Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Jayav Art
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Ang Trapeng
Thmor Reserve
This
bird sanctuary
(admission US$10)
is just across the border in the Phnom Srok region of
Banteay Meanchey Province, about 100km from Siem Reap. It's one of only a handful of
places in the world where it's possible to see the extremely rare sarus crane, as depicted
on bas-reliefs at Bayon. These grey-feathered birds have immensely long legs and striking
red heads. The reserve is based around a reservoir created by forced labour during the Kh-
mer Rouge regime, and the facilities are very basic, but it is an incredibly beautiful place.
Bring your own binoculars, however, as none are available here.
To reach here, follow the road to Sisophon for about 72km before turning north at Prey
Mon. It's 22km to the site, passing through some famous silk-weaving villages. The Sam
Veasna Center (see left) arranges birding trips (US$100 per person with a group of four)
out here, which is probably the easiest way to undertake the trip.
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Floating Village of
Chong Kneas
This famous floating village is now extremely popular with visitors who want a break
from the temples, and it's an easy excursion to arrange yourself. If you want something a
bit more peaceful, try venturing to one of the other Tonlé Sap villages further afield. Visit-
ors arriving by boat from Phnom Penh or Battambang get a sneak preview, as the floating
village is near Phnom Krom, where the boat docks. It is very scenic in the warm light of
early morning or late afternoon and can be combined with a view of the sunset from the
hilltop temple of Phnom Krom. The downside is that tour groups tend to take over, and
