Visit Thale Noi Lake (Phatthalung)

Thale Noi (pronouncedtalé noy) means little sea in Thai. This lake located about 35 kilometers north of Phatthalung ity is clearly not to be missed when you come here ! It offers many faces and tours from sunrise to evening. The most popular boat trip and the one I highly recommend you to do, leaves before dawn to see the fishermen's huts on stilts with their Yor yak, large nets, in front of the glowing sunrise. It is the emblematic photo of the province. Generally, the tour continues at least by going to see the lotus whose peak flowering in March-April (I was there mid-May so a little late) covers a huge part of the lake with the pink flowers. You can also see fishermen throwing their net. Sometimes it will be your guide himself who will give you a demonstration. Thale Noi is also a protected non hunting area, probably the most important of Thailand, for birds, some migratory, others living here all year round. There are around 180 different species. The best time to watch and photograph them is from January to March.

Around the lake, there are also several interesting places to visit including the Barn Thale Noi village (see the other visits to do in Phatthalung)! They mostly work with basketry.

The boat ride on the lake for several hours usually costs 400 THB per person but there is also a price per boat around 2000 THB but many guesthouses offer an all inclusive accommodation + dinner + boat tour. You can also leave from the Thalay Noi Waterfowl Reserve.
I recommend you to spend a night near the lake to be on the spot for the boat ride at sunrise and recommend you the Sripakpra Resort whose restaurant terrace directly overlooks the fishermen huts on stilts, at least to have dinner.