One of the most well-known national parks of Thailand is Khao Yai National Park, located about 160 kilometers northeast of Bangkok near the highway to Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat). It is rumored to contain several wild tigers in its area of 2,168 sq km of forest and mountains and attracts nature lovers and trekkers alike.
Khao Yai National Park location map
Birdwatching in Khao Yai National Park
Khao Yai National Park is also a major destination for birders and birdwatching tours. A total of 318 bird species have been spotted and it is also home to all four species of hornbill: the great, wreathed, oriental pied and brown.
In addition to the resident species the complex plays an important role for the conservation of migratory species, including the endangered Spot-billed Pelican and critically endangered Greater Adjutant.
Birdwatching season
Birding is good and convenient throughout the year.
Recommended Birdwatching Literature
One or two field guides are widely used in Thailand, A Guide to the Birds of Thailand written by B. Lekagul and P. D. Round published in 1991 is very easy to use for field identification but has become very difficult to get at the moment. The newly published guidebook for Thailand and South-east Asia, A Field Guide to the Birds of Thailand and South-East Asia written by Craig Robson is also widely used.