4 DAY / 3 NIGHT LANJIA LODGE BIRDWATCHING (Code LJBW4D)
Nong Bong Kai Non-Hunting Area,
Lying near the northernmost point of the Kingdom, where
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
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.
Day 1 LANJIA LODGE (Dinner)
15h00: Arrive at Lanjia Lodge. You will be served with herbal local juice upon check-in.
Dinner and watch traditional Hmong performances
Overnight at Lanjia Lodge
Day 2 LANJIA LODGE (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Full day Bird Watching at Chiang Sean Lake
Early morning, around 05h30 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.
15h30: Return to Lanjia Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Lanjia Lodge
Day 3 LANJIA LODGE (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Full day Bird Watching at Nong Lom
05h30: 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.
15h30: Return to Lanjia Lodge.
Dinner and overnight at Lanjia Lodge
Day 4 LANJIA LODGE (Breakfast)
Breakfast at the lodge
End of services.
Daily Departures!
Tour Code: LJBW4D
| Validity | Price per person
in sharing room |
Single Supplement |
| 01 Apr 10 - 31 Oct 10 | 19,400 | 1,800 |
| 01 Nov 10 - 31 Mar 11 | 24,200 | 1,800 |
| 01 Apr 11 - 31 Oct 11 | 19,400 | 1,800 |
*Net rates per person in Thai Baht
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 Hmomg and Lahu performances.
· Meal as specified.
PRICE EXCLUDES:
· Transfer to / from Lanjia Lodge.
Chiang Rai - Lanjia Lodge - By open - air local
truck(Join-In Min. 2 pax): Baht 750 / person / way
By A/c car: Baht 2000 /
car / way
By A/C van: Baht 2400 /
van / way
Chiang
Khong - Lanjia Lodge - By open - air local truck
(Join-In Min. 2 pax): Baht 350 / person / way
By A/c car: Baht
950 / car / way
By A/C van: Baht
1450 / van / way
· Airfares and airport taxes.
· Other meals and services than those
mentioned in the program.
· Personal expenses such as drink,
laundry, telephone, etc
REMARKS:
· Guests should be healthy and in good
physical condition.
· Weather conditions may impose changes in
the program or the cancellation of activities.
Note: we reserve the right to revise
the tariffs depending on the evolution of the fuel price.
| For more information or to book, please click here. |