Venture beyond the temples of Angkor Wat and experience nature’s treasures throughout the Siem Reap province.
Rescued animals are the stars of Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity, Cambodia’s first centre dedicated to conserving wildlife and biodiversity. Along with reptiles, raptors and pangolins, you may also see the giant ibis — the country’s rare and endangered national bird.
On the way from Siem Reap to Bantey Srey temple, the Banteay Srey Butterfly Centre (BBC) is an interactive exhibit where you’ll encounter native Cambodian butterflies fluttering around an enclosed tropical garden.
There are plenty of ways to spot wildlife in their habitats. As you soar through the canopy along Angkor Zipline, in the heart of Angkor Archaeological Park, you may see wild gibbons peering out shyly.
About two hours from Siem Reap, there is a whole other world to explore on Phnom Kulen. A guided trek across the plateau of this sacred mountain will lead you to a cool waterfall. See etchings of Hindu gods carved into a riverbed and explore Angkorian sites such as Prasat Krol Romeas and Wat Preah Ang Thom, where a large reclining Buddha statue attracts pilgrims from far and wide.
Elephants roam freely within Kulen Elephant Forest, a 1,100-acre sanctuary tucked within the foothills of Phnom Kulen National Park. These gentle giants, who once worked to transport people, have been rehabilitated into their natural environment and now live in peaceful retirement in complete freedom. On this tour, you can walk through the Bos Thom community forest to see them evolve.
Other natural wonder, the Tonle Sap Lake is home to the Prek Toal flooded forest, designated as a core area (21,000 ha) of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve for its botanical diversity and colonies of endangered large waterfowl including Spot-billed Pelican, Milky Stork and Painted Stork, Greater and Lesser Adjutant and Black-headed Ibis. These species nest in dense colonies between October and June, providing a wonderful viewing area for birdwatchers.
From jungled landscapes to mountain peaks, your next outdoor adventure awaits in Siem Reap and beyond.
