Tmatboey & Kulen Promtep Birding Site | Cambodia | Wildtour
Summary
Tmatboey, in remote Preah Vihear Province, is one of Cambodia's classic dry-forest birding destinations. The landscape is dominated by open deciduous dipterocarp woodland and seasonal forest pools known as trapeangs. These waterholes are central to the site's birding, providing feeding areas for the two flagship species: Giant Ibis and White-shouldered Ibis. The open forest also supports an exceptional woodpecker community, with numerous species possible in a single visit, together with raptors, parakeets, prinias, bushlarks and other dry-country birds.
Birding here is best approached as an immersive multi-day stay. Early mornings are spent checking trapeangs and forest tracks, while late afternoon and night excursions can add owls and nightjars. Tmatboey is accessible by road from Siem Reap and can also be linked with other northern Cambodian sites. The village ecolodge is the traditional base and places visitors close to the birding area. For birders travelling through Indochina, Tmatboey is especially important because it combines globally threatened ibis conservation with a distinctive dry-forest bird assemblage that is difficult to experience elsewhere.
Transportation
Cambodia has developed its road system quite well. You can reach Tmatbouy by car from Phnom Penh (7 hours) and Siem Reap (3 hours). The new bridge near Stung Treng now lets you go from Kratie (5 hours).
Accommodation
Ecolodge at Tmatbouy village is a popular place for most birders; however, a town nearby (30 km), Preah Vihear city, supports a number of hotels and guesthouses.
Relevant tour
More information about the birding sites in Indochina