Thale Noi
Tinnawut Kaewnikhom
Last updated: 28 Dec 2025
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Thale Noi (meaning "Small Sea") is a breathtaking freshwater lake and wetland located in Phatthalung Province. It is Thailand's first non-hunting area and a world-renowned destination for nature lovers, birdwatchers, and photographers. Part of the larger Songkhla Lake basin, it offers a serene, "forgotten world" atmosphere that is unlike anywhere else in the country.
The Sea of Pink Lotuses
The most iconic image of Thale Noi is the vast field of blooming pink lotuses (Bua Sai) that cover the water's surface as far as the eye can see.
The Spectacle: Thousands of lotuses open their petals in the early morning, turning the entire lake into a vibrant sea of pink.
Timing: To see the flowers at their peak, you must take a boat trip between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. After this, the heat of the sun causes the lotuses to close.
The Water Buffaloes of Thale Noi
Another unique highlight is the "Water Buffaloes" (Khwai Nam). These are domestic buffaloes raised by local villagers that have adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Swimming Buffaloes: During the high-water season, you can see these buffaloes swimming across the lake to find patches of grass to eat.
Local Life: They have become a symbol of the harmony between the local people and the wetland ecosystem.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Thale Noi is the largest waterfowl reserve in Thailand and a RAMSAR site (a wetland of international importance).
Biodiversity: It is home to over 280 species of birds, both resident and migratory.
What to see: You can spot Purple Herons, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Great Egrets, and the rare Whiskered Tern. The best way to birdwatch is via a silent, traditional long-tail boat guided by local experts.
The Chaloem Phra Kiat Bridge
Connecting Phatthalung and Songkhla, this is the longest bridge in Thailand built over a lake.
The View: Driving or cycling across this bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of the wetlands below.
Photography: It is a popular spot for sunset photography, where you can see the wooden fishing huts and the vast expanse of the swamp.
The Sea of Pink Lotuses
The most iconic image of Thale Noi is the vast field of blooming pink lotuses (Bua Sai) that cover the water's surface as far as the eye can see.
The Spectacle: Thousands of lotuses open their petals in the early morning, turning the entire lake into a vibrant sea of pink.
Timing: To see the flowers at their peak, you must take a boat trip between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM. After this, the heat of the sun causes the lotuses to close.
The Water Buffaloes of Thale Noi
Another unique highlight is the "Water Buffaloes" (Khwai Nam). These are domestic buffaloes raised by local villagers that have adapted to a semi-aquatic lifestyle.
Swimming Buffaloes: During the high-water season, you can see these buffaloes swimming across the lake to find patches of grass to eat.
Local Life: They have become a symbol of the harmony between the local people and the wetland ecosystem.
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Thale Noi is the largest waterfowl reserve in Thailand and a RAMSAR site (a wetland of international importance).
Biodiversity: It is home to over 280 species of birds, both resident and migratory.
What to see: You can spot Purple Herons, Bronze-winged Jacanas, Great Egrets, and the rare Whiskered Tern. The best way to birdwatch is via a silent, traditional long-tail boat guided by local experts.
The Chaloem Phra Kiat Bridge
Connecting Phatthalung and Songkhla, this is the longest bridge in Thailand built over a lake.
The View: Driving or cycling across this bridge offers a stunning panoramic view of the wetlands below.
Photography: It is a popular spot for sunset photography, where you can see the wooden fishing huts and the vast expanse of the swamp.
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