Birdwatching Sites in Northern Thailand
Doi Intanon National Park (Chiang Mai)
Doi Sutep – Doi Pui National Park (Chiang Mai)
Doi Chiang Dao National Park (Chiang Mai)
Fang Hot Springs – Doi Pahompok National Park (Chiang Mai)
Doi Luang National Park (Chiang Mai)
Huay Nam Dung National Park (Chiang Mai)
Kun Chae National Park (Chiang Mai)
Doi Angkang (Chiang Mai)
Doi Lang (Chiang Mai)
Huay Hong Krai Watershed Station (Chiang Mai)
Mae Hia Agricultural University (Chiang Mai)
Mae Jo University (Chiang Mai)
Huay Tung Tao Bike Track (Chiang Mai)
Mae Dtang Irrigation Center (Chiang Mai)
Tum Ngam, Chaiprakan district, Fang (Chiang Mai)
Chiang Saen Lake Wildlife Sanctuary (Chiang Rai)
Mekong River (Chiang Rai)
Mae Ping National Park (Lampun)
Salawin Forest National Park (Mae Hong Son)
Note: Text reviews are not complete for sites marked with an asterisk.
The list is organized alphabetically in order of the provinces where the sites are located. Reviews for some sites are currently in the works or have been postponed to a later date. If you are in need of specific information which pertains to a site which is not reviewed, please contact me by e-mail and I will try to assist with whatever information I have available.
Birding in Northern Thailand
The northern region of Thailand is home to hundreds of fantastic bird species. It is by far the best region for birding and attracts hundreds of local and international birdwatchers every year. Birding in the north is somewhat easier than in the south, as the birds are not as skittish or skulking and prefer to move about in large groups or “bird waves”.
Birders also appreciate the fact that the region is magnet for many rare and endangered migratory species, such as Baer’s Pochard and River Tern. It also accounts for many new locality records for the country, the most recent being Wallcreeper, discovered by Mr. Manod Taengtum in the beginning of 2012.
I was born in Chiang Mai and began my birding career there, so I have many fond memories of the north.
Most of the terrain in the north in mountainous. It is home to Thailand’s highest mountain, Doi Intanon, and roughly 70% of Thailand’s highest peaks are located in the region.
[To view a map of all the birdwatching locations in Northern Thailand, click here]
Northern forests, unlike most of the country, are comprised primarily of mixed deciduous trees which shed their leaves in the dry season due to water stress. Old forest can still be found in some parts, watered by tributaries which flow into the valleys from the mountains before draining into the central plains.
Despite being home to many wonderful national parks and wildlife sanctuatires, the environment is constantly under attack from local hilltribes, deforestation and hunting pressure. With a little added protection, this area should continue to delight birders for decades to come.
The North is comprised of nine provinces: Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Phayao, Phrae and Uttaradit.
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