Discover the Thale Noi waterfowl sanctuary in Patthalung
In complete darkness, armed with our phones as flashlights, we boarded the long, traditional wooden boats: we departed at 5 a.m., just before sunrise. We didn't know what to expect, sitting so close to the water surface and vaguely distinguishing the contours of the vegetation.
As the first rays of the sun pierced through the darkness, the world around us transformed, and the magic happened!
The Thale Noi pink lake is covered in blooming lotuses between February and April. We were there in December and didn't get to admire this wave of pink flowers. Still, the trip was no less extraordinary nonetheless.
Thale Noi, a bird sanctuary
The Thale Noi Lake is an area of freshwater marshland with a unique ecosystem. It joins Thale Luang Lake, which flows into Songkhla Lake, which in turn opens into the Gulf of Thailand. Therefore, there is an exchange with seawater and marine fauna. It is considered the biodiversity hotspot of one of Southeast Asia's largest natural freshwater areas. The area provides habitat and breeding grounds for over 200 species of native and migratory birds.
A timeless moment
We sailed for two hours, passing no other boats, enjoying every minute, devouring with our eyes the pink cameos of the sunrise.
Along the way, we encountered a multitude of seabirds: storks, grebes, egrets, terns, cormorants, kingfishers, moorhens, herons and even a few bee-eaters.
When should you visit Thale Noi Pink Lake?
If you want to see it in pink, the lotus flowering season is between February and April.
The best time to see many migratory birds is between November and March.
The best time of day is early morning. The lotus flowers close to protect themselves from the sun at around 10-11 a.m., and the birds are active early in the morning.
Avoid weekends and public holidays. This tour is not well known to foreign visitors but is very popular with local visitors. Large groups of Thai tourists regularly visit on public holidays.
How to arrange a visit to Thale Noi?
- For those who don't have sea legs, the reserve's flora and fauna can be enjoyed by visiting the "Thale Noi Wetland" observatory. You can walk on footbridges over the marsh and enjoy panoramic views from an observation tower. Boats are also available on the spot.
Plus Code: Q4HF+62 Google Maps - There's no need to book a boat tour in advance. Simply go to the pier, where many boats await visitors. However, we recommend booking the day before for a sunrise tour and arranging a meeting place/time with the boat captain. Reservations can be made at the pier, directly with a boat captain, or through the hotel where you're staying.
- Prices vary according to the tour and number of people. We paid 900 baht per boat for 2 hours.
How to get to Thale Noi?
From Bangkok: book a flight to Hat Yai, Nakhon Si Thammarat, or Trang.
From Hat Yai or Nakhon Si Thammarat:
- You can travel by train to Patthalung. Then by van between Patthalung and Thale Noi. There are regular vans, and the journey to Thale Noi takes 45 minutes.
- You can also book a cab from the airport to your hotel in Thale Noi.
- Renting a car is another good option, as the road overlooking the lake before arriving in Thale Noi is absolutely magnificent, and there is plenty to see and do in the Patthalung area.
From Trang:
Minibuses from Trang to Patthalung cost 120 baht per person.
Where to stay in Thale Noi?
We stayed at Varni Handicraft & Homestay. It's a small family-run hotel in the heart of a rattan craft center. This allowed us to discover local handicrafts made from plants harvested from the lake. This accommodation is out of the way and requires a vehicle to get around. The rooms are simple but spotless and comfortable. The staff are lovely, the breakfast is delicious, and the pool is a real plus for making the most of your stay.
Other recommended accommodation in the area:
The magnificent Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort has breathtaking views over the lake. Boat departures for the lake tour take place directly from the pontoon in front of the hotel.
