Boat trip to Prek Toal takes about two hours from Chong Kneas boat dock, upon arrival meet Prek Toal Environmental Research Station for guiding tour to birds sanctuary. The Research Station has information on the area's flora and fauna. There are also basic overnight accommodations at the Research Station if you want to stay the night to take full advantage of the sunset and early morning viewing hours. The entrance free for birds watching for two persons cost 25$ each, 3 pax up cost 20$ per person including boat guided tour to birds sanctuary. Your entrance fee expense use to help promote responsible tourism in Cambodia, and contributes to the conservation of the area especially educate children, villagers about the importance of the birds and the unique flooded forest environment, all your expenses go through to local communities The 'bird sanctuary' at the Prek Toal core area of the Tonle Sap Biosphere Reserve has been called "the single most important breeding ground in Southeast Asia for globally threatened large water birds.
Prek Toal bird sanctuary is a protected site located on the North Eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake, one hour by boat from Siem Reap port. The area consists of a vast undisturbed flooded forest where thousands of water birds come each year to breed during the dry season.
As such, it is one of the most important places in South-East Asia for the conservation of endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans and Ibis. Birdwatchers drifting through the forest will observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lakeshore, perched on trees or soaring above the forest.
A traditional floating village
At the edge of the flooded forest, a lively human community has settled in floating houses, a practical solution to cope with the changing water level of the lake. In the village, the visitor will see floating grocery boats and stores, coffee and dessert sellers paddling gently along.
All village life is organised around and heavily relies on fishing. Various types of traditional fishing gears are encountered on the lake as well as in the village and in the streams of the flooded forest. Some villagers raise fish in pens while others have set up crocodile farms behind their floating homes.
COMMUNITY BASED ECOTOURISM OF PREK TOAL
Settled in the core of the Tonle Sap Lake Biosphere Reserve, and surrounded by flooded forests, the community of Prek Toal invite you to a unique experience of sharing their floating life. Everything, except a few administrative buildings, is floating in Prek Toal village: the children reach their floating school by paddle boats, the floating shops pass from house to house to sell their vegetables…
More than a floating village, Prek Toal is also the main entrance to the famous bird sanctuary: this unique ecosystem is host to the highest number of large breeding water birds in South East Asia. Endangered species such as black headed Ibis, Milky stork, greater adjutant come to breed every year in the flooded forest of Prek Toal.
Prek Toal Community Based Ecotourism Site was established in 2005 under support from Osmose NGO.
TRACTIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Paddle boat tours: the villagers will take you on their traditional paddle boat through the water streets of their village and give you a unique perspective on a way of life that is unimaginable to many of us. Each stop to a specific spot will be an opportunity to learn more about the special work performed in the floating villages such as fish farming, crocodile farming, floating gardens
aray, the floating handicraft cooperative: Originating from South America and introduced to the Tonle Sap Lake, the water hyacinth is an invasive aquatic plant, becoming an increasing environmental issue. Since 2004, the non-profit water hyacinth handicraft cooperative SARAY, offers employment to the women of the floating villages of the Tonle Sap Lake. Enjoy experiencing the weaving in action with the women by visiting the workshop. SARAY offers a wide range of 100% natural products, including bags, baskets, mats and accessories.
Weaving class: More than just the learning of a handicraft technique, you will share a special time with the joyful women of Saray cooperative and help them developing their self confidence.
oating home stays: Spend a night in a traditional floating Khmer house, marvel at the sunset and sunrise over the water. Enjoy the amazing experience of a night in a floating village and share in your host’s daily life experiences. Wake up and appreciate the early morning life.
Floating community restaurant: Enjoy a unique dining experience at the community restaurant where local food has been styled to accommodate your taste. The floating restaurant has a capacity of over 60 seats.
Bird Sanctuary and Osmose Ecotours: join an Ecotour to the bird sanctuary guided by one of the specialized guides of Osmose. Enjoy the magnificence of the flooded forest and observe the huge bird colonies from the ranger’s platforms. A variety of tours, including day and overnight are available into the bird sanctuary and the village and can be customize to suit your needs.
A bird sanctuary
Prek Toal bird sanctuary is a protected site located on the North Eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake, one hour by boat from Siem Reap port. The area consists of a vast undisturbed flooded forest where thousands of water birds come each year to breed during the dry season.
As such, it is one of the most important places in South-East Asia for the conservation of endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans and Ibis. Birdwatchers drifting through the forest will observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lakeshore, perched on trees or soaring above the forest.
A bird sanctuary
Prek Toal bird sanctuary is a protected site located on the North Eastern shore of the Tonle Sap Lake, one hour by boat from Siem Reap port. The area consists of a vast undisturbed flooded forest where thousands of water birds come each year to breed during the dry season.
As such, it is one of the most important places in South-East Asia for the conservation of endangered species such as Storks, Adjutants, Pelicans and Ibis. Birdwatchers drifting through the forest will observe large flocks of birds feeding on the lakeshore, perched on trees or soaring above the forest.
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HOW TO ACCESS TO PREK TOAL COMMUNITY BASED ECOTOURISM SITE?
Prek Toal village is located about 2 hours travel by boat and taxi (or tuk tuk) from Siem Reap. To reach the Floating Community Based Ecotourism you can:
- Rent a boat in Mey Chrey or Chonk Kneas ports
- Stop in Prek Toal on your boat journey between Battambang and Siem Reap
- Join an eco-tour organized by Osmose (pick up from your hotel in Siem Reap)
