Wildlife in Cambodia
Including Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity, Botum Sakor National Park, and Mekong Flooded Forest. On the map.
The vibe
Seeing wildlife here feels like a quiet, patient observation of river ecosystems and deep forests rather than a high-octane safari. The dry season is best for spotting animals as they congregate around shrinking water sources. It is a low-key, often boat-based experience where you rely on local knowledge to find elusive species away from the main tourist circuits.
Entry requires a standard park ticket.
Angkor Center for Conservation of Biodiversity
Siem Reap
BluesyPete / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Located near the Kbal Spean area, this center focuses on the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of native Cambodian wildlife. It offers educational tours where visitors can observe rescued primates, turtles, and birds in a controlled environment.
Access. Accessible by car or tuk-tuk from Siem Reap; pre-booked guided tours are required.
Notes. The center is not a zoo; it is a conservation facility, so visitor access is strictly managed to minimize stress on the animals.
Botum Sakor National Park
Koh Kong
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
As Cambodia's largest national park, this coastal wilderness consists of lowland evergreen forests and mangrove swamps. It is a critical habitat for endangered species like the Sunda pangolin, pileated gibbons, and various rare bird species.
Access. Accessible by boat from Koh Kong or via private transport from the mainland; guided treks are essential for wildlife spotting.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season from November to April; hiring a local guide is mandatory for safety and tracking.
Mekong Flooded Forest
Kratie
Gonzo Gooner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Located near Kratie, this unique riverine ecosystem is the primary habitat for the critically endangered Irrawaddy dolphin. The area features a network of flooded forests that provide shelter for diverse aquatic life and migratory birds.
Access. Boat trips depart from Kampi village, a short drive north of Kratie town.
Notes. Dolphin watching is best done early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat and ensure better sighting opportunities.
Phnom Prich Wildlife Sanctuary
Mondulkiri
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Part of the Eastern Plains Landscape, this sanctuary is one of the few places in Southeast Asia where you can find significant populations of large mammals. It is a stronghold for banteng, Asian elephants, and leopards within a dry dipterocarp forest ecosystem.
Access. Requires 4x4 transport from Sen Monorom; visits must be arranged through conservation-focused tour operators.
Notes. Strict anti-poaching protocols are in place; visitors must adhere to park regulations and stay with licensed rangers.
Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary
Pursat
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
Located on the Tonlé Sap Lake, this biosphere reserve is one of the most important breeding grounds for endangered waterbirds in Southeast Asia. Visitors can witness massive colonies of storks, pelicans, and ibises in their natural wetland habitat.
Access. Accessible via boat tours departing from Siem Reap, typically involving a transfer to a smaller local boat to navigate the flooded forest channels.
Notes. Best visited during the dry season (December to April) when water levels are lower and birds are concentrated in the nesting areas.
Ream National Park
Khaet Preah Sihanouk
Николай Максимович / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
This coastal park encompasses mangroves, tropical forests, and coral reefs, providing a diverse habitat for macaques, pangolins, and a wide variety of bird species. It is a unique destination where land-based wildlife and marine ecosystems meet.
Access. Located near Sihanoukville, the park is accessible by boat tours that navigate the mangrove estuaries or by park-authorized hiking trails.
Notes. Best explored early in the morning to maximize the chances of spotting monkeys and wading birds.
Virachey National Park
Ratanakiri
Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit , Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center / Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)
One of Cambodia's largest protected areas, this rugged wilderness bordering Laos and Vietnam is a hotspot for biodiversity, including gibbons, sun bears, and clouded leopards. It offers an authentic, deep-jungle experience for travelers seeking rare wildlife encounters.
Access. Requires multi-day guided expeditions starting from Banlung, involving trekking and river travel deep into the park's interior.
Notes. A permit and a certified local guide are mandatory for entry due to the remote and challenging terrain.