Cambodia Birdwatching Tour

  • 16 days / 15 nights

Overview

Discover the untamed beauty and rich cultural soul of Cambodia in this exclusive birdwatching journey designed for nature lovers and discerning travelers alike. From the misty wetlands of Tonle Sap to the sacred temples of Angkor, this bespoke expedition unveils the country’s most enchanting wildlife sanctuaries and timeless heritage sites. Led by expert local guides, you’ll explore pristine bird habitats, encounter rare species, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of rural life while staying at handpicked boutique lodges that blend comfort with authenticity.

Highlight

  • Duration: 16 days / 15 nights
  • Destinations: Siem Reap – Battambang – Phnom Penh – Koh Kong – Cardamom Mountains – Sihanoukville – Koh Rong Sanloem
  • Experience Type: Private guided, bespoke, and cultural eco-tour
  • Best for: Birdwatchers, nature lovers, cultural explorers, and small-group luxury travelers"

Itinerary

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Welcome to Cambodia. Upon landing at Siem Reap International Airport, complete immigration formalities (visa on arrival available or pre-arranged via evisa.gov.kh), collect your luggage, and proceed to the exit where our representative awaits. Enjoy a smooth 60-minute private transfer to your hotel for check-in (from 14:00).

Rest, refresh, and settle into Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

After breakfast, travel to Preah Khan, once a bustling monastic city of nearly 100,000 officials and attendants. Continue to Neak Poan, a delicate island temple surrounded by the ancient Jayatataka Baray.

Visit the Cambodia Landmine Museum, founded by Aki Ra - former child soldier turned humanitarian, nominated for CNN Hero of the Year 2010. Explore his impactful work, then meet local families producing traditional palm sugar.

Journey 35km into the countryside to Banteay Srei, the exquisite 10th-century pink sandstone temple known as the “jewel of Khmer art.” Admire its ornate carvings, pediments, and friezes. Stop by Pradark Village to see traditional handicrafts and rural life.

Dinner features an enchanting Apsara Dance performance - Khmer classical “dance-drama” bringing ancient myths to life.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Begin a scenic cycling journey into Angkor. Ride through quiet countryside, past villages and rice paddies, entering Angkor Thom via the serene West Gate.

Pedal along wide laterite paths to the Terrace of the Elephants and Phimeanakas, before reaching the mystical Bayon Temple, famed for its giant serene faces. Wander its terraces and intricate bas-reliefs with your guide’s insights.

Cycle onward through the forest to Ta Prohm, where silk-cotton roots embrace ancient stones -photogenic, atmospheric, unforgettable.

End at Angkor Wat, Cambodia’s iconic masterpiece. Explore its courtyards, galleries, and soaring central tower before cycling peacefully back to Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Depart at 7:00am for Phnom Kulen, Cambodia’s most sacred mountain. Visit Preah Ang Thom Pagoda and its revered reclining Buddha.

Join your motor-taxi driver for an adventurous exploration:

  • Poeng Tbal – riverbed carvings of Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesh, and ancient sages
  • Prasat Rong Chen – a three-tiered pyramid, one of the earliest Angkorian sites
  • A hilltop temple with panoramic views
  • Picnic lunch in a quiet temple dining hall
  • Explore a bat cave with a hidden sanctuary
  • Visit Srah Damrei (Elephant Pond) and Damrei Khrap carvings

End at Preah Ang Thom, then visit the Thousand Lingas River and cool off at Kulen Waterfall before returning to Siem Reap.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

At 08:00am, transfer to Kulen Elephant Forest, a haven where elephants roam freely in natural habitat.

Morning with the Elephants:

  • 1-hour scenic drive
  • Welcome briefing
  • Meet & greet with the elephants
  • Guided observation trek (2 km)
  • Prepare enrichment food and watch elephants play by the pond
  • Khmer-style lunch & cocktails

Later, head to the Quad Bike center for safety training before setting off toward open fields and rural villages.
Witness the countryside turn gold during a spectacular sunset ride.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Depart at 5:30am for the Sam Veasna Center, then continue to Ang Trapaeng Thmor, a protected wetland home to 300+ Sarus Cranes in dry season and more than 200 bird species - including 18 globally threatened.

Spot rare waterbirds, roaming Eld’s Deer, and enjoy a countryside picnic overlooking sweeping grasslands.

Dress Code: comfortable clothes in earth tones (avoid red/white/yellow).

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Siem Reap.

Cruise across the great Tonlé Sap Lake toward Battambang. Witness floating villages, bamboo forests, fishermen at work, and the famed community of Prek Toal. Stop at Bak Prea fishing village and visit Chheu Khmau Pagoda.

