Birdwatching Locations in Northern Thailand
Northern Thailand offers some amazing birdwatching locations! Our tailored birdwatching tours offer a unique opportunity to explore the hidden gems and best-kept secrets of this birding paradise. Led by our expert guide, Somboon, you’ll be taken to extraordinary locations that are teeming with vibrant birdlife. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned birder, our tours cater to all levels of experience. Delve into the charm of Thailand’s avian wonders and create lasting memories. Somboon will help you choose the best location based on your wishes, experience, and season. Below, you can learn more about birdwatching locations in Northern Thailand.
Doi Inthanon National Park
Doi Inthanon, Thailand’s highest peak, stands tall at an impressive elevation of 2,565 meters above sea level, and is located approximately 100 kilometres to the southwest of Chiang Mai province. This iconic mountain is at the heart of Doi Inthanon National Park, a sprawling natural wonderland that covers an expansive 482 square kilometres. Established in 1972, the park is not only home to stunning landscapes but also to diverse hilltribes and tribal villages, including the Karen and Hmong communities. These local hilltribes primarily sustain themselves through farming, cultivating a rich variety of crops such as rice, fruits, vegetables, strawberries, and coffee.
As you ascend through the park’s diverse elevations, you’ll encounter a captivating array of forest types. Starting with lowland bush scrubs and deciduous forests, the landscape transforms as you ascend to 700 meters into upper deciduous forest. From 800 to 1,000 meters, you’ll be enveloped by mixed hill evergreen forests and native pine groves. Near the summit, a moist evergreen mountain forest blankets the landscape in lush greenery.
Now, let’s talk about the real stars of Doi Inthanon National Park – its vibrant birdlife. This enchanting haven offers birdwatching enthusiasts a chance to spot a rich variety of avian wonders, such as:
- Greentailed Sunbird
- Scarlet breasted Sunbird
- Black backed sibia
- Rufouse throated partrid
- White browed shortwing or Himalayan shortwing
- Snowy browed flycatcher
- Lesser shortwing
- Dark sided thrush
- Ashy wood pigeon
- Speckled wood pigeon
With such a diverse array of bird species, Doi Inthanon National Park is a true paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike.
Doi Ang Khang
Nestled to the north of Chiang Mai lies the enchanting birdwatching haven of Doi Ang Khang, a region characterized by its gently rolling hills, with elevations averaging around 1,400 meters and culminating at the summit at 1,928 meters above sea level. This pristine environment holds historical significance as the location of Thailand’s first Royal Research Project, dedicated to the study of low-temperature plants. Initiated in 1969, this pioneering project marked a crucial milestone in understanding the unique flora of this extraordinary region.
Situated in close proximity to the border with Myanmar, Doi Ang Khang boasts a mesmerizing landscape dominated by lush hill evergreen forests, adorned by meticulously cultivated pine plantations. Beyond its scenic beauty, this area is home to a harmonious tapestry of cultures and communities, including the Chinese, Lahu, and Palong tribes. A true embodiment of cultural diversity, these tribes practice a mosaic of faiths, from Christianity and Islam to Buddhism and ancient tribal animist beliefs, living together in peaceful coexistence and collaboration.
The ideal time to explore this area is during the winter months, from December to March. This period witnesses an influx of enthusiastic birdwatchers who are drawn not only by the feathered inhabitants but also by the breathtaking sunsets, dawns, and the ephemeral cherry blossoms that grace the landscape. Moreover, the winter season heralds the arrival of numerous migratory birds that make Doi Ang Khang their temporary abode. While here, you can capture memorable moments at a Thai military base and, weather permitting, catch a glimpse of the Myanmar military base just across the border.
As for the star attractions – the birds – Doi Ang Khang doesn’t disappoint. Among the feathered gems you might spot are:
- Spot-winged grosbeak
- Daurian redstart
- White-headed Bulbul
- Brown-breasted Bulbul
- White-capped water redstart
- Giant nuthatch
- Rufuse-backed sibia
- Verditer flycatcher
- Velvet-fronted nuthatch
- White-browed scimitar babbler
With its rich avian diversity and cultural tapestry, Doi Ang Khang offers a birdwatching experience that’s as rewarding as it is enriching.
