Thailand gets all the hype as one of the world’s glitziest beach mecca, but what does not get as much exposure, at least outside the birding community, is that it is the avian lovers’ paradise for its staggering diversity of winged creatures big and small, bland and colorful. Its more than 500,000 square kilometers contain an abundant smattering of 955 bird species, and its well trodden backpacker routes work well as a birder trail.
Even better, there are plenty of things to do aside from toting binoculars and pointing them at unsuspecting subjects. Birding is one outdoor activity that goes well with mountaineering, beach bumming, cycling, off-roading, kayaking and even plain nature hiking. So the next time you lace up your boots for some other outdoor adventure, grab a pair of binoculars, bring your life list or start making one and head to these “doi” (mountain) and birding hotspots.
1) Doi Inthanon
Close cousins of this minla are residents of Thailand’s highest mountain (Photo by Ron Knight)
The highest mountain in Thailand located in the northwest near the Myanmar border is also the choicest birding mecca in Southeast Asia and one of the highly desired spots of birders around the world. Brimming with about 400 species, more than half of which are endemic to Thailand, Doi Inthanon makes it easy for birders of all stripes to tick off their life list in one fell swoop.
2) Doi Ang Khang
This laughingthrush in Doi Ang Khang will make you more than smile (Photo by cuatrok77)
Chiang Mai is not only the Thais favorite for winter vacations, it is also a birder’s favorite during dry season. Ranked as one of the best bird-watching point in Thailand, Doi Ang Khang has 250 bird species that are both residents and migrants.
3) Doi Chiang Dao
Parakeets are a common sight in Doi Chiang Dao (Photo by Peter Tan)
This birding location in Chiang Mai is not an easy one to get to, but the 20 kilometer of up and down rough road will make it worth your while. Considered to be one of the best birding sites in northern Thailand, Doi Chiang Dao rewards the patient birder with plenty of species to identify and tick off their life list, including parakeets.
4) Doi Suthep-Pui National Park
Orange-bellied leaf birds fly free in Doi Suthep-Pui (Photo by Ron Knight)
This national park offers an entertaining diversion for day trippers in Chiang Mai who want to see birds up close in their natural habitats. Only 15 minutes away from the urban center, Doi Suthep-Pui is home to orange-bellied leaf birds and a huge number of other feathered friends.
5) Khao Yai National Park
Long-tailed minivets are one of Khao Yai’s resident avians (Photo by Archit Ratan)
This park is one of Thailand’s first because of its proximity to Bangkok (a mere 2.5 hours away) and its considerable size at more than 2,000 square kilometers. This swath of moist evergreens is home to some of the most intriguing winged characters in the animal kingdom, including long-tailed minivets that can be found here in abundance.
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Article by Chris
Chris had a passion to contribute to society especially to fellow travelers like himself. He also had a passion for Southeast Asia and frequently visited. While brainstorming ideas, he decided that a travel blog dedicated to his favorite countries, Thailand and Singapore, could be more beneficial than any guidebook. Only one year later did the blog’s success bring in more writers, more countries, and more readers.
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