Prek Toal
Sanctuary The sanctuary at the Prek Toal core area of the Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers.
The best time of year for viewing is the dry season (December-May) when flocks of
migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult. Arrange a trip to Prek Toal through your guesthouse or a tour operator. To do it yourself, take a moto or taxi from Siem Reap to the Chong Khneas boat dock. Arrange a boat to the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station (starting at $60 return,) a $20 entrance fee and $30 for a guided boat tour of the sanctuary.
The Research Station has information on the area's flora and fauna. There are also basic overnight accommodations if you want to stay the night to take full advantage of the sunset and early morning viewing hours.
Chong Kneas Village
Chong Kneas is the village which attracts the most visitors from Siem Reap, probably because it is the closest. The price of the boat for visiting Chong Kneas is around US$10 per person although you should get it cheaper if you go in a larger group (this does not include transport to the lake) and this trip should take about 2 hours. Make sure that you ask the person who you buy your ticket from how long the trip will be, because some boats will try and do it as quick as possible.
Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating village at the edge of the lake. It locates at Southern part of Siem Reap town about 15 Km, and takes only 30 minutes by vehicles to the boat dock where there are always boats waiting for visitors. The boat trip through the floating village takes approximately two hours. You will explore the different of Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists.
Chong Khneas, was before very interesting, but now region is owned by private firm they did increasing prices and the area looks more commercial. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Center, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
Kompong Phluk Village
Kampong Phluk village is a nicer village than Chong Kneas and it also does not get as many visitors as Chong Kneas. Kampong Phluk is further away then Chong Kneas. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs around US$15 for the boat per person, but again it should be cheaper if you are in a big group (this does not include transport to the lake).
Sanctuary The sanctuary at the Prek Toal core area of the Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large waterbirds." The Biosphere covers 31,282 hectares at the northwest tip of the Lake and plays host to species including Greater and Lesser Adjuncts, Black-headed Ibis, Painted Stork, Milky Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, Grey-Headed Fish Eagle and many more species. Of the three Biosphere core areas on the Tonle Sap Lake, Prek Toal is the most accessible from Siem Reap and the most popular with birdwatchers.
migratory birds congregate at Prek Toal. As the dry season progresses and the water recedes, the number of birds increases but the travel to some of the more important viewing areas becomes more difficult. Arrange a trip to Prek Toal through your guesthouse or a tour operator. To do it yourself, take a moto or taxi from Siem Reap to the Chong Khneas boat dock. Arrange a boat to the Prek Toal Environmental Research Station (starting at $60 return,) a $20 entrance fee and $30 for a guided boat tour of the sanctuary.
Chong Kneas Village
Chong Kneas is the village which attracts the most visitors from Siem Reap, probably because it is the closest. The price of the boat for visiting Chong Kneas is around US$10 per person although you should get it cheaper if you go in a larger group (this does not include transport to the lake) and this trip should take about 2 hours. Make sure that you ask the person who you buy your ticket from how long the trip will be, because some boats will try and do it as quick as possible.
Chong Khneas is the name of famous floating village at the edge of the lake. It locates at Southern part of Siem Reap town about 15 Km, and takes only 30 minutes by vehicles to the boat dock where there are always boats waiting for visitors. The boat trip through the floating village takes approximately two hours. You will explore the different of Khmer, Muslim and Vietnamese floating households and the floating markets, fisheries, clinics, schools, basketball course, pigsty and other boatloads of tourists.
Chong Khneas, was before very interesting, but now region is owned by private firm they did increasing prices and the area looks more commercial. The boat trip usually includes two stops: one at a touristy floating 'fish and bird exhibition' with a souvenir and snack shop, and the other at the very highly recommended Gecko Environment Center, which offers displays and information introducing the ecology and biodiversity of the lake area.
Kompong Phluk Village
Kampong Phluk village is a nicer village than Chong Kneas and it also does not get as many visitors as Chong Kneas. Kampong Phluk is further away then Chong Kneas. The trip takes around 2.5 hours and costs around US$15 for the boat per person, but again it should be cheaper if you are in a big group (this does not include transport to the lake).
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