Thailand is one of the world's leading producers of edible bird's nest. Hover over or tap the map to see where nests are harvested, from the wild island caves of the South to the swiftlet houses of Pak Phanang, and where the JUMAMA story began.
Thailand's bird's nest regions at a glance
| Province | Nest type | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Chumphon | Island & cave nests | Offshore nest islands, among the most valuable concessions in the country |
| Surat Thani | Island & cave nests | Limestone islands in the Gulf of Thailand, including Koh Tae Nok, where Mother Ju once held the concession |
| Phatthalung | Island & cave nests | Seven islands in Songkhla Lake (Pak Phayun district); fine white nests and the rare natural red cave nest |
| Krabi, Phang Nga, Trang, Satun | Island & cave nests | Limestone islands and sea caves along the Andaman coast |
| Prachuap Khiri Khan | Island & cave nests | The northernmost of the southern concession provinces |
| Trat | Island & cave nests | The only concession province in the east |
| Nakhon Si Thammarat | Swiftlet houses | Pak Phanang, Thailand's best-known swiftlet-house town |
| Songkhla | Swiftlet houses | Swiftlet houses around Hat Yai, where Mother Ju built her first nest house |
How island nests are harvested
Thailand's wild nest islands are state property. Companies bid for five-year concessions to collect the nests, and the islands are guarded around the clock. Nests are harvested only a few times a year, typically around February, April and July to August. Collectors climb bamboo poles and ropes to reach nests high in the caves, a skill often passed down through families.
Island nests vs house nests
- Where they come from: wild swiftlet colonies on limestone islands and sea caves, or purpose-built swiftlet houses on the mainland.
- How often they are harvested: island nests only a few times a year under concession; house nests more often.
- Texture: island nests are generally thicker; house nests are usually thinner.
- Price: island nests generally command higher prices.
Most Thai nests come from the white-nest swiftlet. Whichever the source, a nest needs careful hand-cleaning before stewing. At JUMAMA, every nest is soaked, picked clean with tweezers and graded 3A to 5A in our own workshop.
What about red nests?
Naturally red cave nests are rare and come from only a few limestone caves, such as those in Phatthalung. Their colour is believed to come from the cave environment, not from anything added. Be wary of red nests sold very cheaply, as white nests are sometimes dyed.
How to choose Thai bird's nest
Look at the shape and wholeness of the cup, the thickness of the strands and how clean the nest is. Buy from a seller who can tell you where the nest comes from and how it was cleaned. Our dry bird's nest page explains our 3A to 5A grades, and our How to Enjoy guide shows how to soak and stew it at home. Prefer it ready to drink? Try our bottled bird's nest, stewed with rock sugar and fresh pandan leaf.
From Koh Tae Nok to Yaowarat
Our family's story with bird's nest began in the South. Mother Ju, the mother behind the JUMAMA name, built her first nest house near Hat Yai with her own mother. She went on to hold a state bird's nest concession at Koh Tae Nok in Surat Thani and to build swiftlet houses across Thailand. That first-hand experience of harvesting, cleaning and grading nests is what JUMAMA is built on. Today we select Thai bird's nest from trusted sources, and every nest is hand-cleaned and graded in our own workshop. Read our story, or visit us in Yaowarat and Banthat Thong, Bangkok.
Frequently asked questions
Where does Thai bird's nest come from?
Mainly from southern Thailand. Wild nests are harvested from limestone islands and caves in nine concession provinces, such as Chumphon, Surat Thani and Phatthalung. Farmed nests come from swiftlet houses in more than 40 provinces, especially around Pak Phanang and Hat Yai.
How much bird's nest does Thailand produce?
Around 400 tonnes a year by published estimates, making Thailand the third-largest producer after Indonesia and Malaysia.
Is red bird's nest natural?
Naturally red cave nests exist but are rare, found in only a few limestone caves such as those in Phatthalung. Be cautious with very cheap red nests, as white nests are sometimes dyed.
What is the difference between island nests and house nests?
Island nests come from wild swiftlet colonies on limestone islands and are harvested only a few times a year; they are generally thicker and more expensive. House nests come from purpose-built swiftlet houses and are harvested more often.
Where can I buy Thai bird's nest in Bangkok?
At JUMAMA in Yaowarat and Banthat Thong, or online with delivery across Thailand. Every nest is hand-cleaned and graded 3A to 5A in our own workshop.