Phatthalung Travel Guide: The province of Phatthalung is rarely visited by foreign tourists. This is because some countries still advise their citizens against traveling to this region, even though Songkhla, Pattani, Narathiwat, and Yala have been designated as exclusion zones by most foreign ministers. Everyone bears their responsibility, but I finally decided to travel there and didn't regret it. It truly is a beautiful place with the photogenic Thale Noi Lake, caves, temples, talented artisans, and the traditional Thai shadow puppet theater, which originated here. If you're still unsure (which makes the trip all the more interesting), you can visit Phatthalung with Pui Fai Wong. She is a Thai tour guide specializing in this region of the country. She speaks fluent English, German, and, of course, Thai. You can contact her through her Facebook profile. After some hesitation, I finally decided to include Phatthalung on Thailandee.com, as it has been featured in several travel programs and is definitely worth a visit. The local people, the artisans, and the shadow puppeteers, who passionately maintain a centuries-old tradition, deserve to be able to lead a better life thanks to tourism. I myself traveled to Phatthalung to explore the province and gathered a lot of useful information as well as some insider tips that you won't find in guidebooks. I'd like to share these with you here. Whether you decide to go or not is entirely up to you. You can find all the information about getting around in Phatthalung in our "Getting Around in Phatthalung" section.

Accommodation in Phatthalung: For your stay in Phatthalung, I recommend spending at least one night near Thale Noi Lake to explore it by boat at sunrise – undoubtedly the most beautiful time of day. Almost all hotels, guesthouses, and private accommodations offer this boat trip. Sometimes there are even package deals that include accommodation, dinner, and the boat trip. In Phatthalung itself, accommodation near the train station is recommended. From there, you can easily reach the small night market, Wat Khuha Sawan temple, or Khao Ok Talu mountain. You'll also find songthaews (shared taxis) to Thale Noi Lake near the train station. Find accommodation in Phatthalung. Choose a destination: Amphawa Ayutthaya Bang Saphan Bangkok Buriram Cha Am Chachoengsao Chaiyaphum Chanthaburi Chiang Dao Chiang Khan Chiang Mai Chiang Rai Chonburi Chumphon Dan Sai Hat Yai Hua Hin Kalasin Kamphaeng Phet Kanchanaburi Khao Lak Khao Sok Koh Chang Koh Jum Koh Kood Koh Lanta Koh Larn Koh Lipe Koh Mak Koh Phangan Koh Phayam Koh Phi Phi Koh Samet Koh Samui Koh Sichang Koh Tao Koh Wai Krabi Lampang Lamphun Loei Lopburi Mae Hong Son Nakhon Pathom Nakhon Phanom Nakhon Ratchasima Nakhon Si Thammarat Nan Nang Rong Nong Khai Pai Pak Chong Pattaya Phang Nga Phang Nga Phayao Phetchabun Phetchaburi Phitsanulok Phrae Phuket Prachuap Khiri Khan Pranburi Railay Ranong Ratchaburi Rayong Roi Et Samut Songkhram Sangkhlaburi Sattahip Sukhothai Surat Thani Surin Tak Trang Trat Ubon Ratchathani Udon Thani all categories from 300 THB to 500 THB from 500 to 1000 THB from 1000 to 2500 THB from 2500 to 5000 THB plus 5000 THB // Grey The prices that are not available in the city selection ("All prices" are always available) function findAccommodationCategories(citySelect) { var option=citySelect.options[citySelect.selectedIndex]; var price=parseInt(option ? option.getAttribute("data-price") : 0,10) || 0; var categories=citySelect.form.elements["categories"]; if(!categories) return; for (var i = 0; i < categories.options.length; i++) { var val = categories.options[i].value; categories.options[i].disabled = !(val == "all" || val == "-" || (Math.pow(2, parseInt(val, 10)) & price)); } } (function() { var forms = document.querySelectorAll("#form-accommodations form"); var form = forms[forms.length - 1]; if (form && form.elements["cities"]) findAccommodationCategories(form.elements["cities"]); })(); My Recommendations I am often asked which accommodations I recommend in Thailand. Here are my recommendations for Phatthalung. Sripakpra Nature Boutique Resort Hotel in Phatthalung, Thale Noi (8.3/10) Book now More details Ban Rimlay Pakpra Hotel in Phatthalung, Thale Noi (9.0/10) Book now More details Merdelong Hotel in Phatthalung, Phatthalung City (8.4/10) Book now More details Wetland Camp Hotel in Phatthalung, Thale Noi (8.2/10) Book now More details Mountain View Guest House in Phatthalung, Phatthalung City (8.2/10) Book now More details arrow_circle_right View all accommodations in Phatthalung

Practical information about Phatthalung: The best time to visit Phatthalung is between February and May, when part of the famous Thale Noi lake is covered with blooming pink lotus flowers. A sunrise boat trip over the small lake, dotted with stilt fishing huts, is an absolute must. Anyone who misses this is missing out! The chances of experiencing a beautiful, unobstructed sunrise are also lower if you visit during the dry season from November to April.

