Laem Phak Bia
แหลมผักเบี้ย
A sandbar and mangrove wetland at the head of the Gulf of Thailand, famous in winter as a birdwatching site for migrating shorebirds such as the spoon-billed sandpiper.
Laem Phak Bia lies on the northeast coast of Phetchaburi province, a sandbar at the head of the Gulf of Thailand. Nearby are a royal-initiated environmental research project (a demonstration area for mangrove-based natural wastewater treatment), salt pans and shrimp farms. From November to March, large numbers of migratory waterbirds winter here, including the critically endangered spoon-billed sandpiper and other rare shorebirds, making it one of Southeast Asia's best-known birding spots. Local boatmen can take you out to the sandbar. It is about 25 km from the provincial town. Go around dawn, ideally near the tide's rise, and bring binoculars and sun protection.
Opening hours
Open all day; research exhibition area open during the day
Nearby sights
- Hat Chao Samran
- Wat Kamphaeng Laeng
- Wat Yai Suwannaram
- Phra Ram Ratchaniwet (Ban Puen Palace)
- Wat Mahathat Worawihan, Phetchaburi
- Wat Ko Kaeo Suttharam
- Wat Maha Samanaram
- Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park (Khao Wang)