Phnom Penh: Wetland Birding Tour with Local Guide & Brunch

Summary

Birdwatch in Phnom Penh’s wetlands with a local guide and brunch

You’ll cross the Mekong at sunrise for a real taste of Phnom Penh’s birdlife—spotting Cambodian Tailorbirds and Bee-Eaters with a local guide who knows every call. Walk lotus fields, share breakfast by a quiet lake, and listen for rare birds near ancient pagodas—moments you’ll remember long after you leave Cambodia.

What’s the experience like?

There’s this moment just after the ferry leaves Areyksat dock — the city behind, river air still cool, and I’m clutching my coffee like it’s a lifeline at 6am. Our guide, Dara, grinned and pointed out the first flash of color in the reeds before I’d even finished yawning. I didn’t expect to feel so awake so quickly, but there’s something about the way the Mekong smells early — kind of green and earthy, mixed with diesel from the boats — that snaps you into the present.

We wandered through paddy fields near Skyland, shoes damp from dew. Dara could spot a Cambodian Tailorbird by ear alone (I tried, failed). He laughed when I squinted at a Bee-Eater — “Green or blue-tailed?” Honestly, I still don’t know. The lotus farms were waking up too; farmers waved as we passed, and there was this low hum of insects everywhere. At one point a Black Drongo swooped right past us — close enough that I felt the rush of air on my cheek. Breakfast came just in time; open-air table by a little lake, strong coffee again (thank god), eggs and rice while watching waterhens pick their way along the edge.

After breakfast we kept going through more tangled green — Dara stopped us for every new call overhead. He got quietly excited about an Oriental Pratincole (I pretended to spot it first; he didn’t buy it). The sun was up now but not too hot yet. We ended up at Pech Makod Pagoda where he told stories about Blue-winged Pittas nesting nearby in June — didn’t see one this time but honestly just listening to him talk about them made me want to come back during breeding season. There was this silence under the trees that felt different somehow — peaceful but alive, if that makes sense.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Phnom Penh Birding and Brunch

• Pick up at Areyaksat Ferry Dock
• Walk at Skyland 7NG Paddy Fields
• Breakfast at Local Restaurant
• Birdwatching: Cambodian Tailorbird & Pech Makod Pagoda

Top questions

What time does the Phnom Penh birding tour start?

The tour begins at 6:00 am from Areyksat Ferry Dock.

Is breakfast included in this birding experience?

Yes, breakfast is included at a local open-air restaurant by a small lake.

Which birds can I expect to see on this tour?

You may see Cambodian Tailorbird, Oriental Pratincole, Bee-Eaters, Black Drongo, Purple Swamphen, Chinese Pond Heron, and many wetland species.

Is transportation provided during the tour?

Yes, an air-conditioned vehicle is provided after crossing the ferry.

Is this Phnom Penh birding tour suitable for families?

Yes, infants and children are welcome; prams and infant seats are available.

Are there options for travelers with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible with suitable transportation options.

Where does the tour end?

The final stop is Pech Makod Pagoda before returning to Phnom Penh.

How long does this day trip last?

The experience lasts approximately half a day, starting early morning until late morning.

What’s included

Your morning includes pickup at Areyksat Ferry Dock near Koh Pich Island, all transport by ferry and air-conditioned vehicle, binoculars for spotting birds, breakfast with coffee or tea at a lakeside restaurant, plus guidance from an expert local birder throughout your journey across Phnom Penh’s wetlands and pagodas.