Thale Noi: the small inland sea of Phatthalung
If there is a whole region neglected by tourism, it is the extreme south of Thailand. Well, extreme, not so much, but if we draw a line between Surat Thani and Krabi, rare are the people venturing below (apart from the islands on the Andaman Sea side anyway)… a remark that I already mentioned in my article dedicated to Nakhon Si Thammarat but here we are even further south of Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Thale Noi, a unique natural park
Literally translated, Thale (sometimes written Talay since it is pronounced Talai in Thai) means "sea" in Thai and Noi, "small", hence the nickname of small sea. A somewhat misleading name due to its proximity, in particular due to the junction made via the large lake of Songkhla located to the south of Thale Noi.
Numerous aquatic plants and an environment rich in natural resources explain the high concentration of aquatic birds in the region. Moorhen, marsh hen to which are added teals, gulls and sandpipers that migrate here in winter, in all, 180 different bird species are listed in the area!
The largest water bird park in Thailand
This abundance of waterfowl has earned Talay Noi special attention, recognizing it as one of the most important wetland ecosystems in Thailand. It was also the first no-hunting zone in Thailand!
The best way to visit the place is to rent a boat, you will be taken around the lake for a one-hour ride (count 400 baht) in the heart of the local fauna.
Of nature and craftsmanship
As part of Phatthalung is mountainous, it is also possible to visit several natural sites such as waterfalls, including Mom Chui and Phraiwan. You can climb the Khao Ok Thalu summit, the symbol of Phatthalung province and walk in the Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park.
If you are more into local crafts, you will find several centers including one dedicated to the use of coconuts, others, on the local specialty, the development of puppets used for traditional shadow theater. These are made of leather and can be found on the small market next to the edge of Thale Noi.
You can also visit the fishing village of Laem Chong Thanon, whose specialty is fermented fish (watch your nostrils!). If you want to see a traditional dwelling, a quick visit to theold governor's house Phatthalung then imposes itself, the places being named Wang Kao – Wang Mai, for “old palace – new palace”, an old residence dating from the end of the 1889th century adjoining the “new” residence which dates from XNUMX (entrance 50 baht)
I took advantage of being in the region to admire the countryside and visit villages, what one could call an “authentic Thailand”.
Viewpoint at the temple
Of course, you are in Thailand, and so you will find your share of temples (if you are not full by then!). The main temple being the Wat Wang. You can also go to the Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, located in a cave not far from the Phatthalung market.
For my part, it is at Wat Suan Tham Chedi (not listed on the various tourism sites related to the region…) that I was going to. I had seen a sign indicating it from the main road (n°4048) leading to the lake, and had said to myself, “let’s go see!”.
More than the temple itself, it is above all its viewpoint over the whole lake of Thale Noi and the surrounding countryside which is worth a look!
This concludes this short visit to a clearly unknown region.
A trip to the real south of Thailand, is that in your plans?
Helena
Thank you for the overview of what there is to see and do because I don't know the far south at all. I wanted to come back to this country that I really liked and doing it this way would be just as good. After the tourist places like Phuket that I was able to visit, the authentic side really attracts me!
Roman
There are plenty of other places like this throughout the south but also elsewhere in Thailand, the country is vast but tourism is ultimately quite concentrated on certain points/regions, and fortunately!
Christian
Good general descriptions, lack of practical life information (train access? nice hotels?, house to rent? fish restaurant? sea access?) maybe it is possible to find practical information on other blogs. Thank you for your texts and photos.
Roman
Thank you for your message, I take note of it. However, be aware that I do not necessarily visit all the regions with the aim of providing all the information you mention, some articles like this one are primarily intended to help you discover possible places to visit and are not necessarily intended to provide all the information that I have not been able to test or find myself, due to lack of time or other reasons.
Sophie
Did you manage to climb to the top of Khao Ok Thalu in Phatthalung? I couldn't find the trail
Roman
Hello,
I hadn't tried to climb it, due to lack of time... there are normally stairs.
Xavier
Sawadee krab! Thanks for this report, it made up my mind because coming to do Khao Sok, I quickly became disillusioned by reading here and there unflattering reviews: Mass tourism concentrated in a 'village', poor activities, 'treks' of less than 10kl and if you want to go deep into the jungle, the prices become crazy... So, always avoiding tourist spots as much as possible (Phuket, Krabi, etc.) I searched and found your article. I will have to wait for a sleeper train at 21:00 p.m. but I adapt... Do you know if there are motorbike rentals? Without a motorbike I am on the street, it happened to me in Nakhon Pathom, I was bored like it's not allowed... Thanks again.
Roman
Hello,
Ah… I knew Khao Sok had become more touristy, especially because of the Chinese, but I always hear good things about it, it's still a superb park, in no way comparable to Phatthalung… I don't know if there are motorbikes for hire in the area, as it's not very touristy… For my part, I was there by car from Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Forgione Flora
Hello, can you please enlighten me?
So I would like to go to Thale Noi with a friend from November 26 to 28, we have to be in Bangkok in the morning of the 29th because in the evening = flight to Belgium so we can also come back on the 29th in the morning or early afternoon
We will arrive from Laos and leave from Don Mueang, what do you advise me, a flight to ????? Trang or Hat Ai or ?????
Bus ????
The problem is that I don't yet know what time we will arrive in Chiang Rai to catch a flight to Don Muang.
Where do you recommend we stay, in Phatthalung or elsewhere?
I hope I haven't bored you too much with my questions, it's the first time I've tried to organize a trip alone, not easy I admit.
Thank you for your advice which will be welcome.
See you soon I hope and congratulations on your blog
Flora
Roman
Hello,
No worries with the questions, it's normal!
Trang is the closest airport but depending on the schedule, it is also possible to arrive via Nakhon Si Thammarat, the neighboring province north of the inland sea. Staying directly on the edge of Thale Noi or nearby is possible, for example at Sai Klong Song Lae Resort Pakpra Phatthalung otherwise in Phatthalung town, about twenty kilometers from there.
charlene
Hello Romain,
First of all I wanted to tell you that your blog is really great.
I have a question: I plan to stay two days near Thale Noi, then I would like to reach Krabi from Phatthalung, but I have searched, I can't find a way to get there. What do you advise me please?
Thank you very much
Roman
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in responding, I was not at home and I have accumulated a delay in emails and comments... (moreover, it seemed to me that I had already responded to this comment via the mobile app but apparently not...)
From what I have read, you have to go through Trang to reach Krabi from Phatthalung, otherwise, there is no direct route to my knowledge between these two towns (Phatthalung being a small town).