About Pak Thale
Pak Thale is a coastal wetland and salt-pan area in Pak Thale Sub-district, Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi Province, on the Inner Gulf of Thailand. It is internationally renowned as a wintering site for migratory shorebirds, including the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper. The landscape of salt evaporation ponds, mudflats and mangroves is managed by local communities and is part of the Laem Pak Bia - Pak Thale Important Bird Area.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect an open coastal landscape of expansive salt pans, tidal mudflats and narrow bunds between ponds. There are simple bird hides and viewing points overlooking the pans where large flocks of shorebirds, gulls, terns and waders gather. The area is quiet and rural with salt workers, fishing boats and mangroves nearby. No formal visitor buildings; exploration is on foot along bunds and from hides for birdwatching and photography.
Key highlights
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One of the best sites in Thailand to see the critically endangered Spoon-billed Sandpiper in winter
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Extensive salt pans and tidal mudflats hosting thousands of migratory shorebirds
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Part of the Laem Pak Bia - Pak Thale Important Bird Area recognized internationally
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Photography opportunities from dedicated bird hides overlooking the ponds
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Traditional sea-salt farming landscape still actively worked by local communities
History of Pak Thale
Pak Thale has a long history of traditional sea-salt production on the Phetchaburi coast. The wider Laem Pak Bia area is associated with the Laem Pak Bia Royal Environmental Research and Development Project initiated by King Bhumibol Adulyadej (Rama IX) to address wastewater treatment and mangrove rehabilitation using natural methods.
Culture & Context
The site reflects the coastal salt-farming culture of Phetchaburi, where local communities have produced sea salt for generations. The salt pans and associated fishing livelihoods remain central to the identity and economy of Pak Thale village.
Route
| By air |
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