Experience the vibrant natural beauty of Central Thailand on an exclusive bird photography tour led by one of Asia’s most experienced wildlife photographers. Journey through a mosaic of habitats, from serene wetlands and winding rivers to lush tropical forests and verdant rice paddies. Along the way, capture the stunning landscapes and intricate details of Thailand’s rural and wild environments, all while learning expert techniques in composition, lighting, and bird behavior observation. Each day offers unique photographic opportunities as you explore diverse ecosystems teeming with avian life.
Central Thailand is home to an extraordinary variety of birds, including several species found nowhere else. Highlights of this tour include the striking Black-and-Red Broadbill, the rare Ferruginous Partridge, and the elusive Siamese Fireback. Whether you are a professional photographer or an enthusiastic amateur, this journey offers unparalleled access to habitats, guided insights from a master photographer, and the chance to capture images of some of Asia’s most remarkable and photogenic bird species in one of the continent’s most enchanting landscapes.
Barbets: Moustached Barbet / Green-eared Barbet / Blue-eared Barbet / Coppersmith Barbet
Bee-eaters: Blue-bearded Bee-eater / Red-bearded Bee-eater / Chestnut-headed Bee-eater / Blue-tailed Bee-eater / Blue-throated Bee-eater
Broadbills: Black-and-Red Broadbill / Dusky Broadbill / Banded Broadbill / Black-and-Yellow Broadbill / Silver-breasted Broadbill
Hornbills: Great Hornbill / Oriental Pied Hornbill / Wreathed Hornbill / Austen's Brown Hornbill
Kingfishers / Pittas : Rufous-backed Dwarf Kingfisher / Blue Pitta / Blue-winged Pitta
Partridges: Green-legged Partridge/ Ferruginous Partridge / Bar-backed Partridge / Rufous-throated Partridge
Pheasants: Siamese Fireback / Grey Peacock- Pheasant / Kalij Pheasant / Green Peafowl
Shorebirds: Spoon-billed Sandpiper / Nordmanns Greenshank / Malaysian Plover
Trogons / Woodpeckers: Red-headed Trogon / Orange-breasted Trogon / Great Slaty Woodpecker / Greater Yellownape
Guiding Fees / Ground Transportation / Accommodation / Meals / Entrance Fees / Tipping for Drivers, Boatsmen, Hotel and Restaurant Staff.
International Flights / VISA Fees / Travel Insurance / Tips for Local Guide / Alcohol / Laundry / Items of a Personal Nature
Days 1-2 Bangkok (1N / 0D / 0S). Arrive at Suvarnabhumi International Airport, Bangkok, transfer to hotel. Photographic Targets: Asian Barred Owlet / Spotted Owlet / Black-capped Kingfisher / Painted Stork / Asian Golden Weaver / Alexandrine Parakeet / Red-breasted Parakeet
Days 2-3 Phetchaburi Province [1N / 0D/ 1S]. Drive 3-hours, 125 km to Phetchaburi Province. Photographic Targets: Spoon-billed Sandpiper / Nordmann’s Greenshank / Asian Dowitcher / Asian Openbill / Malaysian Plover / Shorebirds / Weavers.
Days 3-8 Phetchaburi Province [5N / 3D / 8S]. Drive 1-hour, 75km to second location in Phetchaburi Province. Photographic Targets: Blue Pitta / Siberian Blue Robin / Green-legged Partridge / Ferruginous Partridge / Grey Peacock-Pheasant / Khalij Pheasant / Blue-bearded Bee-Eater / Ratchet-tailed Treepie / Great Hornbill / Oriental Pied Hornbill / Wreathed Hornbill / Black-backed Dwarf Kingfisher.
Days 8-11 Nakhon Ratchasima Province [3N / 2D / 6S]. Drive 6-hours, 350km to Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Photographic Targets: Red-headed Trogon / Banded Broadbill / Banded Kingfisher / Siamese Fireback / Great Hornbill / Oriental Pied Hornbill / Austen's Brown Hornbill / Red Junglefowl.
Days 11-12 Bueng Kan Province [1N / 0D / 2S]. Drive 6-hours, 410km to Bueng Kan Province. Photographic Targets: Grey-headed Swamphen / Asian Openbill / Glossy Ibis / Oriental Darter / Pheasant-tailed Jacana / Bronze-winged Jacana / Spot-billed Pelican / Indian Cormorant / Cotton Pygmy Goose / Lesser Whistling Ducks / Ferruginous Duck.
Days 12-13 Buriram Province [1N / 0D / 2S]. Drive 4-hours, 260km to Buriram Province. Photographic Targets: Sarus Crane.
Days 13-14 Bangkok (1N, 0D, 1S). Drive 4-hours, 250km to Bangkok for international departures the following day [END]
[Key: N=Night, D=Full Day, S=Session/Half-Day]
Roland was born in Munich in 1970. His love for nature started at an early age through his passion for mountaineering which in turn developed his interest in environmental protection. Roland spent over two decades in China from 1998 to 2021 living predominantly in Sichuan Province in western China and working as a professional guide on bird as well as mammal tours. With many of Roland’s clients being photographers, Roland has developed considerable skills and knowledge in supporting the needs of the bird photographer. Roland’s travels throughout China and South East Asia are extensive from the Tibetan Plateau to the Chinese lowlands to the rainforests of both Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia: Laos, Thailand, Malaysia and Vietnam. Roland is fluent in Chinese, English and German and has a friendly, amicable disposition, displaying both care and thoughtfulness towards his clients, in addition to possessing strong field identification skills, all of which have combined well generating a positive reputation as a Tour Leader, particularly amongst bird photographers.
(i) The guesthouses are all in close proximity to the bird photography locations (ii) Walking is at a light pace (iii) There is no requirement to hike nor climb. (iv) None of the locations are at altitude (v) There is no camping. Summary: for these five reasons this trip has been graded as 'Easy'.
: Central
