Wildlife Photography Hides in Cambodia

Banteay Meanchey Province, North-west Cambodia

Ang Trapeang Thmor is the single most important non-breeding feeding ground for the Eastern Sarus Crane in Cambodia, supporting up to 400 cranes in the dry season. This 126-km² protected landscape in Banteay Meanchey Province, approximately 90 km northwest of Siem Reap, was first protected in 1999 specifically for crane conservation. Around 200 bird species have been recorded across its mixture of reservoir, grassland, and dry dipterocarp forest habitats. A community-managed conservation fee of $20-40 per visitor funds local ranger patrols. Guided full-day tours depart Siem Reap at 5:30am and visit watchtowers overlooking the crane roost. Best sightings from January to May at dawn.

Phnom Aural Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Speu Province

The Cambodian Laughingthrush is one of the world's most localised bird species, found only on Phnom Aural — Cambodia's highest mountain at 1,813 m — and adjacent peaks in the Cardamom Mountains. This elusive, recently described species was only confirmed as Cambodia's second endemic bird in 2012. Sam Veasna's 4-day tour involves a challenging trek to the upper montane forest zone where the laughingthrush and Cambodian Tailorbird are resident. The ascent through multiple forest zones also produces pittas, broadbills, hornbills and high-altitude forest birds rarely encountered on lowland tours. Tour price $1,765/person. Recommended fitness level: good. Not suitable for those with knee or altitude issues.

Nationwide (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)

A comprehensive 14-day / 13-night small-group birding tour covering all of Cambodia's key habitats and target species. The itinerary runs from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, visiting Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, Tmatboey Northern Plains, Mekong River and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. Around 300 bird species are possible. Led by specialist guide Andrew Walker with expert local guides. The tour targets Cambodia's two regional endemics and a full suite of globally threatened large waterbirds that have disappeared from all other parts of Southeast Asia. December departures 2027 and 2028 at $6,980-7,750/person. Group size 4-8 participants. Two nights in tented safari-style camps. Includes Sam Veasna Conservation Tours site fees.

Preah Vihear Protected Forest, Preah Vihear Province

One of the most extraordinary wildlife photography experiences in Asia — a purpose-built photography hide overlooking a WCS-maintained "vulture restaurant" (feeding station) in the Preah Vihear Protected Forest. Guests observe all three of Cambodia's critically endangered vulture species feeding on a cattle carcass from a camouflaged blind at close range. The vulture restaurant program is critical to the survival of these species and has dramatically improved sighting reliability. The two-day tour includes overnight accommodation and also searches for Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis in the surrounding dry dipterocarp forest. Operated in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society Cambodia.

Botum Sakor National Park, Koh Kong Province

Botum Sakor National Park is Cambodia's largest national park and a designated biodiversity hotspot, covering coastal rainforest, mangrove and river systems along the Gulf of Thailand in Koh Kong Province. The park shelters all of Cambodia's endangered mammals — including an estimated 10% of the global Pileated Gibbon population — alongside Siamese Crocodile, White-winged Wood Duck and Green Peafowl. Irrawaddy Dolphins are occasionally spotted in the Preak Tachan River. Trekking and kayaking are the primary access methods; independent visits require a guide. The Cardamom Tented Camp sits within the park and provides the most comfortable and conservation-focused access point to this remote wilderness.

Nationwide, based in Siem Reap

The Cambodia Bird Guide Association is an NGO based in Siem Reap providing conservation-focused birding tours led by professional local guides to 17 destinations across Cambodia. The 14-day Special Birding Tour visits all key conservation sites — Angkor Wat, Prek Toal, Tmatboey, Ang Trapeang Thmor, Changkran Roy, the Mekong and the Northern Plains. CBGA guides are among the most experienced local birding guides in the country and contribute directly to community conservation funding. January departures scheduled for 2026 and 2027. Community conservation contributions of $20-40 per site are levied at each destination. Individual shorter tours from half-day ($65) to multi-day are also available.

