Make an early start with a 6am pick-up from your Siem Reap hotel and travel by minivan to the port of Chong Khneas. Hop aboard your boat and kick off your tour with your first wildlife encounter – at the Chong Khneas Crocodile and Fish Farm. Marvel at menacing crocodiles, water snakes and gigantic catfish as you glide around the farm, take the opportunity to feed the fish or purchase some handmade souvenirs at the farm shop.
Hear more about the local fishing trade as you pass fishing boats, boat-makers and fish markets along the lakeside, then take in the views as you cruise across Tonle Sap Lake. As you arrive at the Prek Toal Biosphere Reserve, switch to a traditional flat-bottomed boat to explore the swamps and flooded forests of the reserve. As you paddle around the reserve, your guide will point out the different birds, which include over 150 bird species. Look out for Spot billed Pelican, Painted Storks Black headed Ibis, Grey-headed Fish Eagles and the rare Masked Finfoot.
Leave the reserve in the early afternoon and head to the famous Queen Tara to tuck into a typical Khmer lunch as you gaze out across the lake. Finally, cruise back to Chong Khneas port, where a driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel.
Please note: The best time for bird watching in Prek Toal is during the dry season between December and May, when many different species of migratory birds can be seen. However, as the water recedes it may not be possible to reach all of the viewing areas.
