Birding in Krabi

Krabi is a very popular tourist destination in southern Thailand. It is an almost unavoidable stop for any traveller exploring the south of the country. But if you are passionate about birds, this city is also an excellent stopover. With its extensive mangrove areas and coastal habitats, Krabi offers a nice diversity of birdlife. In addition, Krabi is only one hour away from another outstanding birdwatching location: Khao Pra Bang Khram.

Where to find birds in Krabi ?

Mangrove boardwalk

The first place to explore in Krabi is the small wooden boardwalk running through the mangrove forest, featuring an observation tower with a 360° view of the surroundings. It is a very popular spot for both tourists and locals, so it’s best to visit early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds that might scare away the birds.

Along this boardwalk, which stretches a little over one kilometre, you may hear, and with some luck, even see, the Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha). Several kingfisher species are also present, with the top target being the Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera). The most common species, however, are the Collared Kingfisher (Todiramphus chloris) and the Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata).

Cruise in the mangrove

To explore the mangrove from the small river channels, you need to take a boat trip (more information in the dedicated chapter below). This is an essential and very pleasant activity to do in Krabi. Once again, many tourists enjoy this experience throughout the day. If you want to observe birds, it is best to plan this activity at sunrise. In addition to visiting the channels, you can reach a sandbank at the river mouth. Depending on the tide, many shorebirds may be present at this site.

Along the river channels, you may spot the Ruddy Kingfisher (Halcyon coromanda) or the Mangrove Pitta (Pitta megarhyncha). The Brown-winged Kingfisher (Pelargopsis amauroptera) is almost guaranteed on this cruise. Brahminy Kite (Haliastur indus) and White-bellied Sea Eagle (Icthyophaga leucogaster) are sometimes perched on trees along the water’s edge. Do not expect to see the Masked Finfoot (Heliopais personatus) here. Although some sites mention it, the last observations date back to the early 2000s.

On the sandbank, Tibetan Sand Plover (Anarhynchus atrifrons) and Greater Sand Plover (Anarhynchus leschenaultii) can be found. You may also encounter Eurasian Whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), and, very rarely, the Far Eastern Curlew (Numenius madagascariensis).

Krabi town

You can walk along the riverside promenade and take the opportunity to head down to Thara Park. There, you might spot kingfishers crossing the river or observe the different species of swallows and swifts.

In the surroundings of the former Krabi Maritime Spa & Resort, you may have the chance to observe some birds in the gardens, provided the guards allow you to enter.

Update: Apparently, the hotel reopened in 2025. You will therefore likely need to spend a night there if you wish to enjoy its gardens.

The Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus) can be found in this zone. However, this is not an essential place to visit in Krabi, it’s best reserved if you have extra time.

How to rent a boat for a mangrove tour in Krabi ?

To rent a boat (with its driver, of course), you have two options:

• Book in advance a specialized birdwatching tour in the mangrove.
• Go directly to the pier and find a boatman on site.

Booking a specialized tour

To book a specialized birdwatching tour in the Krabi mangrove, simply contact the most well-known Thai agencies dedicated to birdwatching. You will get a tailor-made tour designed to observe birds in the mangrove.

The main drawback of an organized ornithology tour is the price. This is not a minor issue, as the rates are much higher than if you simply hire a local boatman.

Finding a boatman yourself

To find a boatman, you need to go to the area indicated below. Many boatmen will approach you there.

If you arrange it yourself, you should expect to pay around 1,000 baht for 2 hours. You can also ask your hotel to find a boatman for birdwatching and compare the price they offer.

The issue with hiring a random boatman is that he may not necessarily spot the birds. It’s up to you to ask him to stop when you see one. This can sometimes be a bit problematic, as there is always a delay between the moment you spot the bird and when the boat actually stops. With an organized tour, you’ll have a guide who knows when to stop at the right moments.

Which option to choose?

In both cases, the places visited will be roughly the same. All boatmen take a tour through the mangrove channels and then head to the sandbank at the river mouth if you ask them. In summary, it really depends on your budget. If you can afford it, book a specialized birdwatching tour. Otherwise, arrange your excursion with a local boatman, but don’t hesitate to give him plenty of instructions.

How to get to Krabi ?

Getting to Krabi is very (very) easy. As one of the most touristic cities in Thailand, it is well served by buses. I won’t list all the possibilities depending on your city of departure, but don’t worry, if you are in a southern city, a bus will almost certainly take you to Krabi.

Where to stay in Krabi ?

Once again, because Krabi is such a popular tourist destination, there are plenty of hotels available. There is something for every taste and every budget. Ideally, if you want to take a morning cruise without too much travel, choose a hotel close to the pier. You can opt for the River View Hotel for a very reasonable budget. For a lower budget, there are many guesthouses (sometimes with private rooms), such as Madam Guesthouse or Leisure Hostel.

Now that it has reopened, you can enjoy the Krabi Maritime Spa & Resort. Although it is located further from the pier, it has gardens where birdwatching is possible.

In addition to the accommodation, we really enjoyed the street-food night market, which offers several food stalls. A true delight for the taste buds, it’s definitely worth going there to eat!