Bird Sanctuary in Siem Reap
You have come to Siem Reap to see the grandeur of the temples of Angkor but after spending a few days roving around the ruins, we know you may be looking out for something else to do. Many visiting tourists do not realize the abundance of nature Cambodia has to offer. In fact, it is considered as one of the best spots in Asia to delve deeper into wildlife adventures.
If you are a bird watcher, a bird lover, a conservationist or simply a nature lover, this hunting ground turned a bird reserve called Boeng Peariang situated not too far away from UNESCO’s Angkor Archaeological Park is a great place to experience the amazing Cambodian wildlife.
Overview of Boeng Peariang Bird Sanctuary
Tucked away just 30 minutes from Siem Reap town, lies the Boeng Peariang Bird Sanctuary. It is home to about 175 rare species of countryside, mountain and waterbirds including Milky Storks, Spot-billed Pelicans, Purple & Grey Herons, Greater Adjutants, Black-headed Ibis and many others. The bird sanctuary used to be a hunting place where birds were killed for food or smuggled to be sold on the world’s growing black market. Due to the initiative of the local community to preserve the avian habitat, the sanctuary has been developed with the goal to serve as a bird reserve. The people residing in the Chreav Village are educated on the importance of wildlife and they now act as guides and bird rangers that protect the sanctuary from poaching. The bird reserve is about 208 hectares in size consisting of freshwater swamp forests where mangrove trees grow around. This Siem Reap bird sanctuary is partly supported by ADB (Asian Development Bank) and endorsed by the Ministry of Environment.
The Bird Sanctuary Experience
Boeng Peariang Bird Sanctuary is a year-round avian habitat where visitors are able to get a sight and experience a rich variety of wild waterbird species in their natural surroundings. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the different species of birds, nestling, breeding, ecosystems and how the Chreav community works closely to reserve the bird sanctuary.
A visit to Boeung Peariang Bird Reserve promises you a true taste of authentic Cambodian countryside and wildlife experiences. Verdant rice paddy fields, water buffaloes enjoying their baths, the red dirt roads Cambodia is known for and the smiling faces of the locals welcome you en route to the bird sanctuary. As you reach the sanctuary, you will be welcomed by a local guide from the Boeng Peariang Center where you will be walked through the village of Chreav to see the contemporary life of the local people and to get to know more about Boeng Peariang responsible eco-tourism project.
Board on the engine boat and rove around the lake to see the rare species of waterbirds, roaming freely around their natural habitat. Take the chance to ask your local guide to learn more about the bird reserve. The tour usually takes around 2 – 3 hours and is best experienced either at sunrise or sunset. If you wish to spend an overnight stay in the sanctuary, it can also be arranged in the village. February to May is the best period to visit where migratory birds flock to the avian sanctuary.
Navutu Dreams Resort & Wellness Retreat and Boeng Peariang Bird Reserve
Navutu Dreams, Siem Reap’s only resort & wellness retreat supports the efforts of the local people in Chreav Village to conserve the wildlife in the area. Our wellness resort has genuine commitment to green living and sustainable practices thus, we help to create awareness and promote eco-tourism projects like the Boeung Peariang Bird Reserve in Siem Reap province. We have curated a tour for our guests and visiting tourists that can help assist the conservation of the bird sanctuary. Just by visiting the bird sanctuary of Boeung Peariang, you can already help support the project since all proceeds generated from the ticket sales go back to the community.
If you have a few more hours to spare in the temple town before moving on and interested in visiting the Boeung Peariang Bird Sanctuary, our team at Navutu Dreams will be more than happy to organize it all for you. The tour is priced at U$45.00++ per person, minimum of two which includes transportation, a local guide, a visit to the Chreav Village, a picnic basket and a boat tour around the bird reserve which takes about 45 minutes. If you are a guest staying at our resort & wellness retreat, you may visit the concierge to organize your bird watching tour. If you would like to book in advance, you may email reservations@navutudreams.com and we will take care of everything.
