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Everything You Need to Know about Thale Noi
- Where is Thale Noi?
- How to Get to Thale Noi from Bangkok
- What to See and Do in Thale Noi
- Ride a boat and admire the red lotuses in Thale Noi
- Check out the traditional fishing nets locals use
- Observe the water buffaloes in Thale Noi
- Create a checklist of Thale Noi wild birds
- Enjoy the panoramic view of Thale Noi from Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge
- Where to Eat and Drink in Thale Noi
- Sam Kuk Talay Noi Restaurant
- Le Noi Buri Coffee and Homestay
- The Beat Baker
- Where to Shop in Thale Noi
- Handicraft Market Thale Noi
- Varni Handicraft and Homestay
- Byjai Krajood
- Where to Stay in Thale Noi
- Chuanchom Resort Thalenoi
- Le Noi Buri Coffee & Homestay
- Ban Suan Keaw Resort
- FAQs about Thale Noi
Thale Noi is a tropical lake paradise that includes the provinces of Nakhon Si Thammamarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. It boasts a biodiverse wetland ecosystem packed with a wide array of flora and fauna.
We’re talking about vibrant red lotuses to hundreds of resident and migratory birds. The lake is also an attractive handicraft hub with numerous local workshops selling unique woven products thanks to the natural crafting materials available.
Thale Noi is certainly worth checking out for its breathtaking scenery and abundant natural resources. Many tourists find solace and peace of mind boating in its lotus-filled waters.
Where is Thale Noi?
Thale Noi is in the east end of Phatthalung’s Khuan Khanun District. It’s bounded by the Phatthalung-Songkhla border in the east, Moo 2 Phanang Tung in the west, and Thale Luang in the South.
How to Get to Thale Noi from Bangkok
Plane: The fastest way to reach Thale Noi from Bangkok is to book a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Nakhon Si Thammarat International Airport which only takes approximately one hour.
However, you still need to ride a taxi to Thale Noi which takes around two hours.
Train: The cheapest way to get to Thale Noi is to board a train at Bangkok’s Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal bound for Pak Khlong Railway Station in Phatthalung. From there, you only need to catch a 10-minute taxi ride to the lake.
This method will take approximately 15 hours and 30 minutes so it’s not ideal for tourists on one or two-day vacations.
Bus: Riding a bus to Thale Noi is a great budget-friendly option. You must catch the provincial buses at the Southern Bus Terminal bound for Phatthalung Town.
From this town, Thale Noi is only a 33-minute taxi ride away. Keep in mind that the bus trip may take between 14 and 20 hours, so we only recommend this option as a last resort.
What to See and Do in Thale Noi
Ride a boat and admire the red lotuses in Thale Noi
Thale Noi is a vast lake best known for its abundant red lotuses that bloom between February and April. These vibrant flowers are also morning bloomers, so you must visit the lake early if you like to see them in their full glory.
This lake is also a biodiverse wetland, so expect to see numerous unique and exotic plants. Think water hyacinth, duckweed, Samet tree, saltmarsh bulrush, and more.
Boat rides are also available at the lake in case you want to see the lotuses and other plants up close. The ride costs 550 baht for 1 hour or 900 baht for two hours for up to seven people.
Check out the traditional fishing nets locals use
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Aside from Thale Noi’s sea of red lotuses, the lake is filled with traditional fishing net contraptions. These unique floating structures are made with bamboo poles and feature a hanging fishing net that local fishermen lower into the water.
Once they see fish and prawns above the lowered fishing net, it’s lifted to catch them. These wooden structures are set in the middle of the lake so you’ll need to pay for a boat ride to get close to them.
However, keep in mind that you can only watch from a distance because getting too close will scare any potential catch.
Observe the water buffaloes in Thale Noi
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Thale Noi is well-known for its over 3,500 Asian water buffalo population. The lake is a feeding ground for these gentle animals, so expect to see them grazing on its pasture during the dry season or feeding on aquatic plants when the water level is high.
Water buffaloes thrive in Thale Noi’s wetland ecosystem because they can adapt to whichever food source is available. They’re also domesticated so visitors can see them up close without any issue.
You’ll also see egrets hanging around because these birds feed on the insects latching onto the water buffalo’s skin.
Create a checklist of Thale Noi wild birds
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Thale Noi is called a waterfowl park or bird watching park for good reason. After all, this 460-square-kilometer wetland is also home to over 280 aquatic bird species like stork-billed kingfishers, Asian openbill, knob-billed ducks, and more.
Going here also gives you the best chance to spot numerous migratory and near-threatened bird species, including the black-headed ibis, black-winged stilts, and Oriental darters.
Most of Thale Noi’s migratory birds can be spotted between February and April so it’s the best time to visit for birdwatching trips.
Enjoy the panoramic view of Thale Noi from Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge
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Chaloem Phrakiat Bridge is a scenic viewpoint in Thale Noi’s south end. This 5.5-kilometer bridge overlooks the vast lake, so it’s definitely a must-visit if you want a breathtaking panoramic view of its wetland ecosystem.
