Phnom Tamao Wildlife Center & Buddha Kiri Cambodia Day Tour

Thinking about exploring more than just temples during your Cambodia trip? This full-day tour offers a chance to see wildlife rescue efforts, marvel at thousands of Buddha statues, and explore ancient Hindu temples — all in one adventure. Whether you’re into animals, history, or spirituality, this itinerary covers a lot of ground.

What we really like about this tour is its balanced mix of nature, culture, and history. You’ll get close to rescued animals at Phnom Tamao, walk through the impressive Buddha statues at Puth Kiri, and walk the ancient paths of Tonle Bati’s temples. Plus, the convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it hassle-free.

One thing to keep in mind is that the duration is quite full, running about 8 to 9 hours, so it’s best suited for those who enjoy a packed day of sightseeing without feeling rushed. If you’re curious about Cambodian wildlife and ancient sites, this tour offers a solid, value-packed way to experience them.

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a combination of wildlife, spirituality, and history in a single day. It’s perfect if you prefer guided tours that take care of logistics, allowing you to focus on enjoying each site.

Good To Know

• Wildlife Conservation: Visit the largest rescue center in Cambodia with opportunities to see gibbons, sun bears, elephants, tigers, and more.
• Cultural Heritage: Explore the ancient Ta Prohm temple at Tonle Bati, dating back to the 6th century.
• Spiritual Significance: Witness over 20,000 Buddha statues, including 2,000 gold-plated Buddhas, and the impressive Puth Kiri Pagoda.
• Convenience & Comfort: All transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off included.
• Expert Guides: The tour is led by experienced English-speaking guides who enrich your understanding of each site.
• Value for Money: At $45 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive experience covering wildlife, history, and spirituality.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Start with Hotel Pickup and Scenic Drive

Your day begins with a hotel pickup in Phnom Penh, where a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle takes you on the approximately one-hour drive to Tonle Bati. This hassle-free start means you won’t have to worry about transportation — just sit back and relax.

Stop 1: Tonle Bati and Ta Prohm Temple

Your first stop is the scenic Tonle Bati, a peaceful lakeside setting that’s often overlooked by travelers rushing to Angkor. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the Ta Prohm temple, with roots and stonework that evoke the famous Angkor Wat, but on a smaller scale. Known for being a Hindu sanctuary since the 6th century, this site offers a glimpse into Cambodia’s pre-Angkorian era.

The review mentions that this site was a Hindu place of worship during the Funan empire, providing a worthwhile historical context. Expect to walk around the ruins, soak in the tranquil views, and learn about its origins from your knowledgeable guide.

Stop 2: Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center

Next, your group heads to Phnom Tamao, the largest wildlife rescue center in Cambodia. Covering a large area, this sanctuary is home to over 1,300 animals including gibbons, sun bears, elephants, tigers, lions, deer, and even giant pythons. Visitors often find the wildlife viewing to be the highlight, especially knowing these animals are rescued and cared for rather than being kept in captivity.

The tour guide, often described as experienced and informative, will share insights into the rescue efforts and the importance of wildlife conservation. As one reviewer put it, the “wildlife viewing” makes the visit both educational and fun. You might even catch the animals during feeding time, which adds an extra layer of excitement.

More Great Tours Nearby

Stop 3: Tamao Mountain and Puth Kiri Pagoda

After a walk through the animal enclosures, you’ll visit Tamao Mountain, offering scenic views and a peaceful environment for a short walk. This spot gives you a chance to stretch your legs and enjoy the natural surroundings.

The highlight here is the Puth Kiri Pagoda, with its impressive 10-meter Buddha statue and over 20,000 Buddha statues scattered across the site — a true testament to Cambodia’s deep spiritual roots. The 2,000 gold-plated Buddhas lining the 199 steps are a sight to behold, and many visitors enjoy the meditative atmosphere.

Stop 4: Buddha Kiri Cambodia

Your final major stop is Buddha Kiri, where you’ll explore yet more statues and the pagoda. This site is particularly noted for its religious significance and the serene environment, perfect for reflection after a busy day.

End of Tour: Return to Phnom Penh

After exploring the spiritual sites and absorbing the sights, your guide will take you back to your hotel, usually in the late afternoon or early evening, depending on the specific schedule.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The wildlife rescue center is a major draw; it’s not just a zoo but a place actively involved in animal conservation and rehabilitation. Visitors often appreciate the chance to see these animals up close while supporting a good cause. The guided aspect ensures you learn about the animals and the center’s work, which adds depth to the experience.

The temples at Tonle Bati are less crowded than Angkor Wat but just as historic, providing a quieter, more intimate setting to appreciate Cambodia’s ancient architecture. The over 20,000 Buddha statues at Puth Kiri, many gold-plated, make this a visually stunning and spiritually meaningful visit.

Transportation and logistics are well-handled, with all transfers included in the fee. The private vehicle keeps the day comfortable and flexible, and the hotel pickup and drop-off make it easy to include this tour in your overall Cambodia itinerary.

What Could Be Improved?

While the itinerary offers a lot, the full-day duration means long hours on the road, which might feel tiring for some travelers. It’s ideal for those who are used to busy sightseeing days and want a comprehensive experience.

Some travelers mentioned that guides are knowledgeable, but the tour’s success depends heavily on their enthusiasm and storytelling skills. Also, if you’re particularly interested in wildlife rescue work, you might find the wildlife sanctuary the most rewarding part, while others may prefer more time at temples.

Pricing and Value

At $45 per person, this tour is quite reasonable considering it covers multiple sites, including entrance fees, private transportation, and a professional guide. When comparing the cost to the breadth of experience — wildlife observation, ancient temples, and spiritual sites — it offers good value, especially for those looking for a full-day, well-rounded outing.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re someone who enjoys a blend of nature, history, and spirituality, this tour fits the bill. It’s particularly suited for travelers who want a guided experience that takes care of logistics, leaving you free to enjoy each stop. It’s also perfect for animal lovers and those interested in Cambodian religious practices beyond Angkor.

Keep in mind, this tour isn’t ideal if you’re after a leisurely, relaxed day — it’s action-packed and meant for those who want to see as much as possible in one day.

Final thoughts

This tour provides a meaningful way to explore Cambodia’s wildlife conservation efforts, ancient temples, and spiritual sites, all in one day. It’s a solid choice for adventurous travelers eager to see a variety of attractions without the hassle of planning each element independently.

The combination of knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and well-organized logistics offers real value, making it a memorable part of any Cambodia itinerary. Whether you’re captivated by the rescued animals or intrigued by the centuries-old temples, this tour covers a lot of ground with a good balance of culture, nature, and spirituality.

If you’re looking for an authentic, educational, and comfortable way to experience Cambodia, this tour will check all those boxes.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers free pickup and drop-off at your hotel. Just provide your hotel name and address.

What’s the duration of the tour?
It lasts about 8 to 9 hours, making it a full but manageable day of sightseeing.

Are entrance fees included?
Yes, all entrance tickets for the sites listed in the itinerary are included in the $45 price.

Is transportation comfortable?
Absolutely, transfers are by private air-conditioned vehicle, designed for comfort throughout the day.

Is this tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the sights are generally suitable for older children who enjoy walking and learning about wildlife and temples.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and water are recommended, especially since you’ll be outdoors for much of the day.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is a guide provided?
Yes, an experienced English-speaking guide will accompany your tour to enhance your understanding.

What if I want to customize the tour?
This is a private group experience, so customization options may be available; check with the provider.

Are meals included?
No, meals aren’t included, but bottled water and cool drinks are provided during the tour.

This tour offers a thoughtfully curated mix of Cambodia’s wildlife rescue efforts, spiritual traditions, and historical sites. It’s a wonderful way to diversify your travel experience and gain a deeper appreciation of Cambodia’s natural beauty and cultural treasures.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby