[hampers]

I'm thinking of doing a 2 week trip to Thailand in October. Anyone have any recommendations of locations to visit within reasonable travel distance of Bangkok. Or don't miss locations. Don't want to spend too much time travelling. Would also appreciate some guidance on reasonable hotels and indicative costs. Is it better to do alone, by hiring a car, or use a guide.

Any help appreciated.

Thanks


Phil

[rockfowl]

Hi Phil,

A lot of the threads just below this one have relevant information for you, so instead of repeating stuff, I'd read those and then address any further questions here.

This site should be very useful - http://www.thaibirding.com/ and to a lesser extent, as its still being developed, this one - http://www.norththailandbirding.com/

Don't miss locations within three hours of Bangkok? Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan though I'd suggest that you think about timings, October is still the rainy season! - http://www.thaizer.com/weather/when-...n-in-thailand/

[hampers]

Originally Posted by rockfowl

Hi Phil,

A lot of the threads just below this one have relevant information for you, so instead of repeating stuff, I'd read those and then address any further questions here.

This site should be very useful - http://www.thaibirding.com/ and to a lesser extent, as its still being developed, this one - http://www.norththailandbirding.com/

Don't miss locations within three hours of Bangkok? Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan though I'd suggest that you think about timings, October is still the rainy season! - http://www.thaizer.com/weather/when-...n-in-thailand/

Thanks, just realised why I could only see 3 threads! Search options wrong. Thanks for the pointer. Will review the other threads you mention.

Still happy for any personal recommendations though.

Regards


Phil

[Neil Lawton]

As Rockfowl has already said, best sites outside Bangkok Khao Yai, Kaeng krachan, Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia. Rain could be a major issue and it may be impossible to get to KK.

Plenty of cheap internal flights (Nok Asia and Air Asia), fly to Chiang Mai and you are only a few hours from some great birding at Doi Inthanon, Chiang Dao, Ang Khang, Doi Lang and Chiang Saen. Rain maybe a little less of an issue here in Oct and is usually completely dry by Nov.

Most sites you can do with public transport, or hire drivers locally. Car hire is relatively cheap expect to pay around 1500THB per day for standard motor, more for 4 wheel drives and bigger cars/trucks.

Neil

http://norfolkbirderinthailand.blogspot.com

[gandytron]

As others have stated, very good sites to visit are Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan, though the upper parts of Keang Krachan will only open on 1st Nov (start of the dry season).

One other thing to do in October is to go raptor watching at Chumphorn - it is a bit more of a drive from Bkk, but is spectacular (something like 170,000 birds heading south at low altitude during the month - eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322XEbcPvD0).

Spoon-billed sandpipers turn up in late October, so you may have a chance of connecting at Khok Kham or Pak Thale.

If you have time to kill in Bangkok it's worth visiting one of the parks (Lumpini or SRF) which are good for migrants in October.

Best wishes

Dave

[PhotographyExpert]

these are the nice places,but i would prefer you guide..

[hampers]

Originally Posted by gandytron

As others have stated, very good sites to visit are Khao Yai and Kaeng Krachan, though the upper parts of Keang Krachan will only open on 1st Nov (start of the dry season).

One other thing to do in October is to go raptor watching at Chumphorn - it is a bit more of a drive from Bkk, but is spectacular (something like 170,000 birds heading south at low altitude during the month - eg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=322XEbcPvD0).

Spoon-billed sandpipers turn up in late October, so you may have a chance of connecting at Khok Kham or Pak Thale.

If you have time to kill in Bangkok it's worth visiting one of the parks (Lumpini or SRF) which are good for migrants in October.

Best wishes

Dave

Many thanks for this and other replies. Think I would be better looking at mid November onwards to coincide with the dry season. Looks like I will have plenty of scope and need to do some planning.

Regards


Phil