Thale Noi (pronounced "Talé Noi") means "little sea" in Thai. This lake, located about 35 kilometers north of Phatthalung, is an absolute must-see! It offers a variety of experiences and tours from sunrise to sunset. The most popular boat tour, which I highly recommend, departs before sunrise and takes you to the stilt houses of the fishermen with their yor yak, the large nets, against the backdrop of the luminous sunrise. This photo is an absolute must for any visitor to the province. The tour usually also includes a visit to the lotus flowers, which reach their peak bloom in March/April (I was there in mid-May, so a little later), when they cover much of the lake in pink blossoms. You can also watch the fishermen casting their nets. Sometimes your guide will even give you a personal demonstration. Thale Noi is also a protected no-hunting area and probably the most important in all of Thailand for birds—both migratory and resident. There are around 180 different species. The best time to observe and photograph them is from January to March. There are also several interesting places to visit around the lake, including the village of Barn Thale Noi (see other places to visit in Phatthalung)! The inhabitants are mainly known for their basket weaving.

The boat trip on the lake, which lasts several hours, usually costs 400 THB per person. However, there are also offers for around 2000 THB per boat. Many guesthouses also offer all-inclusive packages with accommodation, dinner, and the boat trip. Alternatively, you can also depart from the Thalay Noi Waterbird Reserve. I recommend spending a night near the lake so you don't miss the sunrise boat trip. The Sripakpra Resort is particularly recommended; its restaurant terrace offers a direct view of the fishing huts on stilts – at least for dinner.

There are several ways to get from Phattalung to Thale Noi Lake. The easiest is to take the blue songthaew number 8234 (shared taxis with benches in the back), which departs from the main road parallel to the train station. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 35 THB. You will be dropped off in Barn Tale Noi, a small village marked with Wickkery signs. Songthaews run approximately every 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train to Pak Klong and from there continue your journey either by the same songthaew or by tuk-tuk. This option is a bit more comfortable, but there are only a few trains per day. Tickets cost between 3 and 23 THB, depending on the train.

How to get there

How do you get to Thale Noi Lake? From Phattalung, there are several ways to reach Thale Noi Lake. The easiest is by taking the blue songthaew number 8234 (shared taxis with benches in the back), which departs from the main road parallel to the train station. The journey takes 1 hour and 30 minutes and costs 35 THB. You will be dropped off in Barn Tale Noi, a small village marked with Wickkery signs. Songthaews run approximately every 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the train to Pak Klong and from there continue your journey either by the same songthaew or by tuk-tuk. This option is a bit more comfortable, but there are only a few trains per day. Tickets cost between 3 and 23 THB, depending on the train.