Ang Trapeang Thmor Reserve is a protected wetland in northwestern Cambodge, located in Banteay Meanchey province, bordering Thailand. Spanning 13,000 hectares of woodland, marshes and alluvial forests, it is home to nearly 200 bird species and constitutes one of Asia's last refuges for the sarus crane. About sixty kilometers north of Sisophon and 90 km from Siem Reap, the site remains off the beaten tourist trail and appeals primarily to travelers interested in ornithology and the rural landscapes of deepest Cambodge.

Why visit Ang Trapeang Thmor

Northwestern Cambodge concentrates several wetlands of major ornithological interest. Ang Trapeang Thmor ranks among the most important in the region, alongside the neighboring Prek Toal reserve, situated on the Tonle Sap, where the Osmose association carries out recognized conservation work with riverside villages.

The site's appeal rests on three elements: exceptional avian biodiversity in a well-preserved wetland environment, the emblematic presence of the sarus crane, one of the world's largest flying birds, and an authentic rural setting, away from the tourist crowds at the Angkor temples.

What to see and do

Ornithological fauna

The reserve's 13,000 hectares protect nearly 200 bird species, 18 of which appear on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) watchlists, with statuses ranging from near threatened to critically endangered. The sarus crane (Antigone antigone sharpii) is the flagship species: the bird reaches approximately 156 cm in height and has a wingspan exceeding two meters. The Ang Trapeang Thmor reservoir constitutes its primary feeding site during the dry season throughout Southeast Asia.

Other remarkable species are regularly observed:

• Painted storks and Indian spot-billed pelicans
• Spotted-billed pelicans
• Fish eagles and imperial eagles
• Waders, herons and numerous wetland passerines

The landscapes

The former reservoir, a legacy of the Khmer Rouge era, alternates between open water, floodable grasslands, rice paddies, flooded forests and copses. Early morning light, when cranes gather to feed, is the most cherished moment for photographers and birdwatchers.

Encounters with villages

The visit can be extended with a stop in nearby villages, notably with the potters of Phnom Choncheang, who perpetuate a craft passed down through generations. It's an excellent opportunity to understand the rural economy of Banteay Meanchey province.

When to go

The best period for observing the sarus crane extends from the end of the dry season, roughly January to May. Birds then migrate north for breeding. Outside this window, avian diversity remains interesting, but the spectacle of crane gatherings is not guaranteed.

Early morning hours and late afternoon offer the best observation conditions, with soft light and more pronounced bird activity.

Practical information

• Duration of visit: allow half a day to a full day depending on your interest in ornithology.
• Guide: the presence of a local English-speaking guide is highly recommended. They know the seasonal presence areas of species and facilitate approach without disturbance.
• Equipment: binoculars, hat, water, closed-toe shoes. A telephoto lens is useful for wildlife photography.
• Rainy season: some trails become difficult to navigate between July and October.
• Fees: a modest entrance fee is typically charged to support site conservation.

How to get there

The reserve is located about sixty kilometers north of Sisophon, capital of Banteay Meanchey province, and approximately 90 kilometers west of Siem Reap. Several options are available:

• From Siem Reap: private car with driver, the most practical solution for a day trip. Count on approximately two hours of driving.
• From Sisophon: tuk-tuk or local taxi for a shorter journey, around one hour.
• By motorbike: possible for independent travelers accustomed to Cambodian roads.

On site, a local English-speaking guide can be arranged through village reception points. Depending on water levels, part of the observation can be done by boat.

Nearby attractions

The region holds other sites that combine well with the reserve:

• Banteay Chhmar, a vast Khmer monumental complex from the 12th century, located in immediate proximity to the site and accessible on the same day.
• The Phnom Choncheang potter village, to discover living traditional craftsmanship.
• Sisophon, the logical base for staying overnight before or after your visit.

To incorporate Ang Trapeang Thmor into an itinerary combining Khmer temples, wetlands and traditional villages, consult our Cambodge travel suggestions.