Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
A sanctuary for rescued wildlife, offering close encounters with elephants, monkeys, and diverse animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Animals are more active
Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
Best Time
Animals are more active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sanctuary for rescued wildlife, offering close encounters with elephants, monkeys, and diverse animals.
"A fantastic family outing with unforgettable wildlife encounters! "
🚗 Tuk-Tuk for Convenience
Hiring a tuk-tuk is a popular and easy way to get to and from the center. :oncoming_taxi:
🥜 Bring Animal Snacks
Peanuts and mangoes are great for feeding the monkeys and deer! :peanuts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lucky the Elephant
Elephant enclosure
Meet and feed Lucky, the resident elephant, a unique opportunity for close interaction.
Playful Monkeys
Various open areas
Observe and interact with numerous friendly and cheeky monkeys, often eager for treats.
Diverse Wildlife Encounters
Animal enclosures
See a variety of animals, including deer and other rescued wildlife, in a naturalistic setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Getting There & Entry
Animal Interaction & Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
I went to a wildlife rescue center in Cambodia near Phnom Pehn, it was really awesome!
🚗 Tuk-Tuk for Convenience
Hiring a tuk-tuk is a popular and easy way to get to and from the center. :oncoming_taxi:
🥜 Bring Animal Snacks
Peanuts and mangoes are great for feeding the monkeys and deer! :peanuts:
Animal Preserve in Cambodia? Siem Reap or Phnom Penh?
How to get from Phnom penh to Phnom Tamao Zoological Park and Wildlife Rescue Center (PTWRC) by bus and vice versa?
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vendors sell cool drinks and ice cream, but bringing your own water is wise. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the center. :athletic_shoe:
Things to do in Phnom Penh
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Tuk-Tuk for Convenience
Hiring a tuk-tuk is a popular and easy way to get to and from the center. :oncoming_taxi:
🥜 Bring Animal Snacks
Peanuts and mangoes are great for feeding the monkeys and deer! :peanuts:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Vendors sell cool drinks and ice cream, but bringing your own water is wise. :droplet:
🚶♀️ Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around the center. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center for its affordable entry and the opportunity to see rescued animals up close, particularly elephants and monkeys. While some note that certain areas might appear less maintained, the overall sentiment is positive, highlighting the center's conservation efforts and its suitability as a family-friendly day trip.
"We love animals and interacting and had an awesome time here today. We spent about 3 hours walking mostly around the complex. Plenty of friendly and cheeky wild monkeys and vendors selling cool drinks and ice creams and food for the animals. You can’t feed the caged animals except for Lucky the Elephant it seems. But there were monkeys and deer who appreciated peanuts and mango and cane.
We had read that it was rundown and the museum was closed but we still loved seeing the animals being well fed and cared for.
We didn’t do a tour - just hired a tuk tuk and paid the USD $5 entry fee each. Spent another $10 on drinks and animal food."
Rachel B
"PTWRC is a fantastic family outing! We had a wonderful time, and seeing so many diverse wildlife animals up close was an unforgettable experience, especially for my daughter. Highly recommended for a fun and memorable day."
KPisey HENG
"Little to less animals in poor conditions. But they are helping injured animals, so it's okey"
Jan Saksa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can hire a tuk-tuk for a round trip, which is a popular and convenient option. Scooters are also a good choice if you're comfortable riding. Some travelers have inquired about bus options, but private transport is generally recommended for ease of access.
The journey typically takes about an hour from the city center, depending on traffic conditions.
The roads are generally nice until you get close to the zoo, where they can become loose gravel.
Yes, taxis are available and can be hired for the trip. Negotiate the fare beforehand. :oncoming_taxi:
If you arrange a round trip with your tuk-tuk or taxi driver, returning is straightforward. Otherwise, you may need to arrange transport in advance. :oncoming_taxi:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entry fee for foreigners is approximately $5 USD per person.
Information on local or child discounts is not widely available, but the foreigner price is considered affordable. :ticket:
No, tickets can typically be purchased upon arrival at the entrance. :ticket:
The center is generally open daily, but it's advisable to check for the most current hours before your visit. :clock1:
While you can bring your own water, vendors inside sell refreshments. Specific rules about outside food may apply. :food:
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of rescued animals including elephants, monkeys, deer, and other wildlife.
You can feed some animals like monkeys and deer with approved food. Feeding caged animals is generally not permitted, except for Lucky the Elephant. :peanuts:
While some areas might appear less maintained, the center focuses on rescuing and caring for injured animals, and many appear healthy.
Most visitors spend around 3 hours exploring the center.
Yes, it's considered a fantastic family outing with memorable wildlife encounters for children. :familymanwomangirlboy:
📸 📸 Photography
The areas with the monkeys and deer offer great opportunities for candid shots. Interacting with Lucky the Elephant also makes for memorable photos. :camerawithflash:
Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the center. Be mindful of any specific signage regarding flash photography near certain animals. :camerawithflash:
You can get quite close to some animals like monkeys and deer, especially when feeding them. For others, enclosures will dictate the distance. :camerawithflash:
A standard zoom lens is versatile for capturing various animals. If you want to get closer shots, a telephoto lens can be useful. :camerawithflash:
Drone usage is typically not permitted in wildlife sanctuaries to avoid disturbing the animals. :noentrysign:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, wear comfortable shoes for walking, and be prepared to purchase animal food for interactive feeding sessions. The relatively short travel time from Phnom Penh also makes it an manageable day trip for younger children.
💰 Budget Travelers
The experience provides a significant wildlife encounter without the high price tag of some other attractions. It's a great way to spend an afternoon enjoying nature and supporting a conservation effort on a budget.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Mission of Phnom Tamao Wildlife Rescue Center
While the facilities might not be as polished as some international zoos, the dedication to animal welfare is evident. Visitors often note that the animals appear healthy and well-fed, which is a testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers. The center plays a vital role in educating the public about conservation issues and the importance of protecting native species.
Understanding the center's mission enhances the visitor experience. It shifts the focus from mere entertainment to appreciating the conservation efforts underway. This perspective helps visitors understand why some animals might be in enclosures and why direct interaction is limited to specific species and situations.
Navigating Your Visit: Transport and Logistics
For those seeking more independence, renting a scooter is another viable option. This allows for a more adventurous trip and the freedom to stop along the way. However, ensure you are comfortable with Cambodian road conditions. While some travelers have inquired about bus services, private hire remains the most practical and widely used method for reaching the center.
Upon arrival, the entry fee is a modest $5 for foreigners. Inside, you can purchase drinks and snacks, including food specifically for feeding certain animals like monkeys and deer. It's wise to bring water, especially on hotter days, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be doing a fair amount of walking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit