Thailand is quite simply the quintessential birding destination of Southeast Asia, boasting a fantastic diversity of habitats ranging from high mountain peaks draped with rhododendron forest to extensive mudflats and saltpans, and dense tropical lowlands resounding with birdsong. The Northern & Central tour is designed to take advantage of the influx of migrants from the north in addition to an amazing array of Asian species, including a host of localised and range-restricted specialities. Siamese Fireback, Silver Pheasant, Great Hornbill, Long-tailed Broadbill, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Blue Pitta, Great Slaty and Black-headed Woodpeckers, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Spot-breasted Parrotbill, Giant Nuthatch and Green Peafowl are just some of the potential highlights of this incredible tour.! Furthermore, culturally, Thailand has few equals, and you will have opportunities to visit some of the many spectacular pagodas and shrines that adorn this friendly, varied and spectacular land.

The Southern Extension 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.

Our new Thailand Highlights tour is designed around the very best birding sites in Northern and Central Thailand, offering a superb selection of spectacular and sought-after Southeast Asian specials, along with a huge array of migrants from the north, which spend the frigid winters in these warmer climates. Time will be spent exploring the wetlands near Bangkok where we stand excellent chances of finding the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper, Nordmann’s Greenshank and Chinese Egret. Major reserves visited include Kaeng Krachan, Khao Yai and Doi Lang where targets include the stunning Green Peafowl, Siamese Fireback, Silver Pheasant, gorgeous Silver-breasted Broadbill, Coral-billed Ground Cuckoo, Blue Pitta, White-rumped Falcon, Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Green Cochoa – and much more! In addition, culturally Thailand has few equals, and you will have opportunities to visit some of the many spectacular pagodas and shrines that adorn this friendly, varied and spectacular land. This is a short yet comprehensive alternative to our longer Northern & Central: Asian Birding at its Best tour, and is suitable for both birders and non-birding spouses alike.