Birding in Thailand
Discover some of Southeast Asia’s greatest birding and biological riches in Thailand, accompanied by Pinit Saeng Kaew and Udorn ‘Nang’ Jantboworn, two of the premier naturalist birder guides in Thailand. Born and raised in Bangkok, Pinit Saeng Kaew was the first birder to ever spot the Ratchet-tailed Treepie in Thailand in Kaeng Krachan National Park. Since 1998, Nang has shown hundreds of travelers the beautiful forests, birds, historical ruins and cultures of Thailand.
Days 1/2 - Los Angeles/Bangkok
Upon arrival in Bangkok the next day your professional naturalist, Udorn ‘Nang’ Jantboworn will greet and escort you to your tranquil hotel situated along the legendary River of Kings. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE HOTEL. (Meals Aloft)
Day 3 - Bangkok
Board your riverboat on the Chao Phya River to cruise Bangkok’s old klongs (canals) with a brief stop at the Royal Barge Museum. Cross the river and walk to the Royal Navy Club for lunch. Tour the Grand Palace with its Emerald Buddha. During the day, listen for the Oriental Robin Magpie’s harsh warning tones as you approach its perch on building ledges. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel. MONTIEN RIVERSIDE HOTEL. (B,L,D)
Days 4/5/6 - Samut Sakorn/Kaeng Krachan National Park
Drive along the Gulf of Thailand exploring mudflats, mangroves and salt pans, home to stint, sandplover, kingfisher and the elusive Spoon-billed Sandpiper. Arrive at Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest and a notable stop for both birders and migratory birds from as far as Siberia. Over 250 bird species will delight you, from the recently discovered population of Ratchet-tailed Treepie, to six species of hornbill, the exotic Woolly-necked Stork, and Long-tailed Broadbill. Glimpses of elephant, deer, monkey and other wildlife are rare due to the density of the moist evergreen forest trimmed with hanging lianas, ferns and orchids. Superb birding opportunities abound throughout the lush grounds of your tranquil resort with Rain Quail, flowerpecker, Grey Spiderhunter, and numerous butterflies. KAENG KRACHAN COUNTRY CLUB & RESORT. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 7/8/9 - Pratum Thani/Saraburi/Khao Yai National Park
En route to Thailand’s most revered national park watch for swirling hordes of Asian Openbill Storks in the skies and trees packed with their nests. Search for over 350 bird species from the brilliant colors of the redheaded Trogon, to the fig-eating specialist, the Asian Fairy Bluebird, and Thailand’s national bird, the Siamese Fireback Pheasant. Hornbill entertainment can be found from the Austen’s Brown, Great, Oriental-pied and Wreathed. See bats swarming from a cave in the late afternoon. While you trek, cooks will prepare traditional Thai lunches. As the sun sets, look for the Great Eared Nightjar and Brown Boobook while enjoying the simplicity of your beautiful resort. JULDIS KHAO YAI RESORT & SPA. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 10/11 - Bangkok/Chiang Mai/Doi Angkhang
Drive to Bangkok and transfer by air to Chiang Mai. Then, embark on a scenic drive to your mountain-top resort. You will be simply astonished at the variety of birds flocking around you, from the common Red-whiskered Bulbul, to the hopeful sightings of the rare Mrs. Hume’s Pheasant and the Giant Nuthatch. Several hundred bird species enjoy the cool climate of Doi Angkhang and its centuries-old hill tribe residents. Just step out your resort’s door for fascinating once-in-a-lifetime birding encounters. ANGKHANG NATURAL RESORT. (B,L,D Daily)
Days 12/13/14 - Doi Inthanon National Park
Your next adventure is to Doi Inthanon National Park, the highest point in the country. Early morning hours find Pied Flycatcher, Yellow-cheeked Tit and Spectacled Barwing feverishly feeding on insects, and at dusk, look for trunk-foraging species like the Brown-throated Treecreeper. Break through the mist-enshrouded summit to catch flocks of Chestnut-tailed Minla and the endemic Green-tailed Sunbird. Black, Rufous-bellied and Mountain Hawk Eagle can be seen soaring through the sky. Your resort is set among lovely gardens which house a profusion of birdlife. INTHANON HIGHLAND RESORT. (B, L,D Daily)
Day 15 - Ban Roy An Pan Yang Lanna Artist Center/Chiang Mai
One last pre-dawn birding excursion and you’re off to Chiang Mai. En route visit the Ban Roy An Pan Yang Lanna Artist Center. Later, drive to the base of Doi Suthep for incredible varieties of lowland bird species thriving in an evergreen forest. You may even see macaques cavorting in the treetops. Tonight, share with your fellow travelers your favorite birding stories at a farewell dinner. After dinner, you may want to visit the Night Bazaar for last-minute shopping. AMARI RINCOME. (B,L,D)
Days 16/17 - Chiang Mai/Doi Suthep/Ban Tawai/Bangkok/Los Angeles
This morning drive to the summit of Doi Suthep for spectacular views of Black-crested Bulbul, Black Drongo, Spotted and Zebra Dove, and Lesser Whistling Duck. Stroll around Ban Tawai village, famous for its furniture and woodcarving artisans. Return to Chiang Mai for your flight to Bangkok, where the next morning you will board your flight home. MIRACLE GRAND HOTEL. (B, Meals Aloft)
Optional Extension to Southern Thailand
Extend your exotic adventure to Southern Thailand. See Blue Whistling Thrushes while enjoying the limestone cliff formations of Ao Phang Nga National Park. Binoculars in hand look for the Brown Barbet and Vernal Hanging Parrot while exploring Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary. Expert birder Khun Yotin will join you and aid in your search for the very rare Gurney’s Pitta in Khao Nor Churchi. View wildlife by kayak through the dense virgin tropical forest of Khao Sok, always on the look-out for the elusive Red-backed Kingfisher and Crested Jay.
Your Journey Includes:
- Roundtrip air transportation from Los Angeles to Bangkok. Air within Thailand as specified in itinerary.
- Superior accommodations as indicated, or similar.
- All meals except first and last in Bangkok and lunch in Chiang Mai.
- Complimentary bottled water while touring in the minibus or motorcoach, and at meals.
- Services of naturalist guide, Udorn ‘Nang’ Jantboworn and birding guide, Pinit SaengKaew and birding guide, Khun Yotin on the extension with a minimum of six travelers.
- All touring via air-conditioned minibus or motor coach.
- All applicable hotel taxes and gratuities for baggage handling.
- All park, reserves and attraction entry fees.
- Complimentary backpack, baggage tags and passport wallet.