Where To Watch Birds In Thailand

Beautiful scenery, good food, low prices, friendly people and warm weather all make Thailand a very popular destination for millions of holiday makers every year. With over one thousand bird species, many of which are fantastically colored, Thailand is also a wonderful place for bird watchers; 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, rain forest and wetlands.

This page provides some basic information on some of the best locations and habitats in which to watch birds in Thailand; more detailed information can be found on my website - thaibirding.com

Most visitors begin their Thailand birding journey in the capital city, Bangkok. Perhaps surprisingly for such a big, sprawling city there are a number of great places for observing birds exist within the city itself and within a short journey from Bangkok.

1. Khok Kham: This region of salt farms and shrimp ponds is about one 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 center of Bangkok this park offers birders a chance to see a number of the more common species within walking distance of many international hotels and shopping malls. There is a skytrain and underground station very close by, making this Bangkok's most accessible park.

3. Bang Poo: About forty five minutes from the center of Bangkok this coastal site is home to the largest congregation of wintering gulls in the country.

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 one hour east of Bangkok, this is a nice day out.

5. Bueng Boraphet: One of the most important wetland areas in southeast Asia with huge flocks of wildfowl in winter. Take a relaxing boat ride here and view masses of jacanas, egrets, storks and other waterbirds, it will be a memorable experience.

6. Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale: Laem Pak Bia and Pak Thale is one of the premier waterbird sites in Asia, if not the world. Situated together, a little over two hours from Bangkok, birds such as Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann's Greenshank, Malaysian Plover and Great Knot are high on many birders' list of targets.

Find Detailed Information on all of Thailand's Best Bird Watching Sites - Maps, Travel Information, Where To See Birds & Accommodation

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 Chiffchaff.

8. Doi Ang Kang: Right upon the border with Myanmar, this mountain has some nice places to stay and pretty patches of forest among hilltribe agriculture. Crested Finchbill, Rufous-faced Liocichla and Spot-breasted Parrotbill are all regular.

9. Mae Hia Agricultural College: 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.

10. Doi Inthanon: The summit of the nation's highest mountain is one of the birdiest places in the whole country. Plenty of other spots on the mountain have beautiful forest and great birds such Large Niltava, Black-throated Parrotbill and Silver-eared Mesia.

11. Doi Lang: Possibly the best site in the north with miles of quiet road for birding along the Myanmar border. Species such as Black-throated Tit, Giant Nuthatch and Mountain Bamboo Partridge aren't bad either.

In the south of Thailand some remnants of lowland rain forest host some memorable bird species, but finding them can be really tough.

12. Khao Nor Chu Chi: This small area of lowland forest is home to the fabulous Gurney's Pitta, a highly endangered species. A number of walking trails go through the remaining habitat but birding can be so very slow here.

13. Hala-Bala: A fantastic example of lowland rain forest, the many species of Hornbill that can be seen here is testament to the quality of the habitat. Unfortunately it is far too dangerous to visit this location due to political instability.

14. 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.

15. Krung Ching Waterfall: Several kilometres of trail leading to the waterfall pass through some excellent forest and there are some great birds to be found here; Malaysian Rail Babbler, Green Broadbill and Banded Pitta should whet your appetite.

Great places for finding birds are located in many parts of the country, however, there are a couple more sites that are frequently visited by birders and all of them have some fantastic areas of forest.

16. 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.

17. Kaeng Krachan: Kaeng Krachan is home to some of the most fabulous bird species in the country. Asian Fairy Bluebird is common and Hornbills, Pittas, Kingfishers and Woodpeckers all add color to any trip.

18. Khao Soi Dao: Khao Soi Dao is one of the most accessible places to find a number of bird species confined to the south eastern region. Roughly 5 hours from Bangkok this is a prime site for Blue-rumped Pitta, Eastern Green Magpie and many other great birds.