A N  E X C L U S I V E   T O U R   O F   T H A I L A N D   &   C A M B O D I A

Destinations include: London, Bangkok, Petchaburi, To Kaeng Krachan National Park, Bangkok & Siem Reap, Travel to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary, Florican Grassland & Prey Veng, Prey Veng & Tmatboey (Kulen Promtep Sanctuary), Tmatboey, Siem Reap & Bangkok, London

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Temples & Birds - Thailand and Cambodia

Led by highly experienced ecologist Richard Baines.

Friday 23 November – Saturday 08 December 2018

(Meals: B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner)

Departure from London Heathrow on direct British Airways flights to Bangkok. Departures from other regional airports are available on request. If you wish to join the tour from a country other than United Kingdom please contact us for a land only price for the tour.

 
Arrival in Bangkok Airport, then transfer by coach to Laeam Pak Bia in Petchaburi province. (Approx 2-2.5 hours). Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale (pronounced Lairm Pug Beer/Bark TaLay) is a large area of salt pans, mudflats, mangrove remnants and a sand spit, in Petchaburi province. This is without doubt the premier bird watching site for shorebirds in Thailand, with large numbers of birds and many rare species appearing annually. Three nights at the I Tara Resort & Spa. D

The trip starts on the coast in the gulf of Thailand amongst the wading birds of Laem Pak Bia home to huge numbers of birds throughout the winter. Great Knot, Nordman’s Greenshank, Red-necked Stint, Long-toed Stint, alongside numbers of Curlew Sandpipers, Broad-billed Sandpipers and the endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper winter here every year.  B, L, D

A second day birdwatching the gulf of Thailand; Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale. Many species of herons, storks and terns can also be seen in this area. Nearby a beautiful sand bar is the home of a small colony of Malaysian and White-faced Plovers.  B, L, D

Travelling west into the jungle and hills of Petchaburi province head for Thailand’s largest National Park; Kaeng Krachan. Covering almost 3,000km² this is one of the best places in Thailand for wildlife, from the spectacular rivers and waterfalls to the highest forested mountain tops. Three nights at Baan Maka Lodge. B, L, D

Over 420 species of birds have been seen here as well as 57 mammals and 300 butterfly species.  Birds include ratchet tailed treepie, white-fronted scops owl, Black Baza and the magnificent grey-headed fish eagle. B, L, D

The jungles here are home to seven species of hornbill and seven species of broadbills. Wintering songbirds from Siberia can often be found; on our last trip we had fantastic views of Eye-browed Thrushes around the old campsite. We were also lucky enough to see Leopard and King Cobra!. B, L, D

Travel back to Bangkok to board Bangkok Airways flight to Siem Reap in Cambodia. Met on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Rest of the afternoon at leisure. Three nights at the Sonalong Boutique Hotel. D

Today visit Angkor Wat, Bayon and Ta Phrom. The city is very close to the magnificent temples at Angkor Wat. This huge site covers almost 420km² and was home to the Khmer Empire, from the 9th to the 15th century. B, L ,D

Travel to Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary; In Cambodia and throughout South East Asia, Prek Toal is unmatched for the number and population of endangered water birds it supports during the dry season. Large numbers of cormorants, storks and pelicans are virtually guaranteed from January to May along with herons, egrets and terns. The sanctuary harbours seven species of global conservation significance: Spot-billed Pelican, Milky and Painted Storks, Lesser Adjutant, Greater Adjutant, Black-headed Ibis and Oriental Darter and has a globally significant population of Grey-headed Fish Eagle.  Return to Siem Reap in the evening. B, L, D

The critically endangered Bengal Florican and many waterbirds are found in the grasslands around the Tonle Sap Lake. The Manchurian Reed Warbler is a winter visitor, found in the tall grass away from water. Greater-spotted and Imperial Eagles winter in the area in small numbers. There are Eastern Marsh Harriers and a few wintering Pied Harriers, along with a limited Black Kites and Peregrines; After visiting the Florican grasslands travel towards Prey Veng village passing Beng Melea and Koh Ker temples. If time allows we will break the journey with some birding at these temples. Overnight accommodation is in a community managed lodges on the shores of the baray shaded by clumps of bamboo, set up by the village eco-tourist committee with hot and cold shower. Cooks provide simple Khmer meals in a community managed restaurant on the banks of the ancient reservoir. Two nights at Prey Veng eco-lodge. B, L, D

Explore the local area and around the Baray (Angkorian reservoir). White-winged Ducks roost in trees within the Baray. A riparian corridor of mixed deciduous forest lines the Steung Sen River flowing a few kilometers from the site, which together with the deciduous forest, forest paddys and the baray marshland make up a variety of habitat to support a diversity of bird and animal life. Expect to see a range of species typical of Cambodia’s dry forest, including Black-headed Woodpecker, White-browed Fantail and White-bellied Woodpecker. An exciting diversion from birding is an Angkorian Temple a few hundred metres from the lodge area on a scale and significance with Beng Melea, unknown to tourists due to its remote location.  B, L, D

Morning further exploration of Prey Veng before heading to Tmatboey within the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary. Tmatboey is one of only two known nesting sites for Giant Ibis, which use large trees in the forest away from the village. Woolly-necked Stork is relatively common and can be seen in flocks of over 40. The Pale-capped Pigeon is another highlight along with an amazing diversity of woodpeckers. Night walks regularly yield Collared and Oriental Scops Owl. Two nights at Tmatboey eco-lodge. The Lodge is comprised of a central recreational dining building and 4 surrounding bungalows, each with 2 double en-suite rooms with solar powered electricity. The accommodation is basic but comfortable.  B, L, D

Start early around 4 or 4;30 a.m., with a quick cup of tea or coffee, and packed breakfast then a drive and a walk to less disturbed areas of forest in search of Giant Ibis. B, L, D

 
Travel back to Siem Reap airport to board Bangkok Airways flight to Bangkok. On arrival use hotel shuttle for quick transfer to the Novotel Bangkok Airport. B, L

 
Using the hotel shuttle service transfer back to Bangkok Airport for the morning British Airways flight back to London.  B