Phatthalung in Thailand

Phatthalung

พัทลุง
Southern Thailand
850 km from Bangkok
Province of Phatthalung
Population : 45.000
Thai prononciation : Pataloong

Budget

Recomm. stay

2-3 jours

Visits

General Information about Phatthalung

Phatthalung province is very little visited by foreign tourists. It can be explained by the fact taht there are still some countries advising their citizen to avoid the area even if it is more Songkla, Pattani, Narathiwat and Yala that are declared no go zones by most of foreign ministers. Everyone take their responsibilities but I finally decided to go and I do not regret because it is really a beautiful place with the very photogenic Thale Noï lake, caves, temples, incredible craftsmen, traditional thai shadow puppet theater which was be born here... But if it can reassure you (and then it is always more interesting), you can visit Phatthalung with Pui Fai Wong who is a Thai guide specialized in this corner of the country. She speaks very good English, German (and Thai of course;)). You can contact her on her Facebook profile.

That said, after some hesitation, I decided to add the destination anyway on the Thailandee.com because it has been shown in several travel TV shows and definitely worths the detour. And its population, its craftsmen, its shadow puppet masters who enthusiastically perpetuate a century-old tradition,they all deserve to be able to live better thanks to tourism. I went to Phatthalung to to explore the province and have a lot of useful ingormation and some small places that guides books don't know about so I share them right here. It's up to you to decide if you're will go... or not ...

Accommodations in Phatthalung

For your stay in Phatthalung, I recommend you spend at least one night near Thale Noi Lake to be able to go at sunrise to discover it by boat, it is clearly the best time of the day. Almost all hotels, guesthouses or homestays offer it. They even sometimes have packages that include one night, dinner and the boat tour. In Phatthalung city, prefer accommodations close to the train station. It is convenient to reach the small night market and visit Wat Khuha Sawan or go climbing Khao Ok Talu mountain. It is also near the train station that you will find the songthaews to go to Thale Noi lake.

Find accommodation in Phatthalung

My recommandations

People often ask me what accommodations I recommaend in Thailand, here are my recommandations in Phatthalung.

Sripakpra Nature Boutique Resort

Hotel in Phatthalung

Hotel in Phatthalung

Hotel in Phatthalung

Mountain View Guest House

Guesthouse in Phatthalung

Phatthalung City

See all accommodations in Phatthalung

Practical information about Phatthalung

The best time to visit Phattalung is when a part of its iconic lake, Thale Noi is covered with pink lotus flowers in bloom so it will between February and May. Taking a boat tour to see the sun rise on this small lake with its fishing huts on stilts is the must visit here. If you have not done it, it's as if you never came ! And here too, you will be more likely not to see a beautiful sunris unspoiled by a cloudy sky if you come during the dry season, from November to April.

How to get around in Phatthalung ?

The city of Phatthalung can be easily visited by walking if your hotel is close to the railway station. There are some motorbikes taxi but very few tuk-tuks. To go from Phatthalung to the Thale Noï lake, there are the songthaews number 8234 (blue pickups with benches at the back) that leave the street parallel to the station. You can also go by train to Pak Klong and finish the last 8 kilometers by tuk-tuk or songthaew.

How to ask in Thai to go to Phatthalung ?

I want to go to Phatthalung / Yak paï ti Pataloong.
Where is Phatthalung ? / Pataloong you ti naï ?

Must-visits in Phatthalung

Thale Noi Lake

ทะเลน้อย

My opinion :

This lake offers superb views especially for the sunrise with the fishermen's huts and the warm colors of the sky, but also a lotus flowering area, it is also a natural reserve for birds. Going there for a boat trip is definetly a must do and if possible go before dawn !

Ban Thale Noi village

บ้านทะเลน้อย

My opinion :

This small village of artisan working with wickected in the vicinity of Thale Noi lake does not lack of charm with its small cemented roads on piles. You can see the villagers at work in their homes.

Nang Talung, Shadow Puppets Theater

หอศิลป์ หนังตะลุง

My opinion :

This traditional shadow theater seemed to appear in Thailand in Phatthalung province. You will find several Nag Talung masters who practice it and make the figurines. As for me, it's with Thale Noi Lake one of the 2 things you can not miss when visiting Phatthalung.

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan

วัดคูหาสวรรค์

My opinion :

This royal temple is mostly known for its cave but also has a chedi on a small hill that offers a dominant view over the city of Phatthalung. It is the most important temple in the city.

Khao Ok Talu

เขาอกทะลุ

My opinion :

This 250-meter high limestone peak is emblematic of Phatthalung city. Located behind the train station, you can see it from afar and will probably be tempted to climb it to have a dominant view over the city. There is also a charming forestry temple.

Other places to see in Phatthalung

Nam Yen Cave

Phra Chaison Cave (Tham Phra)

Khao Chaison Hot Springs

Rulers New and Old palaces (Phatthalung Museum)

Wat Wang

Coconut Shell Handicraft Center

Lampam Floating market

Longtail boats manufacturer

Weather & climate in Phatthalung

Phattalung has a tropical climate. The wettest months are October, November and December on average. The monsoon here as in the Gulf of Thailand is offbeat and mostly centered on November and December.

See weather forecast in Phatthalung

When to go to Phatthalung ?

A little tip for the guide ?

A bit like you sometimes leave a tip to the guide at the end of an organized trip, if Thailandee.com website has helped you prepare your travel in Thailand, do not hesitate to give me a small tip via Paypal by clicking on the button below. Thanks a lot !

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