Botum Sakor National Park, Koh Kong Province

Cardamom Tented Camp is a joint-venture between Wildlife Alliance and private investors, situated on the Preak Tachan River deep inside Botum Sakor National Park in Koh Kong Province — the largest national park in Cambodia and one of the world's 32 biodiversity hotspots. The camp is accessible by a 30-minute boat ride from Highway 48. Activities include jungle trekking with Wildlife Alliance rangers, kayaking, night boat safaris, and camera trap research that regularly documents clouded leopard, Asian elephant and dhole. Camp manager Allan Michaud is an award-winning wildlife photographer with 20 years' experience. All revenue directly funds Wildlife Alliance ranger operations protecting 1.4 million hectares of Cardamom rainforest. Packages from $393 (3 days/2 nights).

Siem Reap Province

Changkran Roy is one of the last remaining patches of lowland evergreen forest near Siem Reap, located approximately 70 km from the city, and is the only reliable site for Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo in Southeast Asia. Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, the Cambodian Bird Photography Group and the Changkran Roy Ecotourism Committee maintain a sponsored photography hide where visitors can observe and photograph this extraordinarily elusive ground-dwelling cuckoo at close range. February and March offer the best chance. The 2-day / 1-night tour also targets Bar-bellied Pitta, Oriental Bay Owl and Blyth's Frogmouth by torchlight. A small community conservation fee supports local rangers.

Southern Cardamom Mountains, Koh Kong Province

Chi Phat is a community-based ecotourism village operated with support from Wildlife Alliance in the heart of Cambodia's Southern Cardamom Mountains — Southeast Asia's largest remaining rainforest at 4.4 million hectares. Formerly a logging and hunting community, Chi Phat villagers now provide sustainable income through homestays, multi-day jungle treks, mountain biking, boat tours and birdwatching. The surrounding forest protects at least 62 globally threatened animal species including Pileated Gibbon, Asian Elephant, Clouded Leopard and Siamese Crocodile. Wildlife Alliance rangers actively protect 1.4 million hectares. Trek options range from 1-10+ days. Wildlife Alliance's ecotourism model has been internationally recognised as a conservation success story.

Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri Province

Cambodia's original and most respected ethical elephant sanctuary, operating since 2006 in 1,500 hectares of protected forest in Mondulkiri Province. Seven rescued working elephants roam freely and are observed — never ridden — by small visitor groups accompanying Bunong indigenous mahouts on two guided forest walks per day. The "no rides, no tricks, no feeding, no swimming" philosophy ensures a dignified, natural experience. Day tours start from $60; overnight bungalow stays offer evening and early morning forest sessions. Surrounding forest holds Great and Wreathed Hornbills, Green Peafowl and Pygmy Slow Loris. The project operates within a 300,000-hectare protected forest corridor in the Mondulkiri highlands.

Nationwide (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)

Field Guides' 17-day Cambodia tour frames the country as a "Last Chance to See" destination for mega-rare large waterbirds — species that have been extirpated from all surrounding countries. The itinerary integrates exceptional birding with the legendary cultural experience of Angkor Wat and its surrounds. Participants explore wetlands, rice paddies, grasslands and dry savanna woodland across Cambodia's most important conservation sites. January/February departures (2027: Jan 30 – Feb 15 at $7,375/person; 2028: Feb 5-21). Tour limit 8 persons; led by Phil Gregory with specialist local guides. Accommodation consistently rated highly by past participants.

Angkor Archaeological Park, Siem Reap Province

A unique sunrise or sunset birding experience combining the world-famous 12th-century Angkor Wat temple complex with guided birdwatching in its lesser-visited forest and water surrounds. Expert Sam Veasna guides lead small groups through the moat margins, tree-lined avenues and forest patches around Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Prohm, where 30-35 species can typically be found on a single visit. The moats and ditches attract kingfishers and darters; large trees host owlets, drongos and parakeets; and the temple ruins provide excellent perching and nesting sites for multiple species. A peaceful contrast to the tourist crowds, particularly at dawn. Tour fee $65 per person.

