A chance to see & photograph the rare & iconic Kaiser-i-Hind, plus many more stunning butterflies!
We’re delighted to be returning to Thailand in 2025! It is sure to be popular, read on to find out why…
The Kaiser-i-Hind Teinopalpus imperialis is a Titan of the butterfly world! It is probably the most iconic butterfly of Thailand and one of the most beautiful Papilionidae of South-West Asia. Let us guide you through beautiful mountains and forests and to the top of high mountains to see and photograph this mythical butterfly and other interesting altitude species.
We will also visit, among other locations, the world-famous puddling site of Chiang Dao, where a great quantity of species puddles, thanks to the special composition of the soil.
We have two simple but important things to tell you about this trip. The first, is that you should be fit and mobile enough to be able to trek (on an easy trail), climbing for a little more than 300 metres height, for a length of 3.5 km. The second, to photograph the Teinopalpus it is recommended that you bring a telephoto lens, a minimum a 300mm and ideally 400mm or longer.
Book your places soon on what promises to be a superb and very special experience!
Please note that the following is only intended as a guide. The actual itinerary may be changed if necessary due to local conditions, road closures, etc.
23rd March: Arrive at Chiang Mai airport (CNX) and quick transfer to our hotel. Depending on the time of arrival we may be able to fit in a short visit to Doi Suthep and Doi Pui. These are good locations with some interesting species. Altitude between 500 and 1,600 msl. Afternoon back to the hotel. Dinner in town.
24th March: After breakfast we’ll head to the picturesque village of Mae Kampong (60Km, 75’). There are some interesting species between the waterfall and its trail and the several stream crossings on the mountain road in the Chae Son National Park. Afternoon back at the hotel in Chiang Mai. Dinner in town.
25th March: Breakfast at the hotel and check out. We head to Doi Inthanon and its huge national park. It’s the highest mountain in Thailand, with its 2,565 msl peak. We’ll frequently be between 1,400 to 17,00 msl. Our first stop will be the always interesting park around the Siriphum Waterfall, often rich with rarities and altitude species. Later we can explore the narrow forest roads in the Doi Pha Tang area. Afternoon back to the hotel. Dinner in the park area.
26th March: Breakfast at the hotel, followed by a quick look again at Siriphum waterfall and then, at around noon, we will visit the area of Huai Sai Lueang waterfall, with a good chance to observe the large and beautiful Euthalia patala, locally not rare. Afternoon back to the hotel. Dinner in the park area.
27th March: Early check out and transfer to Chiang Dao (190 Km, 3 hours) and visit at the most famous Northern Thailand butterfly puddling area with great quantity of butterflies. 30’ drive to Doi Chiang Dao, 1000/1300 mt, once home of the now extinct Bhutanitis lidderdallii and still the location of many rare/montane species. Packed lunch. Back to the puddling area until 4pm. Afternoon check in at The Nest2 resort. Dinner at the hotel.
28th March: Breakfast at the resort. One more full day shooting butterflies at the Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary and its puddling area. Everyday there is something new and different to see there! Afternoon back to the resort. Dinner locally.
29th March: 7.00am breakfast and check out, transfer to Fang and a stylish, friendly, and very comfortable resort. We’ll explore the slopes of Doi Pha Hom Pok and Doi Pumuen, home of interesting altitude butterflies. Lunch will be eaten in the field. 4pm back to the hotel. Dinner in town.
30th March: Early start needed today, before we drive to the mountain, up to 1,950 mt. Here we’ll start to hike to the top of the mountain, home of the elusive and rare Teinopalpus imperialis. If lucky we could find the much rarer female too! We suggest the use of a long telephoto lens to get shots of the butterfly up in the canopy. Sometimes they come down to puddle or are attracted by some color. We will also Explore the forest at over 2,000 mt around the top of the mountain, just on the Myanmar border, to hunt for uncommon species. 4pm drive back to the hotel. Dinner in town.
31st March: Another full day in Fang. We’ll explore the area of Doi Lang a bad but interesting road reaching 2,200 mt. along the Thai-Myanmar border. We can choose together where to go, with a choice of few locations, again in Doi Pha Hom Pok or Doi Pumuen. Lunch in the field. Dinner in town.
1st April: Breakfast at the hotel and check out. Drive (1.15’) to Sri Lanna National Park with its interesting forest edge following a stream and a mountain. Afternoon drive to Chiang Mai (1.15’). Arrival at the Chiang Mai hotel at 5pm. Dinner in town.
1st or 2nd April. Transfer to Chiang Mai airport (CNX).
