Note: This trip report has been reproduced with the kind permission of Mick Davies of Nature Thailand          (http://yonokwetlands.awardspace.com).

First few days : Train, Bangkok - Chiang Mai where we rented a motorbike and camped Huai Kon Khrai (2days) and near Wiang Chi before arriving in Chiang Saen on the 16th.

16 November - 4 December : Chiang Saen. I camped south of town by a reedy dyke and found a male Jerdon's Buschat the next morning. On the 19th of November, whilst I was camping at Chiang Saen, I awoke at 3 am and witnessed a fantastic site of more than a hundred shooting stars in approx. 20 minutes.

December 3 : I camped 2 nights at TaTorn paddies; it was so cold and damp in my tent at night but far worse was the fog that didn't clear until 10 or 11am making it too cold to ride the bike.

December 5 : TaTorn. Stayed in the village, visited the Buddhist hill temple and the paddies to the east of town and the river.

December 8 : Doi Ang Khang. A problem getting the bike up the mountain and it was very cold after sun down.

December 10 : Doi Chiang Dao.

December 12 : Chiang Saen.

December 16 : Chiang Kong. Quiet roads to ride, just a really pleasant area.

December 17 : Phayao. Camped by the lake.

December 18 : Huai Kon Khrai Research Station. This is the famous Green Peafowl site; I saw 8 of them.

December 19 : Chiang Mai. Returned the motorbike to Mr Beer.

December 22 : Phitsanulok. Nice hotel and many temples; rented motorbike from Lady Motor.

December 24 : Nam Nao National Park. Wow it was cold at night camping here but there were many birds and good trails.

December 30 : Thung Salaeng National Park. Nice area with small waterfalls.

December 31 : Bueng Boraphet. Camped on a building site on SW of the lake!

January 1 : Huai Kha Kaeng. This was my second attempt to visit this area, we rented a motorbike and camped near the Wildlife Sanctuary Headquarters, but unfortunately we were not allowed to visit the area for Rufous-necked Hornbill; the reason given was the danger from Tiger and Elephants. We did find on the trail fairly fresh Tiger prints.

January 6 : Thap Salo. Camped by the reservoir, bought fish from fisherman and cooked them on a log fire; very beautiful under the stars.

January 7 : Mae Sot. Camped en-route at Klong Lan.

January 8 : Lan Sang National Park. The staff here were very kind to us.

January 10 : Sukhothai. Spent the day in the Historical Park and camped nearby.

January 12 : Phitsanukok. Train to Phechi and Khorat.

January 17 : Khao Soi Dao. Camped at the Wildlife Sanctuary, very slow birding, maybe it's better in the wet season, many good trails, we would like to go back again.

January 23 : Ban Chuen. We visited many beaches in the area; this place suited us best. Inland the mangrove lined river is fair for birds and the fishing village is of interest. We visited Klong Yai and the Cambodian border.

January 26 : Laem Ngop. We liked Laem Ngop, a good cafe in the harbour and no hassles; nice hotel room except for the ants, scorpion and the TV.

February 2 : Ko Chang. Very touristy, however we found a very quiet place with Sea Eagles over our bungalow. We cooked our own food, mostly squid and giant prawns.

February 6 : Long, long journey by train to Narathiwat in southern Thailand.

February 7 : Narathiwat. There are some good areas in and around Narathiwat - the river from the hotel, the King's summer residence and beaches to the north. The Botanical Research Station inland and a large lake are good for birds. We also visited the Peat Swamp Forest. Hala-Bala Wildlife sanctuary is the best place to see Hornbills in Thailand and many other birds; a most beautiful and scenic place.

29 February - 17 March : Krabi. We visited many areas in and around Krabi, we particularly liked the Wat to the south of town. The road north winds through some stunning scenery and many beautiful off-shore islets can be seen through the gaps in the mangrove forest. Some quiet beaches are still to be found, maybe this is the place for us to live in the future.

Ko Phi Phi. Only went for a day trip to see some seabirds. A beautiful island but too many tourists.

Khao Nor Chuchi. This beautiful Wildlife Sanctuary is a delight to visit and whilst walking the many forest trails we saw male Gurney's and Banded Pittas.

18 March : Bangkok. Took in many tourist sites; Royal Palace, most of the larger Wats, Dusit Zoo and Lumphini Park.

21 March : Khao Sam Roi Yot. Camped a couple nights on the beach and for the remainder we rented a bungalow; nice people here. The many caves are well worth a visit. Returned to Bangkok on 28th.

29 March ; Cha-am. The area around Cha-am was surprisingly good, with many excellent wet paddies; we found a good Raptor watch point to the north, but best of all was the vast bat roost that erupts from the hill caves in the late evening.

7 April : Bangkok. Flight home to England but no visa for Dowroong!

Dowroong and I would like to thank the many people of Thailand who showed so much kindness during our travels, we made many friends here. I have been birding for 35 years now, during which time I have met many birders, but have never met anyone with so much natural talent as Dowroong Dalamajak, a star in so many ways.

Accidents : For some reason we did have a lot of minor to semi-serious accidents, none more so than our meeting. Got stung by Jellyfish, Scorpion and a Spider. I 've lost track of the number of hospitals we attended.

Mick Davies & Dowroong Dalamajak