Discover Thailand’s rich avian diversity at these top natural sanctuaries and national parks.

Thailand offers a splendid experience to both birders and bird photographers. The country, filled with a lot of natural resources, is home to around a thousand species of rare and colorful birds. Most of these species, being native to Thailand, cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Also, the Thai government has developed several projects to preserve all the birds in their natural habitats.

So, read ahead to learn about some of the major bird-watching hotspots located across the Land of Smiles.

Doi Lang

Doi Lang, located in the Chiang Mai Province, is packed with lush green forests that make an ideal habitat for hundreds of rare bird species. Amongst all of them, Hume’s Pheasant and Giant Nuthatch are absolutely delightful to look at.

There are several other species such as Cutia, Scarlet Finch, Spotted Red-faced-Liocichla Wren Babbler, Red-tailed Laughing Thrush, Rusty-naped Pitta, Golden Bush Robin, Mountain Bamboo Partridge, Green Cochoa, Jerdon's Bushchat, and Fire-tailed Sunbird. You need to spend at least a couple of days exploring the site fully.

Doi Inthanon National Park

Doi Inthanon National Park is absolutely filled with scenic natural charm. The park houses several trails where visitors can spend hours looking at various species of birds. There's a good density of birds, including Chestnut-tailed Minla, Pygmy Cupwing, Rufous-winged Fulvetta, Silver-eared Laughingthrush, Green-tailed Sunbird, Himalayan Shortwing, and Dark-sided Thrush.

Also, the lucky birders get to see the rarest of bird species like the Clicking Shrike-babbler, Golden Babbler, Rufous-backed Sibia, etc.

Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary

Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary, spreading over a vast land, is packed with mixed deciduous forests, dipterocarp forests, along semi-evergreen forests. The sanctuary is home to more than 400 different species of birds, including Golden-crested mynas, Blue Pitta, Red-billed Blue Magpies, Sultan Tits, etc.

Apart from these, you can also get to see some other species of birds like Austen’s Brown Hornbills, Black-and-Buff Woodpeckers, Rufous-tailed Robins, etc.

Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai National Park comprises evergreen forests providing shelter to a large variety of birds. The park is home to some colorful species such as Silver Pheasant, Siamese Fireback, Barbet, Pitta, Owl, Broadbill, Silver-breasted Broadbills, Greater Yellownape, Red-headed Trogon, and many more. Here, you can hire a guide to explore the birds in a better way.

Kaeng Krachan National Park

Kaeng Krachan National Park is the largest national park in Thailand. The visitors can find an abundance of birds like Ratchet-tailed Treepie, Great Slaty Woodpecker, Orange-breasted Trogon, Banded Broadbill, and more across the area. Also, lucky people might get to see the Grey Peacock-Pheasant, Kalij Pheasant, Ferruginous Partridge, Blue Pitta, Eared Pitta, etc.

Some other popular bird-watching spots are Hat Yai, Pak Thale, Doi Ang Khang, Tung Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, Thale Noi Waterbird Park, etc.