PERSONALISED TOUR

1-7 days

Contact us to design a tour especially for you. In addition to the locations at Doi Inthanon, Doi Lang and Doi Ang Khang, here are some suggestions for other areas to include in your tour of Northern and Central Thailand.

NORTHERN THAILAND

The climate in the region is predominantly influenced by the monsoon, with the average annual rainfall in the lowlands around Chiang Mai being approximately 1200 mm, most of which occurs during the south-west monsoon season from May to September. Although precise data is not available, it is estimated that the rainfall on Doi Inthanon is significantly higher, likely around 1800 mm per year on the upper slopes. The mean annual temperature in the lowlands of Chiang Mai is 25.8°C. However, the summits of Doi Inthanon and Doi Ang Khang are considerably cooler, and it is not uncommon for ground frosts to occur on the exposed ridges near the summits of high mountains during the coldest months of December and January.

Mae Ai Field

The open fields of Mae Ai are best for birding in the early morning and late afternoon, as the middle of the day can be very hot, even in the winter season. Birdwatchers mainly target winter visitors such as Jerdon's Bushchat, Black-faced Bunting, Yellow-breasted Bunting, Chestnut-eared Bunting, Black-headed Bunting and Bluethroat, which may be seen feeding in areas of tall grass or lower scrub. Small Pratincole is common and breeds on the sandbanks along the Mae Kok river during the winter months, making them easily observable.

Doi Tung (Chiang Rai)

Located in the Mae Fa-Luang district, 45 km north of Chiang Rai city, Doi Tung features secondary growth restoration forests at 1485 meters altitude of Doi Chang Moob. The mountain range of Doi Nang Non is home to the long caves where the Thai boys' soccer team was trapped. The forest mainly comprises Pinus Kesiya and Ficus Benjamina which grow in the Royal Botanical Garden. During the winter months, the Ficus produces fruits that attract many feeding birds. Opportunities may arise to see the Green and Purple Cochoa, Rusty-naped Pittas and some species of wintering thrushes such as Chestnut Thrush, Grey-winged Blackbird, Eyebrowed Thrush, and Grey-sided Thrush.

Chiang Sean (Chiang Rai)

Chiang Sean Lake is a swampy wetland located near the beautiful ancient city of the Lana Thai Kingdom in the northernmost region. Many lakes and marshes along the Mae Kong river make the area suitable for ducks and other species of water bird. Pied Harrier is the main target species for birdwatchers. Hen Harrier, Eastern Marsh Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier can also be seen. Black-throated diver appears in the area as a rare winter visitor.

CENTRAL THAILAND

The temperature in central Thailand is typically hot all year round. However, there can be cooler spells early in the day from November to January, with midday temperatures ranging between 30-40°C. Central Thailand is characterized by plains filled with rice paddy fields, irrigated by the Chao Phraya River and its tributaries, and enclosed on three sides by mountains and plateaus. South of Bangkok, there was historically a vast area of freshwater swamp with patches of raised wooded land, making it a suitable habitat for a variety of bird species. Although most of the area is now farmland, there are still several distinct regions where water birds can be observed. Notably, this includes the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, along with a number of wintering waders such as Nordmann's Greenshank and Asian Dowitcher.

KAENG KRACHAN NATIONAL PARK

A few kilometers from the entrance, birders often stop to observe Black-thighed Falconets, Ospreys, and Black-and-Red Broadbills around the water reservoir on the left side of the road. A few kilometers further, on the right side, an Oriental Pied Hornbill nest can be seen in the hollow of a tree trunk. The view of this tree is unobstructed from the road, making it ideal for photography with a good distance to the background.

Commonly spotted birds further along the road include the Sultan Tit, Black-naped Oriole, Greater Flame-backed, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Greater Yellow-nape, Crested Goshawk, Thick-billed Green Pigeon, Sooty-headed Bulbul, and many more.

Bird Species List:

Black-thighed Falconet
Black-and-Red Broadbill
Sultan Tit
Greater Flame-backed
Grey-headed Woodpecker
Sooty-headed Bulbul
Greater Yellow-nape
Black-naped Oriole
Vernal Hanging Parrot
Lesser Yellow-nape
Oriental Pied Hornbill
Crested Goshawk
Thick-billed Green Pigeon
Large Scimitar Babbler
Black-headed Bulbul
Common Flame-backed
Streak-breasted Woodpecker
Spot-billed Eagle
Common Green Magpie
Golden-crested Myna
Great Eared Nightjar
Collared Scops Owl
Crested Serpent Eagle
Large-tailed Nightjar
Banded Kingfisher
Rufous-collared Kingfisher
Asian Fairy-bluebird
Blue-throated Barbet
Blue-winged Leafbird
Brown Hornbill
Great Hornbill
Little Egret
Grey Peacock Pheasant
Kalij Pheasant
Red Junglefowl
Ratchet-tailed Treepie
Long-tailed Broadbill
Red-headed Trogon
Black-naped Monarch
Great Barbet
Rufous-bellied Eagle
Black Baza
Common Buzzard
Plain-pouched Hornbill
Dark-necked Tailorbird
White-browed Piculet
Pin-striped Tit-Babbler
Mountain Imperial Pigeon
Ochraceous Bulbul