The Spoon-billed Sandpiper is one of the world’s most endangered shorebirds, making sightings here especially exciting. Each winter, these birds migrate from their breeding grounds in the Arctic to the tropical coastlines of Southeast Asia, and Laem Pak Bia/Pak Thale is one of their most reliable wintering sites. Birdwatchers come here to catch a glimpse of this remarkable species, often found feeding among thousands of other waders in the salt pans and tidal mudflats.
This area isn’t just about the Spoon-billed Sandpiper. You can also spot other fascinating species like the Nordmann’s Greenshank, Asian Dowitcher, Great Knot, and numerous terns and gulls. The variety of habitats — from mangroves and brine shrimp pools to freshwater wetlands — supports over a hundred species of birds, making this location one of Thailand’s most diverse birding areas.
Day 1. Birding Pak Thale
Travel directly to the coast and begin a few days of birdwatching along the Bay of Bangkok's edge. This is one of the most significant shorebird overwintering locations in all of Southeast Asia. In this amazing location, we will spend the late morning and the whole of the day birdwatching. Thousands of shorebirds, including flocks of Great Knot, Common Greenshank, Black-tailed Godwit, Eurasian Curlew, Marsh Sandpiper, Curlew Sandpiper, Spotted Redshank, Black-winged Stilt, and Red-necked Stint, will be searched, but we will also look for the amazing Spoon-billed Sandpiper, one of the most rare and Critically Endangered (BirdLife International) shorebirds. Asian Dowitcher, Far Eastern Curlew, and Nordmann's Greenshank are further high-value targets.
Day 2. Birding Khok Kham
One of the best places to see shorebirds is Khok Kham, an area of salt pans in Samut Sakorn Province. From late October to April, many bird watchers visit Khok Kham to see "Spoon-billed Sandpiper." You'll see a variety of shorebirds, such as Nordmann's Greenshank, Red-necked Phalarope, Spoon-billed Sandpiper, and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper.
Day 3. Lam Pak Bia Sandspit
In addition to the variety of shorebirds mentioned above, we will spend the entire day birding in a few different salt pan and coastal areas near the Pak Thale and Laem Pak Bia areas. We hope to spot Spoon-billed Sandpiper, but we may also see other birds while visiting various habitats. Malaysian Plover, White-faced Plover, Kentish Plover, Long-toed Stint, Grey-headed Lapwing, Terek Sandpiper, Red-necked Phalarope, Pied Avocet, Pin-tailed Snipe, Greater Painted-snipe, and many more species may be found here.
While we are here, there will be many more birds to see, such as a variety of herons, egrets (including Chinese Egrets), cormorants, storks (including the stunning Painted Stork), gulls, and terns. Mangrove Whistler, Golden-bellied Gerygone, Common, Pied, Collared, and Black-capped Kingfishers, Eurasian Wryneck, Freckle-breasted Woodpecker, Oriental Skylark, White-shouldered Starling, Black-browed Reed Warbler, and Plain-backed Sparrow are just a few of the area's many raptors (there's plenty of food for ravenous Peregrine Falcons).
Dates and Costs
Spaces Available: 10 December 2025 – 28 February 2026
Price: US$3,373 / £3,093 / €3,780 per person sharing – based on 4-8 people
Single Supplement: US$2,430 / £2,323 / €2,435
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Price includes:
Accommodation as shown (based on two participants sharing)
Guiding fees
All entrance fees to national parks, nature reserves, bird blinds/hides, etc.
All ground transport while on tour
Toll fees
Email: spoonbilledsandpiperthailand@gmail.com
Contact: whatsapp (+91 9925511091) Only message, no phone calls
Only once we have received a deposit will the booking be confirmed.
It’s important to remember that much of the land at Laem Pak Bia and Pak Thale is **privately owned**. Visitors are welcome but must show respect to local landowners and avoid disturbing birds or damaging embankments. At Pak Thale, in particular, signs clearly ask birders not to walk on small dikes or embankments. Respectful behavior ensures continued cooperation between locals and visiting birdwatchers, preserving this critical site for both the Spoon-billed Sandpiper and other species.
Best Time to Visit
The prime time to see the Spoon-billed Sandpiper is from **November to March**, during its winter migration period. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light and activity levels for observation and photography.
Local conservation groups and international organizations work together to protect the **Spoon-billed Sandpiper** and its fragile habitat. Ecotourism plays an important role here — every responsible visit helps promote awareness and contributes to local livelihoods, which in turn supports habitat preservation.
You can see the **Spoon-billed Sandpiper** at Laem Pak Bia and Pak Thale in Phetchaburi Province — Thailand’s most famous shorebird site.
The best time is between **November and March**, when migratory birds, including the **Spoon-billed Sandpiper**, are most active.
Yes, a **telescope or spotting scope** is highly recommended for better viewing of distant shorebirds.
Absolutely. The site is only about **2 to 2.5 hours’ drive from Bangkok**, making it an ideal day trip for bird enthusiasts.
Yes. Please avoid walking on small embankments, stay on designated paths, and always respect local landowners and conservation rules.
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