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DAY 1:
We start our trip in Chiang Mai in Northern Thailand.
While we wait for our whole team to arrive, we will
relax in a stunning hotel. In the evening we will
provide several different options that will include
taking the local form of transport (the tuk-tuk) to
visit the Chiang Mai night bazaar followed by dinner on
the river at a popular local restaurants. |
Streaked spiderhunter |
DAY 2:
After breakfasting in the courtyard of our lovely hotel,
willing participants can join us for a trip up the local
mountain to visit one of Thailand’s most stunning
temples. Birding the grounds is also a must. We will
leave from there to visit the King’s Winter Palace (also
good birding) and then have lunch in an Hmong village.
Then we
will head back to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon by
the pool (jet lag cannot be ignored) before going to a
forest monastery to listen to Buddhist monks give a talk
in English by the lake. Dinner that night in the hotel
and an early night! |
DAY 3:
After a visit to a local park for some birding we provide a
couple of different sightseeing options around Chiang Mai. After
lunch we leave for our first major birding spot south of Chiang
Mai at Doi Inthanon. Bird the grounds of our hotel there in the
late afternoon – this can be a very rich experience. Dinner at
the hotel – basic but good.
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DAY 4:
An early start takes us to one of Thailand’s most
rewarding birding spots at Check Point 2. Then further
up the mountain, stopping enroute to see the Twin Royal
Pagodas. Later in the afternoon, on the way down, we
will visit one of the Park’s waterfall areas for some
interesting species. Dinner is open – there are several
resorts in the area that maybe worth a visit.
DAY 5: Another day at Doi Inthanon but we start
with spotlighting for nighthawks at Check Point 2. We
cover ground not covered the day before including lunch
at the Royal Project and a visit to the other main
waterfall which can be very productive. |
Green tailed sunbird |
DAY 6: We
depart Doi Inthanon and drive north to Doi Ang Khang. We will
bird enroute and also stop at Wat Phra That Si Chom Thong,
amongst other spots along the way. Arriving at our lodge we will
bird the grounds before either heading to a meditation centre
(for those interested) or relaxing over dinner.
DAY 7: Our local bird guide will meet us at the lodge and
we will head out for a day’s birding in areas overlooking the
Burmese border in the Doi Ang Khang park. Lunch at the Royal
Project and possibly a visit to the Tha Market.
DAY 8: Another opportunity to bird Doi Ang Khang and
possibly fit in a visit to Fang Hot springs.
Panted stork |
DAY 9:
We will head to south to Chaing Dao – En route we will
visit an elephant camp and enjoy an elephant trek. Our
accommodation at Chiang Dao is a lovely spot with a
great food and relaxed environment. Birding around the
grounds is rewarding and it is a short walk to a
beautiful Temple.
DAY 10: This birding day is not for the feint of
heart. While Doi Chiang Dao can offer up Giant Nuthatch
and Hume’s pheasant the road up there is an experience!
For those not up to it, there are caves in the area, a
temple to visit and beautiful grounds in which to relax. |
DAY 11:
Time to head south so back to Chaing Mai for a flight to Bangkok
and then drive to Khao Yai. Birding in the grounds of our hotel
can deliver Hornbills amongst others and with a fabulous local
Thai restaurant for dinner (menu only in Thai so it makes
ordering interesting) we can be off to a good start.
DAY 12: Khao Yai not only has incredible birding but also
the best opportunity for seeing other wildlife. This will be a
long but very rewarding day culminating with a spot lighting
tour in the evening.
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DAY 13:
Another fabulous day at Khao Yai – different route
through the park but another opportunity for birds,
elephants gibbons and more.
DAY 14: I’m sure it will be with regret that we
leave Khao Yai but there is more so see yet as we head
to Kaeng Kraechen – stop enroute at Laem Phak Bia for
some shore birding. The accommodation at Kaeng Krachen
is the most basic that we will experience but the
birding should be worth it.
DAY 15:
This will be a full day birding in Kaeng Krachen. For
the safety of visitors and animals alike, vehicles have
restricted times to ascend and descend the mountain.
This means we will spend the first part of the day at
the lower part of the mountain and then move to the
summit in the afternoon. |
Long tailed broadbill |
DAY 16: Today we will bird Kaeng Krachen in the reverse –
starting at the summit and then, after working our way back down
we will head for the nearby town of Hau Hin. After a couple of
days in KK park, we will all thoroughly enjoy the stunning and
luxurious resort which is our final location in Thailand. The
grounds of this hotel are probably the most stunning I have ever
experienced and the lagoon pool is to die for. The town of Hua
Hin can offer some nice restaurants and great opportunity to
purchase Thai carvings etc. While a little touristy it is a nice
place to wrap up our trip.
DAY 17: Relax at the resort, wander through the town or
join us at Laem Phak Bia in our hunt for the Spoon-billed
sandpiper We will also hire local fisherman to take us out to a
sand spit for Malaysian Plover and several gulls. Then finish
the day with souvenir hunting and dinner in Hua Hin town.
Black Kite |
DAY 18: Depending on your flight time, you have
an option to leave on this day ( if the flight is later
in the day) or for very early departures we recommend
staying at the hotel at the airport and leaving the next
day ( this is not included in the trip price).
Although our final itinerary may vary slightly, the
overall structure will remain the same. The intention
being to maximize the number of bird species we all get
to observe, while also including opportunities to see
the sights and experience the country.
We hope you will join us. Thailand is a truly magical
place, the people are the friendliest on earth, the food
is great and the birding – well what can we say – it is
truly amazing. |
NOTES:
Price: $2750 per person based on double occupancy. (Excludes, travel costs to
Thailand, evening meal and alcohol )
We would rate this trip medium in terms of physical exertion due
to the areas we will cover.
Bronse Winged
Jacana |
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Coppersmith
Barbet |
White-Capped
Water Redstart |
Plaintive
Cuckoo |
Black
Baza |
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Doi Inthanon 
