A mere 20-minute drive south of Buri Ram’s lively town centre lies the serene Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir—a tranquil haven for Thailand’s rare and majestic sarus cranes. Nestled within picturesque marshlands and rice paddies, this unspoiled sanctuary offers travellers a rare opportunity to witness these endangered birds thriving in a carefully restored natural habitat, coexisting harmoniously with local farmers.
Begin your journey at the Wetland and Sarus Crane Learning Centre, perched on the edge of the reservoir. Dedicated to crane conservation and reintroduction, the centre serves as an educational gateway into the world of these elegant birds. Climb the four-storey observation tower to marvel at flocks of sarus cranes, gracefully foraging in the wetlands. For those with an affinity for wildlife conservation, it is a captivating sight to behold.
A Majestic Spectacle
As the tallest flying bird on the planet, the sarus crane exudes an air of dignified beauty. Its long legs and slender neck, adorned with soft grey plumage, create an elegant silhouette, while the striking crimson hues of its head and upper neck offer a vivid contrast. With deep orange eyes that radiate intelligence and awareness, the sarus crane is a sight of ethereal grace, whether standing still or soaring effortlessly through the sky on broad, powerful wings.
Revered as a symbol of longevity, fidelity, and grace, these birds face an uncertain future. Once native to Thailand’s wetlands, sarus cranes disappeared from the wild by 1968, their numbers decimated by habitat loss and hunting. The ones seen today at Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir are descendants of a pioneering conservation effort—a triumph against the odds. Through a joint initiative between Thailand and the International Crane Foundation, the first reintroduction of captive-bred cranes took place in 2011, when 10 young birds were released into the reservoir’s protected wetlands. Over a decade later, this initiative has flourished, with over 130 cranes now thriving in the wild, their population steadily increasing with each passing year.
A Haven for Conservation and Ecotourism
Beyond its vital role in conservation, the reintroduction project has transformed Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir into a flourishing ecotourism destination. The Wetland and Sarus Crane Learning Centre, in collaboration with local communities, offers immersive experiences such as the ‘Bird Watching and Eastern Sarus Crane Boat Tour.’ Step aboard a traditional e-pong boat and drift across the tranquil waters, passing through floating lotus blossoms and dense aquatic vegetation. As dawn breaks or dusk settles, the marshlands come alive with the calls of over 100 bird species, including lesser whistling ducks, Indian spot-billed ducks, watercocks, and purple swamp hens. It is a journey into the heart of Thailand’s rich biodiversity, offering a profound connection to nature in an unspoilt setting.
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A Harmonious Coexistence
For those seeking an even deeper engagement, the centre provides interactive exhibitions and guided tours led by local schoolchildren, offering insight into the ecological importance of the wetlands and the tireless conservation efforts that have brought these birds back from the brink. A charming gift shop showcases locally made products, allowing visitors to take a piece of Buri Ram’s natural beauty home with them.
One of the most inspiring aspects of the project is the seamless integration of conservation with local agricultural practices. The marshlands, where sarus cranes forage and nest during mating season, border rice paddies tended by farmers who have adapted their methods to support the birds’ return. By embracing organic farming and reducing pesticide use, these farmers not only safeguard the cranes’ habitat but also enhance the quality and market value of their crops—a testament to the potential for wildlife and human communities to flourish side by side.
A Rare and Auspicious Encounter
Legend holds that seeing a crane before embarking on a journey is a harbinger of good fortune. Encountering these graceful birds in their natural habitat at Huai Chorakhe Mak Reservoir is a moment of quiet wonder—a reminder of the resilience of nature and the importance of conservation. As the sarus cranes take flight, their resonant calls of ‘kwa! kwa!’ echo across the wetlands, a stirring tribute to the success of Thailand’s conservation efforts.
For those with a love of nature, conservation, and immersive travel experiences, a visit to this sanctuary offers not just a glimpse into a world of rare beauty, but also the chance to contribute to a lasting environmental legacy.
Plan Your Visit
The Wetland and Sarus Crane Learning Centre is open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm.
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