Visit Ban Thale Noi village (Phatthalung)

It is very pleasant to walk in this small village on the edge of the Thale Noi lake just behind the waterside street near the entrance to the Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve as shown on GoogleMap (see GPS coordinates). it is a charming place with its small narrow cement-raised streets. Here you will find several families working int heir houses with wicker harvested on the shores of the lake to make floor mats, baskets and all kinds of basketry products. Do not hesitate to stop and watch them work or take picture, as long as you remain respectful, they are very welcoming and proud that tourist are interested in what they do.

Until recently, their production could be bought directly here, but a large, auite impersonal floating market is being built not far away to accommodate the shops but the manufacturing will always take place in these houses in these little streets where I encourage you to have a look.

Note that in the late afternoon after 4.30pm, you will see many fewer villagers at work. To reach Ban Thale Noi from Phatthalung, you have several possibilities. The easiest way is to pick up the blue songthaews number 8234 (pickups with benches at the back) that leave the main street parallel to the station. The journey lasts 1h30 and costs 35 THB and you will be dropped at Ban Thale Noi. The other option is to take the train to Pak Klong and then finish with either the same songtheaw or tuk-tuk.