(4 Days Bird Watching Experience)

Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area Chiang Saen Lake and Surrounding Areas

Lying near the northernmost point of the Kingdom, where Thailand meets Laos and Myanmar (Burma), the Nong Bong Kai non-hunting Area is a Ramsar Site protecting Chiang Saen Lake, one of several semi-natural swamps that support impressive birdlife. Floating mats of grass bob on the water’s surface attracting insects to the rotting vegetation, which are devoured by swamp hens, jacanas and other waterbirds. The nearby Yonok Wetlands, protected by a local conservation group, is a major roosting area for Pied and Eastern Marsh Harriers. Hundreds of the big boldly-coloured birds can be seen there. Monks have constructed a viewing platform for birds on the lake.

However, well-known ornithologist Philip Round indicates that some of the most important habitats for birds lie elsewhere – such as at the edges of the lakes and next to rice paddies. Grasslands may reveal grassbirds, bushchats and stonechats. Quiet roads leading out of Chiang Saen towards Chiang Khong or Mae Sai are both access points to the lakes and likely places along which to see grassland birds.

During the winter months between November and January, the Mekong River is used as a flyway by ducks, gulls, terns and migratory waders as they move south from Laos, Myanmar, China and beyond. This includes globally threatened birds such as Baer’s Pochard and Swan Goose, globally near-threatened Ferruginous Pochard, and globally vulnerable Baikal Teal. Birds difficult to find elsewhere in Thailand like Bar-headed Goose, Ruddy Shelduck, Greylag Goose and Mandarin Duck, and more common species like Spotted Redshank are also possible. Vantage points are the riverbanks behind restaurants in Chiang Saen town.

Habitats in and beside the Mekong River such as large sandbars and sandbanks are breeding places for Great Thick-knee, a comical looking bird with large yellow eyes and an upturned bill, and River lapwings, excitable birds with a high-pitched call. Large numbers of Small Pratincoles can be seen feeding in the river. Jerdon’s Bushchat, a quaint and shy bird, can be seen skulking through low vegetation on islands and riverbanks.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Lanjia Lodge (D)

Arrive in the late afternoon. You will be served with herbal local juice upon check-in. Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances. Overnight at Lanjia Lodge.

Day 2: Full day Bird Watching at Chiang Sean Lake (B, L, D)

Early morning, depart for Chiang Sean Lake and spend the whole day bird watching. Picnic breakfast and lunch are provided.

Located in a valley of Chiang San District, the wetlands of Nong Bong Khai Non-hunting Area in Chiang Rai Province is a small pond with a total area of 434 hectares (2,712.5 rai). It was declared a non-hunting Area in 1985. The site is an important habitat for visiting bird in the winter. Of 121 visiting bird species found at the site, 23 are waterfowl while others such as purple heron, black stork, black kite were classified as endangered species. The site is also home to Badis (Badis badis), which can be found only in freshwater reservoirs in the southwestern section of Mekong River Basin.

Nong Bong Khai, or Chiang Saen Lake, is a permanent freshwater lake with an area of 2km at the centre of the Chiang Saen Basin, known for its extraordinary bird life and the diversity of freshwater fish. The Chiang Saen Basin is located on a plateau surrounded by low hills at the border of Chiang Rai Province. The northeast of the basin - which is almost 18 km wide and 10 km long - opens out onto the Mekong River to which the basin ultimately drains. At the south of the basin is a permanent swamp while to the north lies the Chiang Saen Lake - also known as Nong Bong Khai.

The site is an important area for local and migratory birds, particularly waterbirds, including globally vulnerable species of duck, Baer’s pochard. A total of 225 species of birds have been recorded at Chiang Saen Lake. While the lake features mostly areas of open water, birdlife is also attracted to other habitats such as areas of floating plants, grasslands and lakeside habitats including scrub and rice paddies. In addition to the birdlife, some 21 fish species have been found in the Chiang Saen Lake, including Betta splendens, Trichopsis vittatus, Oreochromis niloticus, Notopterus notopterus, Badis badis, Ambassis siamensis and Pristolepis fasciatus. Many of themh are attracted by the rich aquatic plants that include at least 24 species of aquatic plants.

Return to Lanjia Lodge. Dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Full day Bird Watching at Nong Lom (B, L, D)

Leave the lodge early in the morning for Nong Lom. Spend another day bird watching. Picnic breakfast and lunch are provided.

Nong Lom provides a water supply for local inhabitants and supports fishing and agricultural activities, as well as being of historical and cultural values. It is believed that this area was once the site for the ancient cities of Yonok Nakhon and Yonok Nakaphan Singha Nakonwat. Nowadays, Nong Lom is renowned for bird-watching and other nature-oriented outdoor recreational activities. Return to Lanjia Lodge. Dinner and overnight (B, L, D)

Day 4: (B)

Breakfast at the lodge. End of your services.

Price per person in Thai Baht (Min. 2 pax)
 

Price includes:

• Assistance of English-speaking Lanjia guide during the trip.

• Accommodation with a view of Laos and the Mekong River in non air-conditioned room with electric fan based on twin bedded room and private bathroom.

• Activities: Bird Watching at Chiang Sean Lake (Nong Bong Khai) and Nong Lom.

• Traditional Hmong and Lahu performances.

• Meal as specified.

Price Excludes:

• Transfer to / from Lanjia Lodge.

• Airfares and airport taxes.

• Other meals and services than those mentioned in the program.

• Personal expenses

OPTIONAL ONE WAY TRANSFER RATES TO/FROM LANJIA LODGE WITHOUT GUIDE