Lampi Waterfall is a well-forested area which reaches southwest of the park boundary, only a few minutes drive from Thai Muang municipality.
The waterfall was declared a protected area to preserve the abundant bird life which thrived in the rich forests of the hill slopes, around the same time Thai Muang was granted National Park status. Sadly, despite the promise of preservation, trapping and capture of birds for the illegal bird trade continued and is still rampant today. Whilst in the past, visitors to the waterfall could easily encounter birds such as Great Hornbill, Bushy Crested Hornbill, White crowned Hornbill and Green Broadbill, today most of these birds are confined to the deep forest, never venturing out into the open. An impromptu conversation with a few of the villagers confirmed that the capture of birds is almost an “ongoing business” which thrives in this area.
Birding
Despite the disturbance and blatant disregard for local laws, birdlife in the park is still fairly decent. The lack of larger birds is noticeable, but the calls of the Green Broadbill are still heard frequently, even in exposed areas such as the car park. The abundance of large fruiting trees, namely figs, are a major plus for this station and they attract large numbers of birds, such as spiderhunter, sunbirds, barbets, bulbuls and flowerpeckers. Occasionally, when the fruit is very ripe, Malkoha, Green Broadbill, Vernal Hanging Parrot and Fairy Bluebird can be observed feeding in the trees.
The waterfall was once a haven for Great, Oriental Pied, Bushy Crested and Wreathed Hornbill. Sadly, none can be found here today, although there is a chance to encounter some hornbill further along the nature trail. Green Broadbill is supposedly abundant and their calls are heard frequently in the upper canopy but few are seen. The park staff say this is the best place on the west coast to spot these birds, especially when the figs are fruiting.
Thrush, such as Eyebrowed and Orange Headed Thrush are fairly common here as well. Most are found along the forest trail or in the moist areas on the opposite side of the stream, across from HQ.
The large patch of bamboo on the forest edge across the bridge is a good place to find Pin tailed Parrotfinch in the dry season when the bamboo is seeding. This place is one of the best sites on the west coast to find this bird, for those who are in need if this particular tick.
A trail which starts behind the cafeteria runs into the forest although it can be pretty hard on the feet. Deeper into the forest one has a chance of encountering hornbill, although spotting them will be difficult due to the thick foliage.
Birds encountered at this substation include Red eyed, Black headed, Black crested and Cream vented Bulbul, Red throated Barbet, Vernal Hanging Parrot, Crimson and Ruby cheeked Sunbird, Crested Honey Buzzard, Crested Serpent Eagle, Chinese Pond Heron and Chestnut naped Forktail.
Accommodations
There are no bungalows for rent here but Khao Lak is only a 30 minute drive to the north. This waterfall is only an hour drive from Phuket.
How to get there
Drive northwards on Highway 1 after crossing Sarasin bridge. At Thai Muang, take a right towards Takuapah and Khao Lak. The waterfall is about 7 kilometers after Thai Muang on your right, about 3 kilometers off the main raod. Look for the signs which lead the way.
Fees
The park will charge fees of 100 baht per foreigner and 30 baht per vehicle during the high season and holidays or weekends.
Personal rating
The waterfall is very good for birding when the trees are fruiting. With the abundance of fig trees, the odds of seeing something good are high. I personally love the Orange headed Thrush and this place is one the best places to find it. Pin tailed Parrotfinch is another highly sought species that can be seen here, and a if good fruiting day means you can get Green Broadbill, what’s there to complain about?
It wouldn’t take more than 3 minutes to figure out if the birds are going to be out or not, so drop by if you have time. You won’t see any big birds (raptors, hornbill, etc) but the little ones can be just as exciting. Recommended.
