If there's one region completely neglected by tourism, it's the far south of Thailand. Well, not exactly far south, but if you draw a line between Surat Thani and Krabi, very few people venture south (except for the islands on the Andaman Sea side, of course)... a point I already made in my article about Nakhon Si Thammarat , but here we're even further south than 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 a resource-rich environment explain the high concentration of waterfowl in the region. Moorhens, marsh hens, along with teals, gulls, and sandpipers that migrate here in winter, make up a total of 180 different bird species recorded 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 area is to hire a boat; you will be taken around the lake for an hour-long ride ( expect to pay 400 baht ) in the heart of the local wildlife.
Of nature and craftsmanship
Part of Phatthalung is mountainous, so it's also possible to visit several natural sites such as waterfalls, including Mom Chui and Phraiwan. You can climb to the summit of Khao Ok Thalu , the symbol of Phatthalung province, and stroll through Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park.
If you're more interested in local crafts , you'll find several centers, including one dedicated to the use of coconuts, and others focusing on the local specialty: the making of puppets used for traditional shadow puppetry. These puppets are made of leather and can be found at the small market next to the Thale Noi waterfront.
You can also visit the fishing village of Laem Chong Thanon, whose specialty is fermented fish (beware of the pungent aroma!). If you want to see a traditional dwelling, a visit to the former governor's house in Phatthalung is a must. The site is called Wang Kao – Wang Mai, meaning "old palace – new palace." An older residence dating from the late 18th century adjoins the "new" residence, which dates from 1889 ( entrance fee 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're in Thailand, so you'll find plenty of temples (if you haven't had your fill by then!). The main temple is Wat Wang . You can also visit Wat Tham Khuha Sawan , located in a cave not far from Phatthalung Market.
For my part, I was going to Wat Suan Tham Chedi (not listed on the various tourism websites related to the region…). I had seen a sign indicating it from the main road (no. 4048) leading towards the lake, and had thought to myself, “let’s go see!”
More than the temple itself, it's the view over the entire Thale Noi lake and the surrounding countryside that's truly worth seeing!
That concluded this short visit to a clearly little-known region.
