Brding Laos & Thailand

[streatham]

Hi,

I was just wondering if anyone had any advice for Birding in either Thailand or Laos. Actually it's my brother whose heading there and for some weird reason he wanted some info on where to watch birds there. As shocked as I was by his request (he's not a birder), I decided that his interest needs to be fostered. Can anybody recommend good sites or guide services - I would imagine he would be more interested in birdy places or spectacular birds rather than rare/ drab or difficult to find or access endemics - any thoughts would be greatly appreciated - Luke

[Tim Allwood]

Khao Yai National park about 1.5 hours from Bangkok would be a good starting place - a great national park with monkeys and elephants to boot and a Tiger if you're extremely lucky. There are loads of birds in there and spectacular stuff like hornbill flocks too......

if he wants to be guided i think there's a company called NatureTrails that are Thai-based and have a good reputation

[Steve]

http://www.birdforum.net/thedirectory/showproduct.php?product=578&sort=7&cat=104&page=1

[Hanno]

I have some info on my web site (see below).

[streatham]

Thanks for the advice Hanno & Tim - All looks very useful - should have looked a little harder on here first I guess Steve. Is the 'Craig Robson: A Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia' the one to buy or do you have other recommendations?

[very boring banned member]

Go to Vacational trip reports (http://www.birdforum.net/forumdisplay.php?f=244) & search Thailand.

[very boring banned member]

Thanks for the advice Hanno & Tim - All looks very useful - should have looked a little harder on here first I guess Steve. Is the 'Craig Robson: A Guide to the Birds of Southeast Asia' the one to buy or do you have other recommendations?
If only Thailand is visited, definitely Robson's Thai book, not SE Asia. Pros: bird picture + text on same double page, plus distribution maps (which SE Asia lacks) and more comfortable number of species.

[Tim Allwood]

Yes Craig's bok is the one to take - if you don't mind buying two - the SE Asia guide is excellent and will come in useful in Laos. You could perhaps get away with the SE Asia guide if you know your stuff already but for a 'beginner' the Thai guide will be useful but not sufficient to cover Laos as well which has some good birds too.....

[streatham]

Has anybody got any thoughts on Laos - searched the site but hardly mentioned at all. thanks again - Luke