This is an ornithological wonder when thousands of storks, pelicans, and many others, including waterfowl, gather in huge numbers around receding lake waters in dry December–May, attracted by seasonal concentrations of aquatic life. Visits and boat trips can be arranged in Siem Reap, where there are hotels and guesthouses—the sanctuary director can be contacted there. Day trips with fees going to conservation are run by non-profit Osmose (E-mail: osmose@bigpond.com.kh). Angkor Wat, 9–14th-century architectural wonder, once heart of the Khmer empire, is nearby, its exquisite bas reliefs depicting how the lake affected all walks of Khmer life centuries ago.

Direct daily flights are available from Phnom Penh and Bangkok.