent, English-speaking local naturalist guide will accompany you throughout your holiday in Cambodia. Our guides are also all certified temple guides, so their knowledge extends to all aspects of Cambodia’s heritage.

When to Visit

Cambodia can be a rewarding destination at any time of the year, particularly the Siem Reap area – which includes Angkor Wat – and Seima Wildlife Reserve. However, the best time for viewing wildlife is undoubtedly the cooler and drier months between December and March, when many of the birds are singing and the trees have lost their leaves, making sightings easier. April to August is the wet season, when some wetland sites are flooded, and March to July is hot and humid. At Tonle Sap the water levels are highest in October, with the birds breeding from November to May. The Giant Ibis is present at Tmatboey from January to April, with the White-shouldered Ibis present all year. The vulture feeding station operates all year round.

Getting Around

Navigating the road network in Cambodia has long been an adventure, but vast improvements have been made in recent times, with many repairs and upgrades to highways throughout the country. The best wildlife sites typically require travelling on bumpy roads, and during the wet season these can frequently be impassable. One of the delights in moving around cities is the use of ‘tuk-tuks’, which are everywhere.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!