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Exploring Phatthalung Here’s how the home of Thailand’s biggest waterfowl lake will win you over

Exploring Phatthalung: Here’s how the home of Thailand’s biggest waterfowl lake will win you over!

| Last Updated: June 2024

Let’s be honest—Thailand’s tourist trail can get a bit, well, crowded. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a reason everyone flocks to those islands and bustling cities. Naturally, I was craving something different for my next trip. 

Enter Phatthalung, a hidden gem in southern Thailand. It piqued my curiosity when I was browsing travel forums, and let me tell you, it didn’t disappoint! Crystal-clear lakes, uncrowded beaches, and the most chill vibes – I was surprised at every turn. 

Here’s the thing, I wasn’t sure what to expect when I went and I don’t want that to happen to you! And so, I created this guide that’ll have you packing your bags for Phatthalung in no time!

Things to Know

Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)

Language: Thai (Central Thai)

Calling Code: (+66)

Location: Phatthalung, Thailand

Nearest Airport: Trang Airport (54.7 km)

Best Time to Visit Phatthalung

The best time to visit Phatthalung is from February to May for the pink lotus season. During this time, the province’s wetlands and lakes are packed with vibrant lotus blooms, becoming some of the most stunning sights in Thailand.

This season also experiences little to no rain so it’s perfect for exploration and sightseeing. Just know that the temperature around noon is typically high so you might need to set outdoor activities only during early mornings and late afternoons.

How to Get to Phatthalung

Train: Boarding the train at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in Bangkok can get you to Phatthalung in approximately 14 hours. The lowest seat tiers are the cheapest option when traveling to Phatthalung, so it’s perfect if you’re on a budget.

Bus: There are direct bus trips from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal to Phatthalung, and it will take you 14 and 20 hours to get there.

Rental Car: This option is only viable for tourists with a driver’s license and an International Driving Permit. Of course, you must also be okay with driving for up to 12 hours since Phatthalung is over 850 kilometers from Bangkok.

From the capital city, drive south via Sirat Expressway and Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway, and continue to Highway 35 until you reach Wang Manao Interchange. here, turn left to Highway 4, and switch to Highway 37 at the Hupkapong Junction.

Keep going then switch to Highway 4 again at the Cha-am – Pran Buri Bypass Road and PhetKasem Road intersection in Wang Phong, Pran Buri. Afterward, switch to Highway 41 at the Pathomphon Interchange and continue until you reach Phatthalung Town.

Plane to Trang: The plane ride from Don Mueang International Airport to Trang Airport only takes about 1 hour and 25 minutes.

From Trang Airport, you must ride a taxi to the bus terminal at the city center and catch a direct bus to Phatthalung which only takes approximately an hour.

Where to Stay in Phatthalung

Dusit Princess Phatthalung

Media from dusitprincessphatthalung

Address: 155 Moo 4, Manohra Road, Tha Miram, Mueang Phatthalung District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 74 880 777

Website: https://www.dusit.com/dusitprincess-phatthalung/

Pricing: ฿฿

Dusit Princess Phatthalung is an elegant hotel known for its charming tree-lined property and traditional-style motifs. It even has dome-roofed structures within the hotel grounds which gives it unique and exotic vibes.

Traditional rustic designs are predominant in the hotel’s interiors so it definitely makes you feel like you’re staying in a tropical paradise. Aside from that, this hotel has a massive outdoor pool, so it’s perfect for families vacationing in Phatthalung.

There’s also an artificial lake with a picturesque tunnel-like bridge that lights up at night.

The Centris Hotel Phatthalung

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Address: 51/1, 51/2, 51/3, 53 Pho Sa-at Road, Khuha Sawan, Mueang Phatthalung District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 1 p.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 74 616 555

Website: https://www.facebook.com/thecentrishotelphatthalung

Pricing: ฿

If you want a hotel that puts you at the heart of the town center, go to The Centris Hotel Phatthalung. After all, it’s close to the town’s popular landmarks: Phatthalung Train Station, Clock Tower Roundabout, Municipal Food Market, and more.

That makes it the ideal accommodation if your goal is to explore Phatthalung Town efficiently. This hotel also provides sizable modern rooms with balconies which gives you a good look and feel of the town’s streets.

Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort Phatthalung

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Address: Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 11 a.m. (Check-out)

Contact Number: +66 61 149 9494

Website: http://www.sripakpra.com/

Pricing: ฿฿

Sri Pakpra Boutique Resort Phatthalung is a solid pick if you want a stunning lake view and quick access to some of the province’s most natural hotspots. Think Thale Noi Lake, Upper Songkhla Lake, and Phatthalung Botanical Garden.

Moreover, it’s a luxury hotel, so expect to get a stylish room or villa with elegant rustic interiors and charming thatched roofs. They also provide breakfast buffets at an open-air bistro where you can enjoy the hotel’s surrounding scenery.

Or you can head to their on-site restaurant which offers comfy terrace seating. Guests also have access to a chic outdoor pool and rental kayaks which they can use to explore Upper Songkhla Lake.

Where to Eat in Phatthalung

The Cape Bar & Restaurant

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Address: 319 Khao Chaison District

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 74 820 287

Website: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064756566331

Pricing: ฿฿

This restaurant sits on a cape between the upper and middle portions of Songkhla Lake, so it’s an excellent option if you’re looking for a place with a dramatic lake view. It also has a lounge dining area in a wooden viewing deck, perfect for soaking in the scenery.

Foodwise, their small menu consists of Thai and Western dishes, so there’s a decent amount of options you can choose from. However, their biggest hit is their pizza. In fact, our team particularly enjoyed the savory seafood pizza with plenty of shrimp toppings.

Larn Ta Chu Steak House

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Address: Don Sai, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 957 6428

Website: https://www.facebook.com/larntachu/

Pricing: ฿฿

This steak house in Phatthalung is a solid option if you’re up for a restaurant with a refreshing garden and jungle-themed dining area. However, its biggest selling point is its massive menu consisting of Thai, Western, and Japanese cuisines.

That makes it the ideal restaurant for tourists who value full-on variety. Our favorite was their numerous steak offerings. This includes pork, ham, smoked sausage, rump, smoked duck breast, tenderloin, rib-eye, t-bone, and more. 

In fact, grilled meats are a fan favorite in this restaurant since they’re well-marinated and perfectly cooked, resulting in a tender and juicy steak. Just avoid peak hours since the food quality can be disappointing when the kitchen is too busy.

Komade Coffee and Bistro

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Address: Tambon Pa Bon, Pa Bon District

Operating Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)

Contact Number: +66 74 841 571

Pricing: ฿฿

Komade Coffee and Bistro is the place to go if you want a casual dining experience. It’s a small establishment surrounded by lush greeneries, so it’s a great option if you want to dine in peace.

They serve a variety of food items, so you’ll likely find something that suits your taste. The foodies on our team, in particular, are fond of their spicy and sour seafood curry which you can have with prawns or sea bass.

This curry dish has a coconut stalk or stem which adds texture and a mild sweet and nutty flavor.

What to See and Do in Phatthalung

Observe local birds at the Thale Noi Bird-Watching Park

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Address: Thale Noi, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Thale Noi Lake is arguably the most popular and scenic attraction in Phatthalung, so its Bird-Watching or Waterbird Park is definitely worth checking out. Here, you can spot numerous bird species like painted storks, great cormorants, and Pacific golden-plover.

It even has recorded sightings of endangered and near-threatened species, so it’s a great place for spotting rare birds. 

There are also boat operators along the lake who you can hire for 30 minutes to two hours so you can tour the lotus-filled lake. This will give you a closer look at the lake’s vibrant pink lotus flowers and many water birds hunting for fish.

Admire the breathtaking lake view at the Thale Noi Viewpoint Tower

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Address: Thale Noi, Phanang Tung, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 24/7

Admission Costs: 200 baht

This tall tower along Thale Noi is the place to go if you want to admire its full beauty. After all, its observation deck provides a sweeping panoramic view of the entire lotus-filled lake.

If you want to capture a postcard-perfect shot of Phatthalung’s iconic waterbird lake, this spot’s definitely for you. It also has wooden walkways that stretch towards the lake so you can get close to the pink lotus flowers without riding a boat.