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Mondulkiri Province

Jahoo Gibbon Camp operates the world's only long-term habituated program for Southern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbons in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary — a 3,000 km² protected area in Mondulkiri with 356 recorded bird species and the world's largest population of Black-shanked Douc Langur (25,000 individuals). Pre-dawn gibbon tracking begins at 5am, with guests guided by trained Bunong rangers to habituated gibbon families before their morning calling display. The camp accommodates guests in simple bamboo tents with beds, hot showers and home-cooked dinners. An estimated 115 wild elephants range through the sanctuary. Guides cost $85-125/person/day. Minimum stay recommended 2 nights.

Mekong River, Kratie Province

The Kampi Pool, 15 km north of Kratie town on the east bank of the Mekong River, is the most accessible and densely populated of the remaining deep-water pools inhabited by the critically endangered Mekong subpopulation of Irrawaddy Dolphins — fewer than 100 individuals remain. With approximately 20 dolphins resident at Kampi alone, this is the world's most reliable site to observe this species. Boat tours last 60-90 minutes and cost $10 per person ($8 in groups), with each boat carrying up to 6 people. The dry season (October-May) offers the best sightings with up to 95% success rates as dolphins concentrate in deep pools. Photography from the boat is excellent in good light; dry bags supplied.

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary, Mondulkiri Province

Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province is one of Cambodia's most wildlife-rich protected areas, covering 3,000 km² of bamboo forest, dry dipterocarp, evergreen and semi-evergreen forest. It holds the world's largest population of Black-shanked Douc Langur (25,000 individuals), seven primate species, 356 recorded bird species (the highest eBird count for any Cambodian site), and at least 21 woodpecker species including the world's largest woodpecker — Great Slaty Woodpecker. English-speaking guides available at $85-125/person/day. The Jahoo Gibbon Camp provides on-site overnight accommodation. WCS Cambodia conducts ongoing research and supports community ranger programs across the sanctuary.

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Oddar Meanchey Province

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the largest protected areas in Cambodia, covering dry dipterocarp forests, evergreen forests, freshwater wetlands and grasslands in the Northern Plains. The sanctuary harbours 36 IUCN Red List species, including six Critically Endangered. The Florican Grassland sites within the sanctuary support the largest known population of Critically Endangered Bengal Florican in Cambodia and possibly the world. Early morning visits to grassland sites offer close observation of male floricans in display flight, alongside Sarus Cranes, Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis. The sanctuary encompasses Tmat Boey village. Conservation fees of $20-40/person fund ranger patrols that have significantly improved species populations.

Mekong River, Kratie Province

The Mekong Wagtail is a range-restricted near-endemic found only on rocky islands and rapids of the Mekong River in a small stretch between southern Laos and northeastern Cambodia. Kratie town, 350 km northeast of Phnom Penh, is the most reliable access point for this species, which nests on river islands that emerge from the Mekong during the dry season. Half-day boat trips from the Kratie waterfront combine Mekong Wagtail with dolphin-spotting at Kampi Pool. The Cambodia Bird Guide Association offers guided Kratie birding days that also target Burmese Bush Lark on dry-season sand banks, alongside migrant waders and raptors. An overnight stay allows early-morning birding at dawn.

Sen Monorom, Mondulkiri Province

The Mondulkiri Project operates ethical elephant encounters and guided jungle treks in the Mondulkiri highlands, partnering with the local Bunong indigenous community. Unlike traditional mahout programs, visitors observe rescued elephants walking freely in their forest habitat with minimal human interference. Forest treks from Sen Monorom (800 m elevation) explore highland dipterocarp forest where Great and Wreathed Hornbills, Green Peafowl and Pygmy Slow Loris are regularly encountered at dusk. Overnight stays in community-operated bungalows allow early morning forest sessions. Mondulkiri remains one of Cambodia's most accessible wildlife provinces, connected to Phnom Penh by a sealed road.

