It's a delight to stroll through this small village on the shores of Lake Thale Noi, just off the lakeside road near the entrance to the Thale Noi Waterbird Reserve (see Google Maps and GPS coordinates). With its narrow, concrete lanes, it's a charming place. Several families work in their homes here, crafting doormats, baskets, and all sorts of woven goods from willow branches they gather along the lakeshore. Don't hesitate to stop, watch them work, or take photos—as long as you are respectful. The people are very hospitable and proud that tourists are interested in their crafts. Until recently, you could buy their products directly here. Now, a large, somewhat impersonal floating market is being built nearby to house the shops. However, the actual production continues in these houses along the narrow lanes, which I highly recommend exploring.

Note that you will encounter significantly fewer villagers at work in the late afternoon after 4:30 pm. To get from Phatthalung to Ban Thale Noi, you have several options. The easiest is to take the blue songthaews numbered 8234 (shared taxis with benches in the back), which depart 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 directly in Ban Thale Noi. Alternatively, you can take the train to Pak Klong and from there either the same songthaew or a tuk-tuk.

Find out how to get to Thale Noi.

How to get there

How do you get to the village of Ban Thale Noi? Here's how to get to Thale Noi.