Doi Lung West
Nestled in the enchanting Fang district of Chiang Mai, Doi Lung West is celebrated as the ultimate haven for birdwatching enthusiasts, often referred to as the “birdwatcher’s paradise.” To reach this avian wonderland, your journey meanders along the Thai-Myanmar border, immersing you in breathtaking natural landscapes and serene vistas. The mountain is cloaked in a pristine tapestry of native pine forest and lush evergreen hill forest, creating an idyllic habitat for a diverse array of bird species.
What sets Doi Lung West apart is its untouched nature, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. Here, there are no villages or shops, making it imperative for visitors to bring along all their necessary supplies for a truly immersive and self-sustained birdwatching adventure. As you explore this secluded mountain, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled opportunities to witness its thriving avian population in their undisturbed natural habitat.
Among the mesmerizing birds that call Doi Lung West their home, keep an eye out for:
- Spot-breasted parrotbill
- Siberian rubythroat
- Crested bunting
- Grey-headed parrotbill
- Rusty-cheeked scimitar babbler
- Common rosefinch
- Scarlet finch
- Crimson-breasted woodpecker
- Stripe-breasted woodpecker
- Long-tailed sibia
The enchanting chorus of birdlife in Doi Lung West beckons you to embark on a birdwatching adventure like no other, where serenity and natural beauty blend seamlessly to create an unforgettable experience.
Doi Lung East
Discover the captivating birdwatching realm of Doi Lung East, a mesmerizing sanctuary perched just 40 kilometers from Thaton. This remarkable area boasts an evergreen hill forest that blankets the mountain, creating an idyllic habitat for a diverse avian population. To reach this avian haven, embark on a picturesque drive along the Thai-Myanmar border, traversing narrow, undulating roads that meander past picturesque hill tribe villages and lush rice terraces. The landscape truly comes alive between October and November when it showcases its most vibrant colors. As you navigate these roads, keep in mind that a 4×4 vehicle is essential, as some sections of the route may be muddy.
As you ascend the mountain, the villages gradually recede, leaving you with the serene wilderness of Doi Lung East. It’s essential to come prepared, as there are no restaurants or shops on this ascent. Our birdwatching destination awaits at a Thai military camp, nestled in a pristine birding spot where the temperatures remain pleasantly cool.
Here, the birdwatching experience unfolds with a rich tapestry of avian life. Among the avian gems that await your discovery are:
- Large nittawa
- Small nittawa
- Red-faced liocichla
- Yellow-bellied fantail
- Green cochoa
- Grey treepie
- Crested finchbill
- Chestnut thrush
- Little pied flycatcher
- Whiskered yuhina
Doi Lung East offers a birdwatching adventure that’s not just about the birds but also an exploration of stunning landscapes, a rich cultural tapestry, and the opportunity to experience the untouched beauty of the Thai-Myanmar border region.
Doi Tung
This biodiverse landscape is home to a plethora of bird species, making it a treasure trove for birdwatchers. Among the avian wonders that grace the skies and the canopy, you can spot:
- White-tailed robin
- Rufous-gorgeted flycatcher
- Rusty-naped pitta
- Dusky thrush
- Purple cochoa
- Blue whistling thrush
- Blue-throated barbet
- Puff-throated babbler
- Mountain bulbul
- Sooty-headed bulbul
Prepare for a birdwatching adventure that’s not only visually stunning but also resonates with the symphony of nature at its best. Doi Tung’s Botanic Garden is a captivating destination where the natural world unfolds in all its glory, inviting you to explore and experience the rich biodiversity of this enchanting region.
Chiang Saen Lake
As you venture into the realm of Chiang Saen Lake, you’ll be treated to a dazzling array of bird species, each adding its unique melody to the symphony of nature. Among the feathered treasures that you can spot are:
- Eastern marsh harrier
- Pied harrier
- Yellow bittern
- White-throated kingfisher
- Siberian rubythroat
- Common kingfisher
- Rufouse-winged buzzard
- Burmese shrike
- Red-wattled lapwing
- Pheasant-tailed jacana
Chiang Saen Lake offers a birdwatching experience that transcends the ordinary, where the serene beauty of swamplands and wetlands becomes the canvas upon which nature’s artistic brilliance is painted. The multitude of small lakes scattered throughout the region ensures that every visit holds the promise of new avian encounters, making this destination a must-visit for birdwatchers seeking to immerse themselves in the splendor of Chiang Rai’s natural world.