Kampong Thom Grasslands Day Trip

Embark on an exhilarating and highly rewarding "Kampong Thom Grasslands Day Trip" with Golden Trail Travel, an intensive single-day expedition meticulously designed for birdwatchers eager to witness one of the world's most critically endangered and enigmatic avian wonders: the magnificent Bengal Florican. This specialized tour takes you into the heart of Cambodia's Central Plains, specifically targeting the crucial open grassland and wetland habitats of Kampong Thom province, an area recognized globally for its vital role in the survival of this truly rare species.

Your day begins with a very early start from Siem Reap, heading southeast towards the vast plains that characterize Kampong Thom. While the journey is significant for a day trip, it is absolutely essential to reach these prime habitats during the optimal birding hours of early morning. Upon arrival, you will be immersed in the unique landscape of expansive grasslands, interspersed with scattered trees, paddy fields, and seasonal wetlands. This habitat is a stronghold for the Bengal Florican, a large, ground-dwelling bird belonging to the bustard family. With its striking black and white plumage in males during breeding season and its critically endangered status, a sighting of the Bengal Florican is often considered a pinnacle for any dedicated birder.

Accompanied by an experienced local bird guide who possesses an intimate knowledge of the area and the florican's habits, you will meticulously scan the grasslands. The strategy often involves a combination of careful walking, strategic scanning from elevated points, and sometimes, patient waiting near known foraging or display grounds. Beyond the primary target, the Kampong Thom grasslands are a haven for a variety of other fascinating bird species. You'll keep your binoculars ready for various pipits, larks, munias, and weavers. The wetland areas and paddy fields attract diverse waterbirds, including various species of egrets, herons, storks (such as Painted Stork and Spot-billed Pelican), and various waders. Raptors are also a common sight, with species like Eastern Marsh Harrier, Pied Harrier, and Black-shouldered Kite often patrolling the skies. Depending on the season, migratory species like Oriental Plover or different snipes can also be present, adding to the day's potential sightings.

This day trip is an incredible opportunity not only to witness the critically endangered Bengal Florican but also to appreciate the unique beauty and vital conservation importance of Cambodia's Central Plains. Golden Trail Travel ensures comfortable and efficient transfers, expert local guiding, and a focus on responsible birding practices, making this an unforgettable, albeit intensive, avian adventure for those truly passionate about rare bird encounters

• Critically Endangered Bengal Florican: Experience a truly special opportunity to search for and, with luck, witness the magnificent and critically endangered Bengal Florican in its natural grassland habitat. This is a primary target for global birdwatchers.

• Unique Grassland Ecosystem: Explore the distinctive open grassland and scattered tree habitats of Kampong Thom province, a unique ecosystem vital for many specialized bird species.

• Diverse Avian Encounters: Beyond the Bengal Florican, discover a wide array of other bird species, including various pipits, larks, munias, weavers, and a strong presence of raptors suchading Eastern Marsh Harrier and Pied Harrier.

• Rich Wetland Birdlife (Seasonal): Depending on the season, witness significant numbers of waterbirds in the interspersed wetland areas and paddy fields, such as Painted Stork, Spot-billed Pelican, various egrets, herons, and waders.

• Expert Local Guiding: Benefit from the invaluable knowledge and keen eye of experienced local bird guides who intimately know the terrain and the habits of the Bengal Florican and other resident birds.

• Conservation Awareness: Gain a deeper understanding of the critical conservation efforts in place to protect the Bengal Florican and its fragile habitat in Cambodia's Central Plains.

• Intensive Day Trip: A perfectly structured, albeit demanding, day trip from Siem Reap designed to maximize your chances of encountering the Bengal Florican during its most active periods (early morning).

• Bird Photography Potential: Opportunities for capturing unique images of rare grassland and wetland species against the backdrop of Cambodia's rural landscapes.

HOTELS
Economy 2*+ Hotels
Superior 3* Hotels
First Class 4* Hotels
Deluxe 5* Hotels
Luxury 5*++ Hotels

Notes:
*All prices are based on per adult, in Double/Twin sharing
Surcharge will be applied for single traveler or single room request

Important Notes:
HOTELS, PROGRAMS & SCHEDULES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE

GUIDE/LEADER:
English speaking guide. French , Germany , Spanish, Italian, Russian  speaking guide can be arranged with on request.

Your Dream Bird Watching Tours, Crafted Just for You Across Asia

At Golden Trail Travel, we believe every getaway should be as unique as the traveler. As Asia's premier Bird Watching Tours, we specialize in creating bespoke coastal experiences that perfectly match your desires and budget, wherever your wanderlust takes you.

Our dedicated team—comprising experienced local experts, reliable drivers, insightful tour consultants, and passionate travel specialists—is committed to ensuring your escape is seamless, relaxing, and truly unforgettable.

Whether you're exploring solo, enjoying a family getaway, or embarking on a group expedition, we're here to design a trip that's exclusively yours. The itineraries you see are just a starting point; consider them a canvas upon which we'll paint your ideal Asian Bird Watching Tours. We invite you to share your ideas, tell us your preferences, and let us know your budget. We'll meticulously customize an existing itinerary or craft a brand-new program from the ground up, adding or excluding elements until it's absolutely perfect for you.

Ready to start planning your dream Bird Watching Tours across Asia? Share your requirements with us today, and let's create memories that will last a lifetime.