Southern peninsular Thailand showcases a rich lowland forest ecosystem supporting many seldom-seen bird species. During this extension, we will be targeting a wonderful array of lowland forest specialities, including Blue-winged, Mangrove and Malayan Banded Pittas, Malayan Black Magpie, Red-crowned Barbet, and an assortment of colourful kingfishers and broadbills. The nocturnal birding here is also fabulous and we stand good chances of finding Oriental Bay Owl, Barred Eagle-Owl, Spotted and Brown Wood Owls, and Gould’s and Blyth’s Frogmouths. Furthermore, we will explore the nearby mangroves by boat and enjoy a day trip to the Similan Islands to find the brilliant Nicobar Pigeon, among other local specialities.
Malayan Banded & Mangrove Pittas; Banded, Brown-winged, Black-capped & Ruddy Kingfishers; Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle; Nicobar Pigeon; Banded, Green & Dusky Broadbills; Red-crowned Barbet; Oriental Bay Owl; Barred Eagle-Owl; Spotted & Brown Wood Owls; Gould’s & Blyth’s Frogmouths; Great Eared Nightjar; Chestnut-breasted & Black-bellied Malkohas; Bushy-crested Hornbill; Scarlet-rumped Trogon; Crested Jayshrike; Black Magpie; Large Wren-Babbler; Thick-billed Spiderhunter; Forest Wagtail; Chinese Egret
Lar Gibbon; Dusky Langur; Southern Pig-tailed & Crab-eating Macaques; Island Flying Fox
lowland and montane rainforests, mangroves, wetlands, coastal mudflats
generally hot and humid
10 with 1 Rockjumper leader & local birding leader
moderate pace, undemanding walking on forest trails
basic but comfortable
moderate with several challenging rainforest species
200 - 250
Pagodas and temples, great food, rainforests, Similan islands and coral reef snorkelling, friendly people
good
All our expectations for this trip were met and exceeded, beginning with our guide Andre Bernon, who is a delight in and out of the field. Fantastic birding skills and people skills, a great combination for a guide.
My Rockjumper guide, Andre Bernon, is the best guide I have birded with. I continue to be amazed at his impressive birding skills and he will do whatever it takes to make sure that his guests see the birds. I saw so many awesome birds on this tour because Andre would sometimes physically place me in the right spot so I could see the bird. How many guides have that much dedication to their guests? His excellent guiding skills ensured that all logistics of the birding tour went smoothly. Andre can read his guests and he knows when breaks are needed to avoid fatigue and frustration. His time management skills enabled his guests to arrive at their accommodations on time so that they could enjoy the check list, dinner and relaxation each evening. And Andre's wit and sense of humor made this a very fun birding tour.
In the field, Keith and the local “Zen Birding Master’’ Uthai were an unbeatable combination. Their knowledge, persistence and patience were greatly appreciated. They tried to make sure everyone got the birds and were willing to go to great lengths to do so. Both had a great sense of humour and were a pleasure to travel with.
I had a wonderful trip to Thailand with Forrest as our leader. Every aspect of the Rockjumper trip surpassed expectations. From the pre trip support, wonderful fellow trip participants, amazingly delicious food, our helpful and kind Thai drivers, and of course Forrest, who has to be the best guide out there. His energy, enthusiasm and knowledge, along with a patient and friendly demeanor makes him a joy to be with. Kudos to the Rockjumper organization and I look forward to taking part in a future tour.
I just want to say a big thank you to Alison and the Rockjumper team for an absolutely fantastic trip through Thailand recently. It was a thoroughly enjoyable and successful trip. Also, I must comment Nigel Redman, who is an exceptional guide, with a vast knowledge of birds (in Thailand and beyond), as well as a keen knowledge of recent taxonomic changes in Asian birds, and for his management of the trip and the group. Luckily for me, this was my first time birding in Asia, so I managed upwards of 330 lifers!
14 Dec 2023 - 20 Dec 2023 (7 days)
THB81,950 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: André Bernon
Tour price (Per person): THB81,950 * USD2,250 * GBP1,834 * EUR2,121 * AUD3,464
Single Supplement: THB7,000 * USD192 * GBP157 * EUR181 * AUD296
Flight costs: THB6,600 * USD181 * GBP148 * EUR171 * AUD279
Can be linked with: Thailand - Asian Birding at its Best II 2023
06 Mar 2024 - 12 Mar 2024 (7 days)
THB83,950 - No Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Erik Forsyth
13 Dec 2024 - 19 Dec 2024 (7 days)
THB83,950 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: David Hoddinott
24 Feb 2025 - 02 Mar 2025 (7 days)
THB90,000 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: Paul Varney
12 Dec 2025 - 18 Dec 2025 (7 days)
THB90,000 - Spaces Available
Tour Leader: André Bernon