Trapang Thmar Baray is an artificial reservoir that has been designated a sanctuary for Saurus Cranes, though herons, egrets, and storks also frequent this expansive watering hole, particularly in the dry season months between January and April, when the surrounding countryside is barren and dry.
While adventurous visitors can hire a car to drive out to the reservoir and then hire local boats for around $10, the sanctuary is best visited on an birding tour from an organization such as the Sam Veasna Center.
Trapang Thmar Baray lies near the ancient highway that once connected the Khmer capital at Angkor to the city of Phimai, in modern-day Thailand. While the current reservior was constructed using forced labor during the Khmer Rouge era, its location along this ancient highway suggests it may have originally been built much earlier. For visitors with an appreciation of history, it is possible to see an Angkor-era stone bridge just before the reservoir; one of many along the roads leading to Siem Reap.
Approximately 30 minutes drive back towards Poipet, you may wish to make a visit at the silk village of phnom-sruk-phnom-srok, where a partnership of NGOs and the Cambodian Government has trained several communities in the art of sericulture (silk harvesting) and silk weaving: cultivating mulberry moths, extracting silk, and then dyeing and weaving beautiful items, such as scarves and skirts.
Getting There
The best way to get to the Saurus Crane Sanctuary at Trapang Thmar and the silk village of Phnom Srok is with an organized birding expedition from Siem Reap, such as Sam Veasna Center. If hiring a car and driver, its a bit harder to locate as most drivers from Siem Reap are unlikely to have heard of the reserve, let alone know how to get there. If you are intent on trying, make sure you procure an up-to-date map of northwestern Cambodia.
Need to Know
- What is It?: A man-made reservior that serves as a bird sanctuary, particularly for the exotic Saurus Crane.
- When to Go: During the dry season months, particularly June-April, when roads are in good conditions and birds are most prevalent.
- Nearest Town: The bird sanctuary is 35 miles from Sisophan and can be reached by car in 1 hour, 30 minutes. The nearest town of importance is Siem Reap, which has an international airport serviced by flights from most other asian countries.
- Trivia: In the dry (non-breeding) season there are more than 300 Sarus Cranes at Trapeang Thmor, as well as more than 200 other species of bird.
- The Trapeang (reservoir) is believed to have been built in the Angkor era and re-excavated during the Khmer Rouge era.
- Don’t Miss: The exotic waterfowl that make migratory visits to the reservoir each year.