This is a new, different trip visiting not well known or completely new locations, sometimes in beautiful, wild scenery. There will be sometimes less activity many photographer used to see in places like Chiang Dao, but many species we’ll see are different and often rare. In the second part of the trip we’ll pass thru Karen tribe villages, crossing wild streams and driving for 100 km along a mountain ridge bordering the Myanmar. Accommodations will be always comfortable and with AC. We’ll travel for almost 2,000 km but on board a comfortable new 4×4 SUV. Only 4 participants will be accepted.
PROGRAM
Day 1 Depending the flight schedule, arrive at Phitsanulok airport, transfer to Phetchabun, stop during the day (if enough time) to Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. Afternoon in Town, check in at @Me Place Hotel. Dinner in town.
Day 2 07.00 Breakfast in town. Visit to Nam Nao National Park (1.30’ drive, 110 km). This is a great place, mostly in a forgotten area along a rangers dirt road, where puddling activity is big and also a couple of new species for Thailand have been recorded. Lunch on the field, return at the hotel at 17.00. Dinner in town.
Nam Nao pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHskKXf1ry
Day 3 07.00 breakfast in town. Visit to Thung Salaeng Luang National Park. We’ll visit 2 different location where, with bait, we should be able to see, among others, the Glorious Begum and the Blue Begum. Lunch on the field, back to the hotel in the afternoon, Dinner in town.
Thung Salaeng Luang pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHskKXf1ry
Day 4 06.30 breakfast and visit at then far (200 km, 2.45’) but very interesting Phu Khiao Wildlife Sanctuary, rich of wild animals and of course butterflies. We’ll explore the long crossing road and a couple of puddling areas. Main target of the day will be the beautiful Yellow Gorgon. Lunch on the field. Back to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner in town.
Phu Khieo pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHskBpAbke
Day 5 06.00 quick breakfast and long transfer to Umphang (560 Km 7 hours) Stop on the way along the Thai-Myanmar border at 1,200 mt with a good chance to spot interesting butterflies. Arrive at Umphang town at 17.00. Check in and dinner in town.
Day 6 07.00 breakfast and we heading to a very remote and small Karen village along a stream. A 1.30’ flat hike will bring us to several stream wades and a large forest opening where there are some puddling areas. Interesting species to be found here, including fe rarities. 14.30 back to the village. 17.00 back to the hotel. Dinner in town.
Umphang pictures: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmapETmh
Day 7 07.00 Choice of another full day at Ya Mo Kwi (depending the activity) or going further South to explore Thung Yai Naresuan Wildlife Sanctuary, with a deep mixed dry forest. Back to the hotel at 16.00.
Day 8 07.00 Breakfast and we leave back to Mae Sot. On the way stop in the location on the mountain ridge often very interesting. Last night in Mae Sot or directly to the airport, according to the schedule.
OPTIONAL Day 9 and 10 Visit to Mae Ping National Park or Mae Wong National Park and return the day after to Mae Sot airport.
INFORMATIONS
CAR:
A Ford Everest 4×4, 3.2 lt. and 7 seats, climatizer, panoramic opening roof, 220v plug, GPS
OUTLINE ITINERARY: Please note that the following is only intended as a guide. The actual itinerary may be changed if necessary due local conditions.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS: Your passport must be valid for a period of 6 months beyond the expected exit date. It is your responsibility to ensure that you obtain any necessary tourist visa prior to departure.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: This is compulsory and must include full medical and emergency repatriation cover.
LIABILITY: By joining this tour you accept that you travel entirely at your own risk and that you absolve ThaiButterflies.com from and against any and all liability financial or otherwise resulting from accident, injury, illness, theft, or from flight cancellations/delays or failure by the ground agent or local guide to provide requested services.
HEALTH/FITNESS: It is your responsibility to ensure that you are medically and mentally fit to participate in a tropical tour where conditions will be sometime basic and at times hard.
COSTS
DAILY CHARGE is 7,000 Baht for a max of 4 persons, 6,000 if only one person, exceptionally 8,000 if 5 persons, shared among the participants.
GASOLINE, highway fees, and other possible charges during the trip are not included.
ACCOMMODATION: The hotel room is usually about 350 to 600 Baht/day/person for a double room. Single room is available at double price.
NATIONAL PARKS entrance fee is between 100 and 300 Baht/person
FOOD and drink will cost about 200/300 Baht a meal/person