Taking flight to Boeng Peariang

Visiting Siem Reap without indulging in a trip to Angkor, the ancient capital of the Khmer Empire, seems almost unthinkable. Yet, once the tour of the temples is complete, some visitors may find their stay dragging on. Escaping the city’s touristic bustle can be a welcome change—especially since the surrounding countryside is teeming with an incredible variety of animal and plant life. One of its hidden gems is the Boeng Peariang Bird Sanctuary, located near the village of Chreav, about thirty minutes from Siem Reap.

Boeng Peariang, once a clandestine paradise for hunters and poachers, has since been transformed into a sanctuary that now protects Cambodia’s avian species. It delights ornithologists, bird enthusiasts, wildlife photographers, and anyone curious to experience nature at its rarest and most breathtaking. Best explored by boat, Boeng Peariang offers a peaceful and immersive way to discover Cambodia’s rich biodiversity.

175 Rare Bird Species

Nestled just minutes from Chreav village and framed by mangrove trees—those tropical guardians of coastal ecosystems—Boeng Peariang was once a prime hunting ground. Gourmet connoisseurs of wild bird meat, and at times more unscrupulous poachers, would come to take their fill. Flesh, bones, and feathers were sold on the black market, while live birds were smuggled away whole by collectors.

Thanks to a local community initiative, the area has been protected and designated a sanctuary to preserve its natural habitat. It has since become a haven for 175 species of rare birds—rural, mountainous, and coastal alike. The milky stork, the spot-billed pelican, the purple heron, and the black-headed ibis are just a few of the many species that now roam the sanctuary’s 208 hectares (2.08 km²).

The charm of Cambodia’s countryside

The road to Chreav leads directly into the heart of authentic Cambodian countryside—especially the areas bordering Siem Reap and the great Tonle Sap Lake. The red dirt roads bear the marks of your journey. Locals, particularly children, greet passing tourists with warm smiles and cheerful shouts of “Hello!” Upon arrival, water buffalo wallowing in the wetlands welcome you to their domain, while lush green rice fields complete the idyllic landscape.

A tour of the Boeng Peariang Reserve lasts about two hours. It is available year-round, but the experience is especially rewarding during the dry season—particularly from February to May. At this time of year, the sun shines about 95% of the time, and the lower water levels make it easier for birds to fish. You’ll have the best chance of spotting the greatest variety of species during this period.

Thibault Bourru