Cambodia Birding Tours
From the flooded forests of the Mekong to the remote plains of the Northern Lowlands, Cambodia offers an exceptional blend of giant ibis, rare vultures, Bengal Florican and some of Southeast Asia’s most sought-after birds.
Cambodia is one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding birding destinations, with more than 620 recorded bird species, including the endemic Cambodian Laughingthrush and Cambodian Tailorbird. From the vast Tonlé Sap wetlands to the dry forests of the Northern Plains and the remote Cardamom Mountains, Cambodia offers exceptional opportunities to see iconic species such as Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Bengal Florican, and several species of critically endangered vultures, all while experiencing the country’s rich culture, ancient temples, and inspiring community-based conservation initiatives.
Featured Birding Areas
Siem Reap & Angkor
The forests, wetlands and ancient temples surrounding Siem Reap provide a superb introduction to Cambodia’s birdlife. While the magnificent temples of Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm and Bayon are among the world’s greatest archaeological treasures, the surrounding woodlands also support an impressive variety of birds, making this a unique destination where wildlife and history come together.
Nearby wetlands such as Phnom Krom attract a range of herons, egrets, kingfishers and other wetland birds, while the temple forests are home to barbets, parakeets, woodpeckers and owls. Combining exceptional birding with Cambodia’s rich cultural heritage, Siem Reap is the perfect starting point for any birding adventure.
Tonlé Sap & Prek Toal
The vast Tonlé Sap is Southeast Asia’s largest freshwater lake and one of the region’s most important wetlands. Seasonal flooding creates an extraordinary mosaic of flooded forests, reedbeds and open water, providing breeding habitat for thousands of colonial waterbirds and making the area internationally recognised for its conservation significance.
A visit to the Prek Toal Core Reserve offers outstanding opportunities to observe huge breeding colonies of Spot-billed Pelicans, Painted Storks, Asian Openbills, Lesser Adjutants, Greater Adjutants and many other wetland specialists. Exploring these waterways by boat provides one of Cambodia’s most memorable wildlife experiences.
Northern Plains
Cambodia’s Northern Plains protect one of the largest remaining areas of dry deciduous forest in Southeast Asia and are widely regarded as the country’s premier birding destination. Community-led conservation initiatives have transformed this region into a global success story, protecting several of the world’s rarest birds while providing sustainable livelihoods for local communities.
The area is the best place to search for the magnificent Giant Ibis, Cambodia’s national bird, together with the equally endangered White-shouldered Ibis. Other highlights include Bengal Florican, Great Slaty Woodpecker, White-rumped Falcon, Blossom-headed Parakeet, numerous owls and an excellent diversity of dry forest specialists.
Chhaep Wildlife Sanctuary
Located within Cambodia’s northern dry forests, Chhaep Wildlife Sanctuary is internationally renowned for its remarkable vulture conservation programme. Purpose-built hides allow visitors to safely observe one of the last remaining populations of Southeast Asia’s critically endangered vultures at close range, creating one of the continent’s most unforgettable birding experiences.
Regular visitors include White-rumped Vulture, Slender-billed Vulture and Red-headed Vulture, often accompanied by eagles, woodpeckers and other dry forest birds. Few places in Asia offer such reliable and intimate views of these globally threatened scavengers.
Mekong River
The upper Mekong River around Stung Treng and Kratie supports one of Cambodia’s most distinctive birding habitats. Braided river channels, sandy islands and riparian forests provide habitat for a specialised community of riverine birds found in few other parts of Southeast Asia.
Boat trips along the Mekong offer excellent opportunities to search for the endemic Mekong Wagtail, together with River Lapwing, Small Pratincole, Great Thick-knee and a variety of kingfishers and waterbirds. The river is also one of the last refuges for the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin, adding another unforgettable wildlife encounter to this remarkable region.
Why Travel With Sicklebill Safaris | Birder.Travel?
Small groups. Specialist knowledge. Extraordinary birding.
Our Cambodia birding tours are designed for travellers seeking more than a temple tour. Combining Cambodia’s remarkable birdlife, ancient cultural heritage and inspiring community-based conservation projects, our carefully planned itineraries showcase the country’s extraordinary natural heritage while supporting the people and organisations working to protect it.
- Small group travel – Our tours are kept small to maximise comfort, flexibility and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Expert local knowledge – We work alongside Cambodia’s most experienced bird guides, whose knowledge of the country’s birds, habitats and conservation areas helps maximise your chances of finding its most sought-after species.
- Cambodia’s premier birding locations – From Angkor, Prek Toal and Tonlé Sap to the Northern Plains, Chhaep Wildlife Sanctuary and the Mekong River, our itineraries focus on the country’s most rewarding birding destinations.
- Photography-friendly pace – We allow plenty of time for observation, photography and memorable wildlife encounters rather than rushing from site to site.
- Supporting conservation – Many of the sites we visit are community-managed conservation areas, where your visit directly supports local livelihoods and the protection of species such as Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis and Cambodia’s critically endangered vultures.
- Birding and culture combined – Explore the magnificent temples of Angkor, experience authentic Cambodian hospitality and discover one of Southeast Asia’s richest cultural landscapes alongside world-class birding.
- Personal service – As a small specialist company, we provide friendly, practical support before and throughout your journey.
Cambodia Birdwatching Tours
Cambodia Birding: Giant Ibis, Bengal Florican & Mekong Wildlife
Ancient Temples. Giant Ibis. Remarkable Wildlife.
Discover one of Southeast Asia’s most rewarding birding destinations on this 12-day journey through Cambodia’s forests, wetlands and mighty Mekong River.
From the magnificent temples of Angkor to the flooded forests of Tonlé Sap, the dry woodlands of the Northern Plains and the wildlife-rich Mekong River, this tour showcases the very best of Cambodia’s birdlife. Search for the critically endangered Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis, watch three species of endangered Asian vultures from purpose-built hides, look for the spectacular Bengal Florican, and cruise the Mekong in search of the endemic Mekong Wagtail and the endangered Irrawaddy Dolphin. Along the way, explore Cambodia’s remarkable cultural heritage, visit the iconic temples of Angkor, and experience community-based conservation projects that are helping protect some of Southeast Asia’s rarest wildlife.
Perfect for birders wanting to experience Cambodia’s flagship species, this carefully designed itinerary combines world-class birding, unforgettable wildlife encounters and one of Asia’s richest cultural landscapes in a relaxed small-group setting.
Tour Duration
12 Days / 11 Nights
Group Size
Best Time
January – March
Highlights
Giant Ibis • Endangered Vultures • Angkor Wat
Past Trip Reports
Cambodia 2026 Trip Report
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is the best time to visit Cambodia for birding?
The best birding is generally from November to March, when cooler, drier conditions make wildlife easier to observe and access to key birding sites is at its best. This period also coincides with the arrival of many migratory species and excellent bird activity across Cambodia’s forests, wetlands and rivers.
Why is Cambodia considered one of Southeast Asia’s best birding destinations?
Cambodia protects some of the largest remaining areas of dry forest and wetland habitat in Southeast Asia, making it one of the best places to see globally threatened birds. The country is home to more than 620 recorded bird species, including the endemic Cambodian Laughingthrush and Cambodian Tailorbird, as well as iconic species such as Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis, Bengal Florican, and three species of critically endangered vultures.
What are the best birding areas in Cambodia?
Cambodia offers a remarkable diversity of birding habitats. Highlights include Tonlé Sap and Prek Toal for spectacular waterbird colonies, the Northern Plains for Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis, Chhaep Wildlife Sanctuary for endangered vultures, the Mekong River for Mekong Wagtail and Irrawaddy Dolphin, and the forests surrounding Angkor for woodland birds combined with Cambodia’s famous temples.
Do I need to be an experienced birder?
No. Our Cambodia tours are suitable for birdwatchers of all experience levels, as well as wildlife photographers, nature enthusiasts and travellers interested in Cambodia’s spectacular landscapes, culture and conservation. Our experienced guides tailor the experience to suit the group.
Do I need to be an expert birder?
No. Our Japan tours are suitable for keen birders, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Some guests are experienced world birders, while others are travelling to enjoy Japan’s birds, wildlife and landscapes.
Will we visit Angkor Wat?
Many of our Cambodia itineraries include time exploring the magnificent Angkor Archaeological Park, combining birding with visits to Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon and other remarkable temples. Some specialist tours may focus entirely on wildlife, so inclusions vary between itineraries.
What other wildlife can I expect to see?
Alongside Cambodia’s exceptional birdlife, visitors may encounter Irrawaddy Dolphins, macaques, civets, squirrels, reptiles and a wide variety of butterflies and dragonflies. Cambodia’s diverse habitats support an impressive range of wildlife beyond its famous birds.
How physically demanding are your Cambodia tours?
Most of our Cambodia tours are rated easy to moderate. Birding typically involves short walks on relatively flat trails, visits to wildlife hides and boat excursions on lakes and rivers. Early starts are common to take advantage of peak bird activity, but there are generally no long or difficult hikes.
How large are your Cambodia birding tours?
Most of our scheduled Cambodia birding tours are limited to 6 participants. Small groups allow us to maximise wildlife viewing opportunities, provide a more personalised experience and remain flexible when searching for Cambodia’s rarest birds. They also offer better opportunities for photography and minimise disturbance to wildlife.
Private tours and customised itineraries can also be arranged for individuals, couples and small groups.
Why travel with Sicklebill Safaris | Birder.Travel in Cambodia?
Our Cambodia tours combine small group travel, experienced local bird guides and carefully planned itineraries that visit the country’s finest birding locations. We also work with community-based conservation projects wherever possible, ensuring your visit supports local people while helping protect Cambodia’s extraordinary wildlife.