Arrive at Battambang, meet your driver, and transfer to your hotel.

At sundown, climb Phnom Sampeu, known for its cave shrines and Khmer Rouge history. As dusk falls, witness thousands of bats streaming from the caves in breathtaking formations.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Battambang.

A full day uncovering Battambang’s artisanal heritage:

  • Watch how rice noodles, hand-rolled cigarettes, and rice paper are made
  • Discover the making of Cambodian “cheese” and bamboo sticky rice
  • Visit Wat Kor Village, home to authentic century-old wooden Khmer houses

Explore Phnom Banan, climbing 350 steps to a serene temple and sweeping countryside views—perfect at sunset.

Ride Battambang’s iconic Bamboo Train across 8 km of rice fields and open landscapes.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Battambang.
 

Drive to Phnom Penh (approx. 5 hrs). Stop in Kampong Chhnang, famous for traditional pottery and rice wine. Continue to Oudong, the former royal capital, for lunch (own account), then visit the peaceful Vipassana Dhura Meditation Center for an introduction to Insight Meditation.

Arrive in Phnom Penh late afternoon and check in.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Phnom Penh.

Explore the capital by Cyclo, gliding along the riverfront to Wat Phnom, then through the old French Quarter.

Visit:

  • Royal Palace (1866), a symbol of Khmer grandeur.
  • Silver Pagoda, home to precious Buddha statues.
  • National Museum, housing 5,000+ Khmer artifacts.
  • Independence Monument.

Learn Cambodia’s modern history at Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum (S21)—a solemn yet essential visit.

End the day with a sunset river cruise along the Mekong and Tonlé Sap at the “Four Arms” of Phnom Penh.

Accommodation: Boutique hotel in Phnom Penh.

Private transfer to Trapeang Rung (approx. 4 hrs). Freshen up at the lodge before a 1-hour boat ride along the tranquil Preak Tachan River to Cardamom Tented Camp.

Check into your safari-style tent, then embark on a guided jungle walk to discover the region’s biodiversity and Wildlife Alliance’s conservation efforts.

Accommodation: Luxury tented camp in Cardamom Mountains.
 

Join Wildlife Alliance rangers for a half-day patrol through abandoned poaching trails. Visit the Ranger Station, where confiscated snares and traps are displayed. Return to camp by kayak or on foot, surrounded by pristine forest.

Accommodation: Luxury tented camp in Cardamom Mountains.

After breakfast, farewell the camp and boat back to Trapeang Rung. Continue by private vehicle to Sihanoukville (approx. 4.5 hrs). Board a shared speedboat at 12:30pm to Koh Rong Sanloem (45–60 mins depending on weather).

Arrive at your island resort - white sands, turquoise waters, complete tranquility.

Accommodation: Boutique resort on Koh Rong Sanloem.
 

A full day to swim, sunbathe, or simply enjoy island serenity.

Accommodation: Boutique resort on Koh Rong Sanloem.

Bid farewell to your island retreat. Speedboat back to the mainland, transfer to Phnom Penh, and connect with your international departure flight.

FAQS

Absolutely. This bespoke Cambodia luxury tour is designed around your interests. Our boutique travel agency will tailor every detail for a private and exclusive experience.

You’ll stay in handpicked boutique hotels, eco-luxury lodges, and intimate resorts, blending comfort, style, and authenticity.

Yes, we recommend securing travel insurance to cover unexpected events. Choose the plan that best fits your needs before departure.

Simply fill out the request form on our website, and a luxury travel specialist will help you design your personalized itinerary.

A deposit of 30% is required to confirm your booking. The remaining balance is due 60 days before travel. Last-minute bookings may require full payment upfront.

We understand that plans can change. Here's a quick summary of our cancellation terms:
- 10% of the deposit is non-refundable.
- 65 days or more before departure: No cancellation fee. 
- 31–64 days before departure: 25% cancellation fee
- 16–30 days before departure: 65% cancellation fee, excluding any penalties charged by hotels, cruises, airlines, or rail services. All such penalties will be itemized.
- 15 days before departure & no-show: 100% cancellation fee

If your tour is impacted by unexpected events (like natural disasters or force majeure), we will offer you the option to postpone your trip or refund eligible payments (excluding any unrecoverable costs).

Yes, visas are required for most travelers, and we can guide you through the e-visa process.

Absolutely. Add Siem Reap, Sihanoukville, or even cross-border extensions to Vietnam or Laos.

Yes – enjoy a private, guided experience designed for comfort, safety, and connection.

From November to April, the dry season offers ideal weather for birdwatching and cultural exploration.

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