Enjoy a relaxing foot bath at the Khao Chaison Hot Spring

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Address: 1017 Khao Chaison, Khao Chaison District

Operating Hours: 5 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 74 691 632

Website: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063573857203

Admission Costs: 40 baht

If you’re looking for an excellent relaxation spot in Phatthalung, here’s Khao Chaison Hot Spring. This natural hot spring has plenty of warm foot baths where you can dip your toes and enjoy fun conversations with your friends or other guests.

In fact, it’s the place to go if your goal is to make friends with locals and fellow travelers. They also have private hot baths for up to three people if you prefer to dip your body and enjoy a more personal experience with your boo, friends, or family.

Learn about Phatthalung’s traditional lifestyle at the Napokea Learning Center

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Address: Makok Nuea, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Wednesday – Monday)

Contact Number: +66 62 591 6632

Admission Costs: 30 baht

Going to Napokea Learning Center is one of the more cultural and educational experiences you can squeeze out of your Phatthalung trip. It’s a great place to learn about the traditional lifestyle of the locals.

This includes traditional rice cultivation techniques, local crafts, and delicacies. Plus, it’s perfect for nature lovers since the place is surrounded by vibrant rice paddies which is a treat to look at.

There are also plenty of farm animals that visitors can play and interact with, so it’s definitely a great experience for families with small kids. They also have a souvenir shop if you like to take home something to remember your visit by.

Browse the street stalls at the Pa Phai Sang Suk Market

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Address: Tanot Duan, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Weekends)

Contact Number: +66 74 636 616

If you like shopping and nature walks, this is the place to go. Pa Phai Sang Suk Market is a local market within a gorgeous bamboo forest, so it’s the perfect shopping spot where you can also enjoy nature’s company.

Since it’s dotted with numerous tall bamboo, everyone can visit all day long. After all, this place is shaded and enjoys sufficient cool breeze, so you can even come here to escape the sweltering heat at noon.

But that’s not all—Pa Phai Sang Suk Market has plenty of local vendors selling a variety of items. That means you’re covered for food, handicrafts, souvenirs, accessories, paintings, potted plants, and more.

Explore Sampao Thai

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Address: Ban Tha Sampao Tai, Chai Buri, Mueang Phatthalung District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 81 904 5260

Website: https://www.facebook.com/byTasorn/

Admission Costs: 50 baht

Sampao Thai is a unique attraction in Phatthalung. It’s like a Disney theme park, so expect to see plenty of wooden and rattan-made sculptures surrounded by a vast rice field.

This includes a wooden ship, a giant headdress, a dragon, water buffaloes, and gorillas. There also has a long and winding wooden walkway which you can use to explore the entire property.

Aside from that, you’ll find plenty of photo spots, so you can photograph Sampao Thai’s unique displays.

Visit Kuan Noi Grand Canyon

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Address: Phanom Wang, Khuan Khanun District

Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 85 122 8499

Kuan Noi Grand Canyon, also known as Grand Canyon Phatthalung, is a popular attraction among local families. Aside from its relaxing atmosphere, it’s also one of the most picturesque locations in the province, so it’s definitely worth a trip.

Its breathtaking lake is surrounded by red clay cliffs which is why locals named it after the iconic Grand Canyon in Arizona. There’s also an on-site restaurant with a comfy wooden lounge, so you can eat Thai food while soaking in the pleasant view.

Tour Wat Tham Sumano’s enchanting cave temple

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Address: Village No. 1, Ban Na Sub-district, Srinagarindra District

Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Daily)

Contact Number: +66 74 829 530

Website: https://www.facebook.com/wattumsumano/

For fans of caves and Buddhist temples, a trip to Phatthalung isn’t complete without checking out Wat Tham Sumano’s cave temple. Its cave is spacious, so you have plenty of room to explore and rock formations to see.

You’ll find numerous Buddha images, Naga statues, and monk figures, so there are plenty of interesting things to admire inside this quiet cave. That’s why it’s also popular among locals and pilgrims who want to meditate and pray in peace.

Be sure to behave during your visit because the monks come here to perform rituals and ceremonies. Moreover, there’s a large ordination hall outside the cave with elegant architecture, so it’s definitely worth a look as well.

FAQs about Phatthalung

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