Mae Wong National Park
Mae Wong NP, located in Kamphaeng Phet and Nakorn Sawan province is about a 5 hour trip from Bangkok. The route I take is Highway 1 (AH2) to Nakon Sawan, turning left onto the 1242 road just outside of Nakorn Sawan to Pang Sila Thong. From there it is well sign posted to the park.
Thai National Parks no longer accept work permits or Thai driving licenses for entry at Thai price for foreigners.
A type of sand-fly called 'Kun flies' frequent this park, especially at the higher levels (Chong Yen). They are extremely irritating and give an itchy bite which can get infected if scratched.
Be sure to cover up as much as possible and don't forget the repellents.
HQ and Lower Campsite
This area is good for Sunbirds, Flowerpeckers, Blue-bearded Bee Eaters, Blue Whistling Thrushes and Blue Magpies. Undoubtedly though, the real star has to be the Crested Kingfisher. It is usually found along the river to the far left of the campsite. The rangers here are also very helpful and will always point you in the right direction.
Chong Yen.
The road up to Chong Yen is about 25 kms, along the way there are many view points and places to stop and explore. About 2 km before reaching Chong Yen there is a hide on the left. This a good spot for the Rusty-naped Pitta as well as Blue-whistling Thrush, White Tailed Blue Robin, Babblers and Silver Eared Laughingthrush. At the campsite, there is a trail behind the ranger station, go left about 100m in and walk down to a little plateau. This is a great spot for Grey Peacock-Pheasant and Rufous-throated Partridge.
The campsite area also holds many birds and if you are lucky, Wreathed Hornbills and Rufous-necked Hornbills can be seen over the valley. The old Umpang Road trail can turn up many birds including; White-browed Piculet, Grey Cheeked Fulvetta, Maroon Oriole, Burmese Yuhina and Yellow-cheeked Tit.