The bridge’s parking area also has animal statues and a giant Phatthalung sign so it’s a popular photo spot for passing motorists. We also recommend stopping by in the afternoon to witness its million-dollar sunset view.
If you’re lucky, you may find some mobile food carts along the bridge and you’ll be covered for snacks and drinks during your visit.
Where to Eat and Drink in Thale Noi
Sam Kuk Talay Noi Restaurant
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Address: Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 89 653 5952
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food, coffee
Sam Kuk Talay Noi Restaurant is a popular food spot three kilometers from Thale Noi. It’s known for its cozy open-air dining area next to a small sacred lotus lake with a wooden walkway in case you want a closer look.
As for the food, you can also choose from a wide range of classic Thai dishes—the deep-fried fish is a must-try! They also serve affordable cups of coffee.
Le Noi Buri Coffee and Homestay
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Address: 106 Moo 2, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 63 475 1444
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for drinks
Le Noi Buri Coffee and Homestay is a cafe across the street from Thale Noi Waterfowl Park. Its drink menu offers a nice selection of coffees, teas, fruit smoothies, and Italian sodas.
It’s also a good spot for a meal, with Thai and international food options. The cakes are the stars here, though, especially the chocolate cake!
The Beat Baker
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Address: 55 Moo 2, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 65 816 1655
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Thursday – Tuesday)
Good to know: Good for pastries
The Beat Baker is a charming cafe three minutes away from Thale Noi Waterfowl Park. They specialize in a wide range of baked snacks and desserts.
You can also enjoy your snacks with their popular house blends like iced matcha latte, dirty coffee, and iced Americano.
Where to Shop in Thale Noi
Handicraft Market Thale Noi
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Address: Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 2 267 0412
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for souvenirs, local delicacies
Handicraft Market Thale Noi is a streetside market filled with local shops and vendors selling a wide variety of products.
One thing to not miss here are the affordable handcrafted bags, baskets, hats, and purses made from the krajood or saltmarsh bulrush growing in Thale Noi.
You’ll also find stalls selling local delicacies and ingredients like sun-dried fish, fish eggs, and more. There are street food vendors as well, so you’re covered for snacks and drinks while shopping here.
Also, this market is only across the street from Thale Noi, making it the most convenient shopping spot around.
Varni Handicraft and Homestay
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Address: 152 Moo 10, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 74 610 415
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours:
- 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
- 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Sunday)
Good to know: Good for handicrafts
Varni Handicraft and Homestay is a popular producer of local handcrafted krajood products, so it’s definitely worth the 14-minute drive from Thale Noi. Tourists frequent this place for its export-quality and artsy handbags, hats, clothes, sandals, and more.
They also sell bulrush-made furnishings like floor mats, pillows, baskets, and lanterns. Their products are also known for their colorful and intricate embroidery patterns.
Byjai Krajood
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Address: 115 Thale Noi, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 80 548 5142
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Monday – Saturday)
Good to know: Good for handicrafts
Byjai Krajood is an OTOP brand shop focusing on krajood products like bags and baskets. Its specialty is chic woven handbags with a wide range of colored patterns and embroidered designs.
Their top-selling handbags also feature hand-painted designs, stitched patterned fabrics, and leather handles.
In case you didn’t know, OTOP or One Tambon One Product is an entrepreneurial initiative that promotes local products in Thailand. Buying from OTOP brand shops like Byjai Krajood helps the local community.
Where to Stay in Thale Noi
Chuanchom Resort Thalenoi
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Address: 183 Moo 2, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 90 180 1991
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples
Chuanchom Resort Thalenoi is a convenient streetside hotel offering quick access to Thale Noi Waterfowl Park. It also provides cozy double-occupancy rooms equipped with numerous essential amenities.
The complimentary Thai or Western-style breakfast they serve is also a plus.Its excellent location if you plan on shopping at Handicraft Market Thale Noi.
Le Noi Buri Coffee & Homestay
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Address: 106 Moo 2, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 74 610 457
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Le Noi Buri Coffee & Homestay is one of the best hotels in Thale Noi location-wise. It’s only across the street from the lake’s jetty, so you have quick access to the local boats in case you plan to see the numerous red lotuses up close.
This hotel also offers budget-friendly rooms with charming rustic interiors and furnishings. Their standard rooms can accommodate two guests but also have family rooms for up to four people.
They also have an on-site cafe serving a wide selection of drinks, Thai food, and desserts.
Ban Suan Keaw Resort
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Address: 388 Moo 3, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District
Phone: +66 89 196 2620
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Ban Suan Keaw Resort is a unique hotel near Thale Noi. The center of this property is a pond, so the double and quadruple-type room bungalows they offer are half-stilted.
Furthermore, each unit has large glass windows with pond and garden views. This property is also tree-lined so you can enjoy pleasant garden walks during your stay.
Being close to two gas stations and a 7-Eleven convenience store is also a huge plus!
