Tmatboey — Community Tourism
Giant ibis birdwatching and community conservation
Province Guide Available
Overview
Tmatboey is Cambodia's most important birdwatching community tourism site, located in the remote northern forests of Preah Vihear Province. The village is the best place on earth to see the critically endangered giant ibis — Cambodia's national bird and the largest ibis species in the world, with fewer than 300 individuals surviving. The community has built a remarkable conservation economy around protecting this bird and its habitat.
The Tmatboey CBET model is considered one of the most successful conservation-through-tourism programs in Asia. A simple but elegant system connects bird sightings to community payments: when visiting birdwatchers successfully see a giant ibis, the community receives a bonus payment that is shared among all families. This creates a powerful collective incentive to protect nesting sites and prevent hunting across the entire community.
Activities & Experiences
Giant Ibis Birdwatching
Guided dawn excursions to forest pools and grasslands where giant ibis feed. Sighting success rates are approximately 80% during peak season. A bucket-list species for serious birders worldwide.
White-Shouldered Ibis Watching
Also critically endangered, white-shouldered ibis shares habitat with the giant ibis. Tmatboey is one of the most reliable sites globally for this species.
General Birding Walks
The deciduous dipterocarp forests around Tmatboey host over 200 bird species including vultures, woodpeckers, minivets, and seasonal migrants from China and Siberia.
Community Homestay
Stay in simple village accommodation — wooden houses, basic mattresses, mosquito nets, and meals cooked by community women. Authentic and welcoming.
Forest Conservation Walk
Join rangers on forest patrols and learn about the community's transition from hunting to conservation. See nest protection sites and reforestation areas.
Cultural Village Tour
Visit homes, the village pagoda, and rice fields. Understand how a remote farming community has become globally significant for bird conservation.
How to Book & Participate
- Booking must go through the Sam Veasna Center (SVC) in Siem Reap — Cambodia's specialist bird guiding organization.
- SVC arranges all logistics: transport, guides, accommodation, meals, and community payments.
- Standard 2-night packages cost approximately $200-250 per person including everything.
- Minimum group size of 2 people — solo travelers can join scheduled departures.
- Book at least 2-3 weeks in advance, especially during peak birding season (December-March).
- Independent visits are not encouraged — the SVC model ensures proper community benefit distribution.
Benefits for the Community
- The community receives direct payments for each successful giant ibis sighting by visiting birders.
- Payments are distributed equally among all community families, creating collective conservation incentive.
- Community members earn additional income as guides, cooks, drivers, and accommodation providers.
- The program has virtually eliminated hunting of giant ibis and other large waterbirds in the area.
- Tourism revenue exceeds what families could earn from land clearing and wildlife trade, making forest protection economically rational.
Conservation Notes
- Tmatboey protects the single most important breeding site for the critically endangered giant ibis.
- The community's conservation success has stabilized the local giant ibis population after decades of decline.
- Nest protection by paid community monitors has increased breeding success rates significantly.
- The deciduous dipterocarp forest habitat is also home to Asian elephants, banteng, and leopards.
- The Tmatboey model has been replicated at five other birdwatching CBET sites across northern Cambodia.
Practical Information
Duration
2-3 days
Cost
$200-250/person (2-night package via SVC)
Difficulty
Easy to moderate (early wake-ups)
Best Time
December-March (peak birding season)
Getting There
- Tmatboey is approximately 200 km northeast of Siem Reap in remote Preah Vihear Province.
- The Sam Veasna Center arranges all transport — typically 4WD vehicles from Siem Reap (4-5 hours).
- Roads are partially paved and partially laterite — conditions vary by season.
- The journey passes through increasingly wild and beautiful landscapes.
- Independent transport is difficult — the SVC-arranged logistics are strongly recommended.
What to Bring
- Binoculars — essential for birdwatching (8x42 or 10x42 recommended).
- Field guide — "A Field Guide to the Birds of South-East Asia" by Craig Robson is the standard.
- Spotting scope if you have one — useful for distant ibis observation.
- Camera with telephoto lens (300mm+) for bird photography.
- Earth-toned clothing — avoid bright colors that startle birds.
- Headlamp for pre-dawn departures.
- Good walking shoes for forest trails.
- Insect repellent and sunscreen.
Tmatboey FAQ
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