The Secret Retreats curated collection of boutique hotels, yachts, lodges and river boats are perfectly located for travellers to discover the birds of Southeast Asia. Birdwatching is more than a leisure activity, it’s a meaningful way to travel, and here in Asia we are blessed with nearly 4,000 species of bird for you to discover and enjoy watching in their natural habitat. Birdwatching in Nepal at the wonderful Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge invites guests to slow down, tune in to their surroundings, and discover the natural rhythms of the world around them. All across Asia, our curated collection of boutique hotels, lodges, cruises, and private island escapes offer guests immersive birdwatching experiences, and in some of the region’s most biodiverse landscapes too.
Whether in the forests of Borneo, or birdwatching in India, or in the hills of Laos, birdwatching at a Secret Retreats hotel, lodge, yacht or riverboat, is both enriching and an activity that is respectful of the environment. Our curated destinations are perfect for travelers seeking to enjoy the birds of Southeast Asia along with experiences rooted in conservation, culture, and community. Many of our members’ hotels and lodges are located in or near ecological hotspots in Asia. For those interested in birdwatching in India, areas like Kerala and Ladakh offer rich ecosystems with both endemic and migratory species. In birdwatching in Kerala, Madayipara stands out as a birding paradise, with over 185 recorded species. Likewise, birdwatching in Ladakh introduces guests to high-altitude species such as the Himalayan Griffon and Black-necked Crane. Moving to Indochina, birdwatching in Vietnam combines peaceful landscapes with expert-guided tours—some of our members have partnered with birding specialists to create dedicated guides and bird maps.
Guests seeking birdwatching in Thailand will find vibrant forests, mangroves, and islands home to hornbills, kingfishers, and sunbirds. And in the eastern Himalayas, bird watching in Bhutan offers the chance to see rare species such as the Satyr Tragopan and Rufous-necked Hornbill, making it an essential stop for keen birders. For those looking further east, birdwatching in Myanmar offers a secluded and serene setting for spotting coastal and forest birds. Remote properties such as the Wa Ale Island Resort in the breathtakingly beautiful Mergui Archipelago have recorded over 200 species and the hotel team contribute directly to local conservation initiatives. Birdwatching in Nepal is equally rewarding, especially in areas like the Pokhara Valley, where over 300 species can be found. At Tiger Mountain Pokhara Lodge, the team include knowledgeable guides for informal birding walks, allowing guests to learn while immersed in nature. Bird watching in Andaman is still emerging as a destination but offers the potential for spectacular island and shorebird encounters for those seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences. With such a wide range of birdlife across our network, Secret Retreats offers guests an opportunity to discover and enjoy the beauty of the birds of South Asia in a way that’s immersive, authentic, and responsible too.
Birding in Asia Contributes to the Conservation of the Birds of South Asia and Beyond
Tourism can contribute positively to the conservation of the birds of South Asia and across the region through the stewardship and protection of environments and habitats, preventing poaching and encroachment, and working with agencies to monitor species, their populations and their spread across Asia. Birdwatching is a powerful way to support sustainable tourism while offering guests memorable and meaningful travel moments. It is a low-impact activity that aligns perfectly with environmental responsibility. At Secret Retreats, many of our properties integrate birdwatching into daily experiences, helping guests develop a deeper appreciation for the natural world. By offering birdwatching in Nepal, birdwatching in Myanmar, or birdwatching in Kerala, our members give guests access to protected habitats while supporting local conservation efforts and community engagement.
Birdwatching is also a culturally enriching experience. Local people, guides, and experts often lead guests on these excursions, sharing insights about the region’s ecology, bird behavior, and the conservation challenges. In India, for example, birdwatching in Ladakh can be combined with visits to remote villages and highland monasteries. In Bhutan, guests on bird watching in Bhutan tours are immersed in both biodiversity and Buddhist heritage. The same can be said for birdwatching in Vietnam, where riverfront properties introduce visitors to lush mangrove habitats and majestic local species like the Oriental Pied Hornbill. By combining nature, education, and local insight, birdwatching creates lasting memories and builds awareness about the importance of protecting our planet.
Secret Retreats’ Commitment to Responsible Birding in Asia
At Secret Retreats, we are proud to support members across the continent who offer outstanding birding in Asia experiences. Whether it’s birdwatching in Thailand among lush island jungles, or bird watching in Andaman along tranquil coastal forests, our community provides access to diverse bird habitats in every region. Our properties share a strong commitment to conservation, sustainability, and authentic guest engagement. Guests can take part in expert-led birding walks, and self-guided experiences with provided checklists and binoculars, or even photographic birding trips in collaboration with local guides.
Birdwatching supports not only environmental awareness but also regional livelihoods. In Borneo, villagers trained in eco-tourism now lead birdwatching excursions on the wonderful Secret Retreats Borneo river cruises, while birdwatching in India in locations like the Western Ghats, guests can spot hundreds of species while staying in heritage properties, especially when the migratory birds return in October to March, or the unmissable Kerala and Malabar Backwaters home to more than 500 species of birds and the wonderful Neeleshwar Hermitage and Lotus Houseboat. The demand for Vietnam birding tours is also growing, and Secret Retreats members are actively creating new materials to enhance the guest experience, a stay at the Island Lodge in the Mekong Delta will share the opportunity to enjoy up to 350 species of birds in this fascinating ecosystem.
For every traveler looking to explore birds of South Asia, our members offer rich opportunities to observe, learn, and connect with nature.