Phnom Penh City

An unusual and rewarding half-day birding experience targeting the Cambodian Tailorbird — one of only two bird species endemic to Cambodia — which inhabits dense undergrowth and scrub around the edges of Phnom Penh and the Mekong waterfront. Discovered as a full species only in 2013, the Cambodian Tailorbird is a globally threatened species found exclusively in a small area of lowland Cambodia. Sam Veasna guides lead visitors to the best urban patches in Phnom Penh where the tailorbird sings persistently from dense vegetation. The tour can be combined with Mekong River boat birding for Mekong Wagtail (another near-endemic) on the same day. Tour price $270/person.

Takeo Province, 40 km south of Phnom Penh

Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Centre is Cambodia's largest wildlife sanctuary, covering 6,000 acres of protected forest 40 km south of Phnom Penh. Founded in 1995, it houses over 1,200 rescued animals from 102 species — all former victims of illegal poaching and trafficking. Wildlife Alliance offers an exclusive full-day "Behind-the-Scenes Tour" ($150/person) running 8am-4pm, including transport and lunch, with privileged access to feeding areas, veterinary facilities and breeding programs not open to general visitors. The fee is a direct conservation donation. The centre plays a central role in Cambodia's wildlife law enforcement program, providing a refuge for confiscated animals until release or long-term care.

Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve, Battambang Province

Prek Toal is the single most important waterbird colony in Southeast Asia — a 42,000-hectare UNESCO Biosphere Reserve on the western edge of Tonle Sap Lake and a Ramsar wetland since 2015. The core area harbours one of the last breeding colonies of Spot-billed Pelican, Greater Adjutant, Milky Stork and Painted Stork in the region. Day tours depart Siem Reap at 5:30am by road then boat across the Great Lake, arriving at floating observation platforms surrounded by nesting colonies of up to tens of thousands of birds. Peak season runs November to May, with pelicans peaking in January, storks in February. Entry fee $30 per person. Tours include transport, guide, boat, breakfast and lunch.

Nationwide (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)

Rockjumper's 11-day flagship Cambodia birding tour targets both critically endangered endemic species — Cambodian Laughingthrush and Cambodian Tailorbird — plus an extraordinary suite of globally rare waterbirds and forest species. The tour covers Angkor Wat, Prek Toal waterbird colony, Northern Plains (Giant and White-shouldered Ibis, vulture restaurant), and Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary. February departures available for 2027, 2028 and 2029. Tour price USD $5,700-6,200/person. Accommodation ranges from safari-style tented camps and homestays to comfortable hotels. Maximum 12 participants, led by Rockjumper's specialist Southeast Asia guides. Can be paired with a Laos extension.

Nationwide (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)

The flagship multi-site tour from Sam Veasna Conservation Tours, designed to encounter all six of Cambodia's Critically Endangered bird species in five days. The route visits Tmatboey (Giant Ibis, White-shouldered Ibis), Boeng Toal Vulture Restaurant (three vulture species), Bengal Florican grasslands and Sarus Crane reserve at Ang Trapeang Thmor. Conservation contributions at every site fund community rangers whose patrol activities have directly reversed population declines in all target species. SVC was founded in honour of conservationist Sam Veasna and pioneered the community ecotourism model in Cambodia. Tour price from $2,565/person. Combines well with the 8-day "Essential Cambodia" ($2,830) or 10-day "Wild Cambodia" ($4,960) tours.

Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap Province

Sam Veasna's dedicated full-day Tonle Sap waterbird tour is described as "a magical day with an abundance of birds." The Tonle Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia and one of the world's most productive inland fisheries, expanding from 2,500 km² in dry season to 16,000 km² during floods. The tour visits multiple waterbird hotspots around the lake edge, including floating village areas, submerged forest corridors and open-water roost sites, with all boat transport provided. Spot-billed Pelicans number in the hundreds, with storks, darters and adjutants in large mixed colonies. Tour price $295/person, includes transport, guide and boat hire.

