This Lens provides some basic information on some of the best locations and habitats in which to watch birds in Thailand. There are also many links to more detailed information.
Created by Nick Upton thaibirding.com
A Great Place for Visitors!
Beautiful scenery, good food, low prices, friendly people and warm weather all make Thailand a very popular destination for holiday makers. Almost 1000 species, many of which are fantastic colours and huge sizes, also make Thailand a wonderful place for birdwatchers; both beginners and for dedicated ornithologists.Although much deforestation has taken place, Thailand still retains a large number of protected national parks and wildlife sanctuaries which protect habitats as diverse as offshore islands, rainforest and wetlands.
Thailand Birdwatching Tours
Birdwatching in Thailand - locations throughout the country
Birdwatching in Central Thailand
Most visitors to Thailand begin their journey in the capital city: Bangkok. A number of great places for birdwatching exist within a short journey of the city.1. Khok Kham: This region of salt farms is about 1 hour west of the city centre and is famous for its shorebirds including annual sightings of the endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper.
2. Lumphini Park: Right in the centre of the city this park offers birdwatchers a chance to see a number of the more common species.
3. Bang Poo: About 45 minutes from the centre of Bangkok this coastal site is home to the largest congregation of wintering gulls in Thailand.
4. Bang Pra: This wetland site consists of a freshwater lake, reedbeds and woodland. A lovely place for walking, it is home to Rufous Treepie, Rain Quail (pictured) and Ospreys. Only about 1 hour east of Bangkok, this is a nice day out.
Birdwatching in Northern Thailand
Many birdwatchers head to northern Thailand where forested mountains create a beautiful backdrop for some wonderful birds.5. Doi Inthanon: This is Thailand's highest mountain and a site all birdwatchers should visit for colourful birds such as Green-tailed Sunbird, Chestnut-tailed Minla (pictured) and Rufous-winged Fulvetta.
6. Doi Chiang Dao: One of the most scenic mountains is also home to Hume's Pheasant and Giant Nuthatch. Some excellent accommodation makes for an unforgetable experience.
7. Chiang Saen: Nestled next to the Mekong River a number of wetlands around this small town are fantastic places for finding new species - the most recent being Grass Owl.
8. Doi Ang Kang: Right upon the border with Myanmar, this mountain has some nice places to stay and pretty patches of forest amongst hilltribe agriculture. Crested Finchbill, Rufous-faced Liocichla and Spot-breasted Parrotbill are all regular.
9. Mae Hia Agricultural College is just a stone's throw from Chiang Mai and sits at the foot of Doi Suthep National Park. Mae Hia is an excellent place to see open country species like Indochinese Bushlark and Burmese Shrike. It has also become a hotspot for Yellow-footed Pigeon.
Birdwatching in Southern Thailand
In the south of Thailand some remnants of lowland rainforest host some memorable bird species.10. Khao Nor Chu Chi: This small area of rainforest is home to the fabulous Gurney's Pitta (pictured), a highly endangered species. A number of walking trails and comfortable accommodation make this a nice place to stay.
11 Hala-Bala: A fantastic example of lowland rainforest, the many species of Hornbill that can be seen here is testament to the quality of the habitat.
12. Krabi Mangroves: A boat trip into the mangrove forest here is a memorable experience and frequently amazing birds such as Brown-winged Kingfisher and Mangrove Pitta are found.
Other great places for birdwatching in Thailand
Great places for birdwatching can be found almost anywhere in Thailand, however, there are two more sites that are frequently visited by birdwatchers and are both fantastic areas of forest.13. Khao Yai: Many walking trails offer visitors a wonderful opportunity to enter the forest and Great, Wreathed, Brown and Oriental Pied Hornbills are seen by many visitors.
14. Kaeng Krachan: Kaeng Krachan is home to some of the most fabulous of Thailand's bird species. Asian Fairy Bluebird (pictured) is common and Hornbills, Pittas, Kingfishers and Woodpeckers all add colour to any trip.
Photo Credits
Thanks go to Rob Ter Ellen for the photo of the river I've used here and to Suppalak Klabdee for his fantastic bird photos.
My other Birdwatching in Thailand Lenses
Thailand Birdwatching Tours
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My Favourite Birds of Thailand
Information and pictures on some of my favourite T more...0 points
Birdwatching in Thailand Website
Information about thaibirding.com; what it provide more...0 points
Birdwatching in Thailand External Links
- Thailand birdwatching sites
- Detailed information on birdwatching locations in Thailand, including key species, travel details and facilities.
- Checklists
- Checklists for birdwatching locations in Thailand.
- Johan Svensson's Photo Gallery of Thai birds
- A beautiful gallery of some of Thailand's amazing birds.
- Peter Ericsson's Photo Gallery of Thai birds
- A wonderful gallery of many of Thailand's fantastic birds.
- Top Ten Birds of Thailand
- A list of the ten most wanted bird species in Thailand as voted for by visiting birdwatchers.
- Birds of Thailand by Craig Robson
- A review of Craig Robson's essential field guide to the Birds of Thailand.
- Thailand Bird Tours
- Tailor-made bird tours of Thailand for all abilities and budgets.
- Bird Conservation Society of Thailand
- The Birdlife International partner in Thailand.
- Thailand Birding
- The Thailand section of my blog, Dartford Waffler.
Recommended Books
Birds of Thailand (Princeton Field Guides) by Craig Robson
The essential and most up-to-date guide to the bir more...0 points
A Photographic Guide to Birds of Thailand by Michael Webster
A nice photogrpahic guide to bird in Thailand; not more...0 points
Thailand Guidebooks
When travelling around Thailand, a guidebook is very useful; the maps come into their own particularly when arriving in a new town/city.
What do you think?
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AlexDonGato
Cool lens Nick... simple and colorful at ones! Posted June 18, 2008 |
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Classic
Interesting lens! Welcome to my group Nature and Environment! Feel free to submit the same lens to Faraway Places. I gave you 5*s! Please visit my lens Snowleopard to vote. Thanks! Posted June 26, 2007 |
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rms
Birds are amazing cretures to watch. 5 stars! Posted June 25, 2007 |
