Flying Foxes
Parks & nature
·
4.7/5 on Google
About
Reviews (5)
Location
Flying Foxes is a bat colony in central Siem Reap that roosts in trees within an urban park. These are large bats, comparable in size to small cats, with wingspans that make them distinctive when airborne. The colony remains active throughout the day, though visitors report they are most animated at sunrise and sunset. The site is free to visit and accessible at any time, sitting amid everyday city life—near a temple, vendors, and open to foot traffic and local residents using the space for exercise or recreation.
Visitors consistently emphasize the experience as remarkable and worth multiple visits. Many note the surreal coexistence of the bats with human activity: people playing badminton or doing morning exercises in close proximity while the bats go about their routines undisturbed by noise, music, or crowds. The colony is reliable—reviewers mention returning night after night across visits spanning days or weeks. Some visitors bring drinks and settle in to watch. One caveat: the surrounding area can be loud, with temple drumming and amplified music from nearby venues, though this apparently does not deter the bats. Weather can be unpredictable, and heavy rain sometimes forces early departures.
Sunrise is the optimal time to visit, when the bats are most active and the air is cooler. The site requires no tickets or advance booking. Bring a camera if you wish to photograph them, though their erratic flight patterns make still photography challenging—video may be more practical. The location suits anyone interested in wildlife behavior and natural history, and the free access makes it a low-commitment addition to a Siem Reap itinerary. Plan for the noise and crowds around the site, which are part of the urban context where these bats have chosen to live.
Rated 4.7 out of 5 by 111 travellers on Google
★★★★★
Amazing! You should definitly go and see them. We went a couple of times, during the day and at night. Both is amazing. The colony is in the middle of the town, but they dont seem bothered by noise or even music. A must see in Siem Reap.
★★★★★
I was enraptured. The Flying Foxes are the size of small cats with impressive wings. They are most active at sunrise and sunset, but they are interesting throughout the day. I was struck by the people playing badminton in the park oblivious to the bats and the bats apparently equally nonplussed by all the human activity. Super awesome free experience and especially at sunrise when the temperature is cool and the streets are alive with people doing their morning exercises. I visited 3 times so far on my stay.
★★★★★
It was amazing. They don't all fly off in a massive group but to see these amazing giant animals is worth it, grab a couple beers and sit in awe
★★★★☆
Review is for the area and not specific flying foxes. we came here for a leisurely stroll and then walk to river front. but stuck in heavy rain which did not lessen even after 30min. finally booked a grab tuktuk and reached the hotel slightly wet.
fun fact: tuktuk and remork-auto are 2 different common modes of transportation in SiemReap. Picture taken of tuktuk (3 wheel) from remork-auto (remork is the cart where 4 people can sit and pulled by motor bike, hence the name)
★★★★★
MUST see for fans of viewing wildlife in its (natural habitat?) i mean what a strange place to find a bat colony. In case you are unaware, there is a temple which the vendors are there for, and drumming can be heard almost constantly. the whole area seems to be a very loud concert venue, And the parking lot across the street has loud live plays, and it doesn't bother the bats at all (as far as we know). They keep coming back, night after night, year after year. it's very difficult to get photos of them flying because they fly so erratically, so video is called for. you are able to take still shots of them roosting, with no problem. In case you are wondering, the bats don't necessarily fly off together in a big group, they just seem to randomly fly off, some during the day and some at nightfall, not necessarily in a big show.
Reviews published on Google by travellers.
Krong Siem Reap, Cambodia
Opening hours
Monday: Open 24 hours
Tuesday: Open 24 hours
Wednesday: Open 24 hours
Thursday: Open 24 hours
Friday: Open 24 hours
Saturday: Open 24 hours
Sunday: Open 24 hours