Thale Noi Bird Watching Park — Attraction in Phatthalung Province

Welcome aboard our long-tail guided tour of Thale Noi Lake! As we embark on this enchanting journey, I'm thrilled to provide you with an even richer exploration of the captivating Thale Noi Lake:

Thale Noi Lake Overview: Nestled in the heart of Phattalung province, Thale Noi is a captivating freshwater lake renowned for its breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity. Its name, "Thale Noi," translates to "Small Sea," and you'll soon understand why as we glide through its serene waters.

Bird Watching Delights: As we cruise along, keep your eyes turned upward to witness the rare and elusive pink-necked pigeons, a true delight for birdwatchers. Thale Noi's unique habitat attracts over 180 species of birds, including some of the spiciest finds in the avian world.

Floating Houses and Traditional Life: Our journey will also take us past charming floating houses, where local fishermen live and work. These houses are not only picturesque but also offer a glimpse into the traditional way of life that thrives around the lake.

Ecosystem Exploration: Delve into Thale Noi's intricate ecosystem, where submerged vegetation and marshy areas provide a sanctuary for diverse aquatic life. Learn about the delicate balance that sustains the lake's inhabitants, from fish to birds, and the ongoing conservation efforts to protect their habitats.

Lake Dimensions: Thale Noi to all its parts is by far the largest lake in Soith East Asia spans approximately over 460 Km2, this location and its ride is just over few KMs and you can choose from 1 hours to two hours ride. It been said that the average depth may reach around 1.5 meters. This expansive aquatic expanse beckons you to explore its tranquil beauty.

Historical Significance: Beyond its natural splendor, Thale Noi holds historical significance. Learn about the lake's role in the lives of local communities and the historical events that have shaped the region.

Lotus Flowers: Symbol of Beauty: Cast your gaze upon the captivating lotus flowers that grace the lake's surface. These exquisite blooms hold deep cultural meaning, symbolizing purity, enlightenment, and rebirth. The lotus's ability to rise above the murky waters mirrors the journey towards enlightenment.

Lotus Flower Life Cycle: Now, let's delve into the mesmerizing life cycle of the lotus flower with more depth:

Growth Time: The journey from a tiny seed nestled in the mud to a mature lotus ready for commercial use takes about three to four months.

Multiplication: Lotuses multiply through a fascinating process. As the flower blooms, it sheds its seeds into the water. Over time, these seeds settle in the mud and give rise to new plants. Additionally, lotus plants can also be propagated by dividing mature rhizomes, which are underground stems.

Emergence: From a single lotus flower, multiple new flowers can emerge. A single flower can give rise to multiple seed pods, each containing several seeds. This remarkable ability to generate new life from one source is a testament to the lotus's resilience and vitality.

Throughout our voyage, I'm here to share stories, answer questions, and help you connect with the enchanting wonders of Thale Noi Lake. Embrace the serenity, capture the beauty, and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural treasures that make this destination truly...

There are two tour options that I'm aware of - 1.25 hours for 550b and 2.25 hours for 900b. A bit pricey, compared with a similar option at Thale Bua Daeng in Udon Thani province. I chose the shorter tour, departing at 6:30AM. Not exactly at sunrise, but not long after. I was hoping to see more lotus flowers, but at this time (late February) there were very few in bloom. Loads of birds to see though. Couldn't get too close to them without scaring them into flight, so if you want decent photos, bring more than just a phone. Buffaloes were neat to see, and we saw several herds of 10 or more animals. We could approach them rather closely. Then we drove quite far east and north, wandering through a forest. I kept checking my watch, certain that we had gone over time, and when we returned to the pier 2 hours later and it was time to pay, I very politely reminded the driver that I had requested the short tour. He realized that, but had opted to give me the longer tour without extra charge. I did tip the man, up to a price between the two fixed prices, as I felt it was a genuine offer, not an attempt to get more money. I enjoyed the tour very much. I would recommend an early departure time, as there is no shade on the boats and it's a hot sun out...

An absolute must when in Phatthalung. Many other reviews already cover what's to see here, so I will just focus on the logistics.

Boat hires cost 550B per hour, they will try to upsell you to two hours at the beginning. You can always extend if you like what you see and want to spend more time. In our view 1 hour is enough. Actually, our longtail captain asked again if we want to do 2 hours after we were already 70 minutes in to the trip. We said: no 1 hour is fine. By the time we returned to the jetty it's was nearly 90min since departure. Probably a means of getting tips, but they were not pushy about that (only trying to sell 2 hours). Come before 8am to see the lotus flowers and avoid weekends if possible. we visited on a Monday and there were only 2 other groups at the pier, although we've seen about 6 more tourist boats...