Things to see and do in Phatthalung: If you can only visit one place in Phatthalung, it should definitely be Thale Noi Lake. The lake is incredibly photogenic at sunrise, when the silhouettes of the stilted fishing huts with their large nets are silhouetted against the warm sky. During the flowering season, the part of the lake where lotus flowers bloom is beautiful and also serves as a bird sanctuary. A pretty little craft village surrounds the lake, primarily home to basket weavers. There are also a few workshops for building traditional longboats. Watch them at work; don't be shy! As long as you are respectful, they will be proud or pleased to see your interest in their craft. In Phatthalung itself, I recommend visiting Wat Khuha Sawan with its small cave, but especially climbing Khao Ok Talu behind the train station – not only for the view but also for the forest temple you will discover there. And in the evening, a visit to the night market next to the train station is highly recommended. The area around Khao Chaison is also well worth seeing, with its flooded cave accessible by boat and a charming temple cave near hot springs inhabited by many monkeys. While the facilities aren't in the best condition, I was assured that a renovation program will begin soon. I also discovered a small, hidden restaurant in this area that's perfect for lunch – but shhh…

Sights in Phatthalung: Thale Noi Lake (ทะเลน้อย) My rating: 5/5 stars. This lake offers breathtaking views, especially at sunrise with the fishermen's huts and the warm colors of the sky. There's also a lotus blossom here, and it's a bird sanctuary. A boat trip is an absolute must, ideally before sunrise! Ban Thale Noi Village (บ้านทะเลน้อย) My rating: 5/5 stars. This small village near Thale Noi Lake, where artisans work with traditional crafts, is charming with its small streets paved on stilts. You can watch the villagers working in their homes. Nang Talung Shadow Theater (หอศิลป์ หนังตะลุง) My rating: 4/5 stars. This traditional shadow theater seems to have originated in the province of Phatthalung in Thailand. Here you can find several masters of Nang Talung who practice this art form and create the puppets. In my opinion, along with Thale Noi Lake, it is one of the two things you absolutely must see when visiting Phatthalung. Wat Tham Khuha Sawan (วัดคูหาสวรรค์) My rating: 4/5 stars. This royal temple is primarily known for its cave, but it also has a chedi on a small hill offering a magnificent view over the city of Phatthalung. It is the most important temple in the city. Khao Ok Talu (เขาอกทะลุ) My rating: 5/5 stars. This 250-meter-high limestone peak is the landmark of Phatthalung. It's located behind the train station and is visible from afar. You're quickly tempted to climb it to enjoy the breathtaking view over the city. There's also a charming forest temple there. Kwanjai Bamboo Garden Market (สวนไผ่ขวัญใจ) My rating: 3/5 stars. This weekend market takes place in a bamboo garden, offering a pleasant and shady atmosphere. It showcases local producers, artisans, and food. It's not a market for tourists—at least not for foreign ones. You'll hardly see any there!

Other places worth seeing in Phatthalung: Nam Yen Cave (5 stars): A small cave, 14 km from Phatthalung, which you explore by small boat. Sometimes you even have to lie down on the side of the boat to get through. A friendly and entertaining tour that I really enjoyed! Phra Chaison Cave (Tham Phra) (5 stars): This temple in a cave, about 15 km from Phatthalung and less than 1 km from Nam Yen Cave, is interesting because of its reclining Buddha and its murals. It is also close to the Khao Chaison hot springs. Khao Chaison hot springs (5 stars): Unfortunately somewhat deserted, these hot springs always offer the opportunity to put your feet in the water and relax. It's also fun to watch the monkeys that live there. Longboat makers (5 stars): 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 artisans at work (as long as you behave respectfully). Wat Tham Sumano: This Buddhist temple on the edge of the forest, located on the road between Trang and Phatthalung, is also a well-known meditation center. Besides the opportunity to meditate or learn meditation, the extensive caves with a small river running through them are particularly worth a visit. Lad Tainod Green Market: This market, open only on Sundays, is located 25 kilometers from Phatthalung's town center. The atmosphere of this traditional market, which strives for sustainability and is nestled in a small bamboo forest, is very pleasant. It's worth strolling around, finding something to eat, listening to small concerts, and watching demonstrations of local arts and crafts. Lampam Floating Market: Although described as a floating market, the Lampam Floating Market is mostly a land-based market. Quite unlike the images one might have of traditional floating markets, it's an interesting and inviting place. It only takes place on weekends. The Old and New Ruler Palaces (Phatthalung Museum) have been converted into a museum. The former residences of the governors of Phatthalung offer insights into the city's history but 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 products, 6 kilometers from Phatthalung. It's essentially a large shop selling the villagers' wares. The Thale Noi Lookout Tower offers breathtaking views of Thale Noi Lake and its surroundings from a height of about 30 meters. It's always fascinating to experience the height. It is located in the immediate vicinity of the village of Phatthalung, where basket makers reside.

Other sights in Thailand: Hup Pa Tat This cave with a collapsed ceiling, located in a lush forest with rare and ancient tree species, is arguably the most important natural tourist attraction in Uthai Thani province. It is 50 km away… Show details for Hup Pa Tat. Samet Nangshe Lookout The Samet Nangshe Lookout was discovered by a photographer looking for a dominant viewpoint for Phang Nga Bay and has become one of the most popular attractions within a few years… Show details for Samet Nangshe Lookout. Indigo Dyeing Village Mo Hom Indigo Dyeing is Phrae's most famous specialty, and in my opinion, you can't come here without dyeing a handkerchief, scarf, or shirt yourself. It's fun and possible in Nan… Show details for Indigo Dyeing Village. Wat Sri Panton This entirely gold temple is the second monochrome temple in Nan. It is located just a short walk from the White Temple of Nan. arrow_circle_right Show details about Wat Sri Panton