Overview
Whilst not a recognised top birding site, Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden offers access to some commoner forest birds at an altitude of about 800 metres. The surrounding hills on the eastern side, part of the Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, are forested, so any number of interesting species could wander into the garden. A visit during migration or winter would be most beneficial. The garden lies along the Mae Sa Valley road, which holds a number of well-visited tourist attractions; so a visit here could be combined with non-birding activities. Information on this page verified/accurate as of 27 April 2012.
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Access
The park is situated about 30 kilometres north of Chiang Mai. From Chiang Mai, head north on Highway 107 toward Chiang Dao and Fang. Shortly after the Km 17 marker turn left at the traffic lights and head up the Mae Sa Valley road. From this turning to the garden entrance, which is on the left, is 11.1 kilometres. A 100 baht fee is charged for entry. This fee is usually waived during birthday celebrations for the Queen, in the second week of August. Once in the garden a 3.6 kikometre loop road runs around the interior. Most drivers take the clockwise direction, but either way is permitted. If necessary, and when busy, small busses take visitors the 1.7 kilometres from the entrance to the restaurants and garden area at the highest point. Avoid weekends and holidays due to potential crowds.
Accommodation and Facilities
Being so close to Chiang Mai it's likely most visitors would find accommodation there. However, being quite touristic, the Mae Sa Valley road has many resorts. The Botanical Resort directly opposite the garden entrance is very pleasant and convenient, but not cheap. Inside the garden, at the top of the loop road, are a couple of small restaurants, as well as shops selling basic convenience foods. Outside the garden a number of local restaurants, and stalls selling seasonal fruit, can be found.
Birding
Garden and Trails
Simply wandering anywhere within the garden will produce a few interesting species. The three trails - the Loop Trail, the Arboretum Trail and the Nature Trail offer the densest vegetation with species such as Blyth's Paradise Flycatcher, Streaked Spiderhunter, Yellow-bellied Warbler, Dark-necked Tailorbird and some of the forest bulbuls such as Grey-eyed Bulbul and Puff-throated Bulbul.
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In winter months Yellow-browed Warbler and Taiga Flycatcher will be common. A badly maintained road runs for a couple of kilometres past the orchid area on the western side. This road leads to a large nursery and passes through some cut over forest. This site is hardly been looked at by birders and warrants further study. With its adjacent dry forest a reasonable variety of butterflies can be be found. Look especially in the fern garden area where the damp shady conditions suite a number of forest butterflies and skippers. |
Checklist
Checklist of species.
Gallery
Additional images from Queen Sirikit Botanical Garden available in the Thailand Travel gallery.
Sunrise and Sunset
Detailed sunrise and sunset times.