Birds of a feather flock together. Do you ever believe in that? This saying never came from just one individual’s creative thought. You might be compelled to think that whoever came up with this might have been to Thailand at some point.

Birds of a feather flock together. Do you ever believe in that? This saying never came from just one individual’s creative thought. You might be compelled to think that whoever came up with this might have been to Thailand at some point. You might want to plan a day tour to The Openbilled Stork Temple, a captivating attraction not far from Bangkok and see for yourself the truths that lie behind this axiom. With its splendid views of openbilled storks huddling together, you’re sure to be left mesmerized.

What Awaits You

As its name suggests, The Openbilled Stork Temple is home to thousands of Openbilled storks who have have a unique behavior of visiting during the winter month. These exotic creatures have made the temple their nesting place, inarguably making it one of the world’s largest natural bird habitats according to bird observers. The awe-inspiring scene you can witness at the temple is beyond any understanding, leaving you wondering just why the temple and not any other place. From the onset, the temple looks like a dead place in dire need of repair, or if not, demolition. It lies silently in the thick woods that one would fail to notice its presence. Since its declaration as a no hunting zone, it has remained free from human activities except for the bird viewing. A look at the sky above your head will give you a glimpse of what is in store for you—flocks of storks flying low over the trees. As you approach, you will be welcomed by the murmuring of the Openbilled Stork birds, which gets even louder as you step into the temple. From there, you will be fascinated with the sight of thousands of birds perching on every available branch, assumingly going on with their own business. 

How to Get There

The temple is situated about eighty kilometers North of Bangkok in the province of Pathum Thani. It lies deserted along the banks of River Chao Phraya. Accessing the temple is not as tough as you may imagine it to be as its location has been made accessible with the good state of Kanchanaphisek Outer Ring-road. It should take about two hours drive to the Openbilled Stork Temple. The most challenging part—and the seemingly worst part of the journey—is crossing the Chao Phraya River, because it has no bridge. You will definitely enjoy riding Thailand’s long tailed boats across the river.

The Temple Watchtower

Climbing up the temple watchtower gives you the ultimate amazing view of the birds. First, you will see a thick canopy formed by the trees around the temple lying right in front of you. It also gives you a closer view of the birds that are never disturbed by your presence. You will notice the open space between the storks of birds that earned them the name. You will also have an opportunity to see the bird activities ranging from nest constructions, feeding of the young ones, and sunbathing as well as their eggs.

The Openbilled Stork Temple is a place where utmost fun and pleasure is guaranteed at low cost and easy accessibility, thus worth including in your itinerary. With a serene temple view and the overhanging watchtower for closer bird viewing, the temple offers the ultimate bird habitat, and there’s nowhere else in the world you can find this—only in Thailand.