A highlight of Phattalung
Published/Last edited on 9th August, 2021.
Supporting more than 180 species of local and migratory waterbirds and protected under the international Ramsar wetlands preservation treaty, Thale Noi is Thailand’s largest waterfowl reserve.
Birdwatchers are joined by flora enthusiasts looking to glide through pink waterlilies that bloom by the thousands. Locals weave grass mats and fish off stilted platforms, adding splashes of culture to this increasingly popular natural attraction.
The marshy, 450-square-kilometre Thale Noi (Small Lake; also spelt Talay) is the northernmost of the bodies of water that make up Thale Sap (Freshwater Lake), also known as Songkhla Lake. Birdlife is most abundant from November to March, when flocks travel here from as far north as Siberia. From February to April, the birds glide above hot-pink waterlilies amid a brilliant sea of colour.
The heron and stork family is prevalent in Thale Noi, with plumed egrets and purple herons fairly easy to spot. Also well-represented are purple swamp hens that show off their stunning blues, greens and indigos while hopping awkardly from one patch of greenery to the next. Rarer species include the bronze-winged jacana, cotton pygmy goose and the brahminy kite, a handsome thing that looks like a smaller cousin of the bald eagle.
Longtail boat rides cost 450 baht per hour and the best time to go is early morning, followed by late afternoon. The boats do not have roofs, so sunscreen and hats are smart at any time, and going out at midday is not recommended. You’ll also find walkways stretching at least a hundred metres out into the lake. Further north is a birdwatching tower topped by an air-conditioned ... Travelfish members only (Full text is around 600 words.)
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Baan Thale Noi is located 30 km north of Phattalung town via a scenic route that takes you east along Highway 4047 to Baan Lam Pam, where you’ll want to cut Route onto Route 4007, which runs alongside Thale Sap and passes the Pak Pra Canal on the way. Thale Noi is often posted on signs and maps as “Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve.”
Baan Thale Noi can also be reached by public minibuses that depart from Phattalung's bus station every 30 minutes from 06:00 to 18:00 for 70 baht per person. The boat piers and viewing platforms are within walking distance of where the minibuses drop off.
Address: 32km north of Phattalung
Coordinates (for GPS): 100º7'20.98" E, 7º46'39.63" N
See position in Apple or Google Maps: Apple Maps | Google Maps
Admission: Free
Reviewed by
David Luekens
David Luekens first came to Thailand in 2005 when Thai friends from his former home of Burlington, Vermont led him on a life-changing trip. Based in Thailand since 2011, he spends much of his time eating in Bangkok street markets and island hopping the Andaman Sea. David is also the founder of Thai Island Quest—a newsletter focused on covering every island and beach in Thailand.
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Tham Malai
Wat Khuha Sawan
Ban Lam Pan
Thale Noi Waterbird Sanctuary
The Khao Chaison loop