Stung Treng Province, Upper Mekong

The Stung Treng Ramsar Site covers 14,600 hectares along 37 km of the upper Mekong River near the Laos border, designated in 1999. The braided channels and flooded forests shelter 207 fish species, 231 bird species and rare mammals including Irrawaddy Dolphins. Long-tail boat tours from Stung Treng town explore the Ramsar wetlands, Indigenous community villages, ancient Khmer waterfall at Sopheak Mith, and deep-water dolphin pools. Community boat tours cost approximately $90 for up to 6 people per day. The best photography window is the dry season (November-April) when water recedes and reveals extraordinary tree root systems. The Mekong Ramsar Trail connects Stung Treng to Kratie by river.

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Preah Vihear Province

The flagship conservation ecotourism experience in Cambodia, visiting Tmat Boey village in the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary — the most important site in the world for the critically endangered Giant Ibis, Cambodia's national bird. With fewer than 500 mature individuals left globally, this community-based tour offers a 95% sighting success rate between December and April. Guests depart Siem Reap and travel to the remote northern plains, staying at the Tmat Boey Ecolodge launched in 2024. Expert local guides lead morning and evening walks to Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis feeding pools. Conservation fees paid directly fund community livelihoods and patrol rangers that have increased ibis populations dramatically since 2002.

Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Preah Vihear Province

The extended Tmat Boey experience provides two full days exploring the Northern Plains grasslands and dry dipterocarp forest with extra time at Giant Ibis feeding pools, trepeangs (seasonal pools), and Sarus Crane grasslands. Two nights at Tmat Boey Ecolodge — an award-winning community-managed lodge that delivers direct conservation funding. Sam Veasna Conservation Tours has achieved a 95% Giant Ibis sighting success rate across their Northern Plains programs. The tour can include an optional visit to the Angkor Wat temple complex on the return to Siem Reap. Conservation contribution of $30 per person included.

Tonle Sap Lake, Siem Reap Province

An immersive full-day combination of waterbird photography from motorised wooden boats among the flooded forests and stilted houses of Kampong Phluk, followed by a survey of waterbird roosts on Tonle Sap Lake — Southeast Asia's largest freshwater lake. The Tonle Sap expands from 2,500 km² in the dry season to 16,000 km² during floods, creating one of the world's most productive freshwater fisheries and an extraordinary wetland supporting huge waterbird populations. The floating village tour navigates through submerged mangrove forest corridors, offering intimate photography of waterbirds at eye level from the boat. Best visited October to May when water levels allow forest boat access.

Virachey National Park, Ratanakiri Province

Virachey National Park in the remote northeastern highlands covers 3,325 km² straddling Ratanakiri and Stung Treng Provinces, rising from 400 to 1,500 m across dense semi-evergreen lowlands, montane forests and upland savannah. The park holds the largest known population of Northern Yellow-cheeked Crested Gibbons in the world — an estimated 500 groups — as well as Red-shanked Douc Langurs, Great and Wreathed Hornbills, and camera-trap-confirmed populations of Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear and Asian Black Bear. All treks must be booked through the Virachey National Park Eco-Tourism Information Centre in Ban Lung and require at least one park ranger plus one indigenous guide. Average cost $80-120/person/day all-inclusive. Treks range from 1-10 days.

Nationwide (Siem Reap to Phnom Penh)

WINGS Birding Tours offers expert-led small-group birding tours to Cambodia beginning in Siem Reap. Cambodia's forests and wetlands support rare birds including populations of Giant Ibis (national bird), Mekong Wagtail, Cambodian Tailorbird, and the Eastern race of Sarus Crane. WINGS combines visits to Angkor Wat with access to the Northern Plains conservation area for Giant Ibis and the Tonle Sap waterbird colonies. The program is designed for experienced birders seeking Cambodia's full suite of critically endangered and endemic species. Tours are led by WINGS specialists with extensive Southeast Asia experience.