How do I get to Phatthalung? The quickest and easiest way to reach Phatthalung from Bangkok is to fly to Trang with airlines like Nok Air or Air Asia and then take the bus to Phatthalung from the airport parking lot. Bus schedules are coordinated with flight arrivals. Alternatively, you can fly to Nakhon Si Thammarat, but getting to Phatthalung from there is a bit more complicated, as you first need to take a bus to the minivan terminal. Phatthalung is also accessible by train (Bangkok – Phatthalung timetable). However, since the journey is very long, I recommend taking a night train and booking in advance to guarantee a sleeper berth. There are also buses that run from the capital. Additionally, minivans operate between Nakhon Si Thammarat and Phatthalung, as well as minivans and buses to and from Trang. [arrow_circle_right] See all travel options to Phatthalung

What's the best way to get around Phatthalung? Phatthalung is easily explored on foot if your hotel is near the train station. There are some motorbike taxis, but only a few tuk-tuks. To get from Phatthalung to Thale Noi Lake, you can take the 8234 songthaews (blue pickup trucks with benches in the back) that depart from the road parallel to the train station. Alternatively, you can take the train to Pak Klong and cover the last 8 kilometers by tuk-tuk or songthaew.

Other sights in Phatthalung: Nam Yen Cave (5 stars): A small cave, 14 km from Phatthalung, which is explored by small boat. Sometimes you even have to lie down on the boat to get through. A friendly and entertaining tour that I really enjoyed! Phra Chaison Cave (Tham Phra) (5 stars): This temple is located in a cave, about 15 km from Phatthalung and less than 1 km from Nam Yen Cave. It is interesting because of its reclining Buddha and its murals. The Khao Chaison Hot Springs are also nearby. Khao Chaison Hot Springs (5 stars): Unfortunately somewhat deserted, these hot springs offer the opportunity to put your feet in the water and relax at any time. It is also entertaining to watch the monkeys that live there. The old and new residences of the governors of Phatthalung (museum) have been converted into a museum and offer insights into the history of the town. Please note that they are only open a few days a week. Wat Wang Temple is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Phatthalung. It's architecturally interesting, but if you've already seen many temples in Thailand, it might not be a must-see. It's located next to the Phatthalung Museum. The Coconut Shell Handicraft Center is located in a small village specializing in the production of coconut wood and shell goods, 6 kilometers from Phatthalung. It's essentially a large shop selling the villagers' products. The Lampam Floating Market, despite being called a floating market, is mostly a land-based market. It's quite different from the traditional floating markets you might have in mind, but it's still an interesting and inviting place. It only operates on weekends. Longboat makers: Longboats are the typical wooden boats of Thailand. There are several workshops around the lake in Phatthalung that make these boats. Unless it's a museum, it's generally permitted to watch the boatmen at work (as long as you behave respectfully). Thale Noi Lookout Tower (starstar): This lookout tower offers a magnificent view of Thale Noi Lake and its surroundings from a height of about 30 meters. It's always interesting to enjoy the view from this height. It's located very close to the basket-weaving village of Phatthalung. Lad Tainod Green Market (starstarstar): This market, open only on Sundays, is located 25 kilometers from the center of Phatthalung. The atmosphere of this traditional market, which strives for sustainability and is situated in the middle of a small bamboo forest, is very pleasant. It's lovely to stroll around, find something to eat, listen to small concerts, and watch demonstrations of local arts and crafts. Wat Tham Sumano (5 stars): This Buddhist temple is located on the edge of the forest on the road between Trang and Phatthalung and is also a well-known meditation center. Besides the opportunity to meditate or learn meditation here, it is primarily the extensive caves with a small river inside that make a visit worthwhile.

How do I ask for directions to Phatthalung in Thai? I want to go to Phatthalung / Yak pai thi Pataloong. Where is Phatthalung? / Pataloong yu thi nai?