Thale Noi

Thale Noi is a large freshwater lake and wetland at the northern tip of Songkhla Lake in Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, southern Thailand. It forms the Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area, Thailand's first non-hunting area and largest waterfowl reserve, designated as a Ramsar wetland. Notable for vast seasonal red lotus blooms, diverse birdlife, water buffalo grazing, and traditional fishing communities, it offers boat tours through lotus fields and reed beds.

Visitors can expect a shallow freshwater lake and extensive wetland with reed beds, open water, and seasonal lotus fields. The main experience is a long-tail boat tour from the Thale Noi pier through channels lined with lotus, grasses and water buffalo grazing in shallow water. Birdwatching towers and a visitor centre at the Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area allow observation of resident and migratory waterfowl. Surroundings include small fishing villages, handicraft stalls and floating houses.

Thale Noi was established in 1975 as Thailand's first Non-Hunting Area to protect waterfowl and wetland habitat. It was designated as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in 1998 (Khu Khut - Thale Noi) and forms the northern part of the Songkhla Lake Basin, the largest natural lake system in Thailand.

The lake supports traditional fishing communities and the craft village of Thale Noi, known for Krajood (reed) weaving into mats and handicrafts. Local livelihoods centered on fishing, lotus harvesting and buffalo herding reflect the cultural relationship between communities and the wetland ecosystem.