Thailand: The Northwest

Northwest Thailand is distinctly different from the rest of the country with little humidity and, in the mountains, cooler days and sometimes cold nights. With a series of mountain ranges that rise to over 8000 feet, the avifauna is more Himalayan in flavor and many of the bird species are different. Because much of our time will be near – sometimes nearly on – the border with Myanmar (Burma) and the Shan State, we’ll encounter as well some primarily Burmese species.

Over the course of the tour we’ll visit three mountainous regions, including Thailand’s highest peak, Doi Inthanon. Each is heavily forested and each has a distinctive flavor. We’ll also explore the dry deciduous forests below, the plains with their very good wetland birding areas, and the Golden Triangle region where Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand meet. In addition to the resident species, there will be many migrants from the north.

This tour can be taken in conjunction with our tour, Thailand: Central.