Thailand

Sheltered from mass tourism, Thale Noi Great Bird Park is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts vacationing in southern Thailand.

Introduction

Thale Noi Lake rightfully earns its nickname as the "little inland sea." For avid wildlife photographers, this lake offers abundant opportunities. Located in Phattalung province, it boasts the largest aquatic bird sanctuary in Thailand. Various avian species populate its brackish and marshy areas, ranging from common ones like the cattle egret and cormorant to rare ones like the masked finfoot, a threatened diving duck. Bird watching, photographing water buffaloes and elephants, boat rides amidst pink lotuses, visits to fishing villages—the Thale Noi Lake combines all the elements of an ecotourism destination.

A bit of history

Misleadingly named the "small sea," Thale Noi is one of Asia's largest natural lakes. This name distinguishes it from its neighboring lake, Songkhla, known as the "big sea."

Thale Noi Lake became Thailand's first wildlife area under a hunting ban, designated as a "protected area" on May 13, 1998. The protective measures are justified by two main reasons. Firstly, the government aims to develop natural tourism due to the extraordinary abundance of wildlife. The Thale Noi and Songkhla regions harbor the country's richest wetland ecosystem. The humidity contributes to diverse natural habitats, ranging from mangroves to typical Melaleuca forests, reeds, salt marshes, and vast rice fields. This also explains the high density of birdlife on the site. Such richness holds great potential for economic benefits, attracting tourists, ornithologists, and biologists alike. Secondly, ecological awareness heightened in the 1980s. The Royal Forest Department recognized Thale Noi Lake as a globally significant site for migratory birds' feeding, nesting, and breeding.

While Thale Noi Nature Reserve boasts rare and sometimes unique biodiversity worldwide, this diversity faces threats. Deforestation and habitat degradation have led many turtle, reptile, and bird species to be listed on the IUCN Red List. Scientists estimate only about a decade remains for species like the Aythia Baeri, a dark-backed duck native to Asia, and the Asian small-clawed otter.

Today

Very few foreign tourists are familiar with Thale Noi Bird Sanctuary, making a visit even more enticing as you can fully immerse yourself in its magic. Distance is not an issue; the reserve is just a five-hour drive from Phuket.

Visit this haven for winged creatures while you still can, as several species are considered endangered or at risk of extinction. Industrial pollution, overfishing, expansion of rice paddies, and shrimp farms are major factors destroying natural habitats and threatening biodiversity and its survival. Visitors to Thale Noi Bird Park contribute more than mere leisure tourism; entrance fees fund conservation efforts.

Highlights of Thale Noi Lake

Thailand's first Ramsar site lives up to its promises. Besides enjoying natural relaxation, visitors can discover local women's craftsmanship, try fishing, or purchase local products, contributing to community-based tourism.

• Bird watching

At Thale Noi, visitors spend much of their time birdwatching. Up to 150 species of migratory waders stop here each winter before continuing their journey to Australia, Indonesia, or South Africa. The spectacle of pink flamingos, cormorants, and purple herons is hard to miss. The white-plumaged Bubulcus ibis is often seen alongside water buffaloes, opportunistically feeding on ticks and flies found on the bovines. This migration phenomenon occurs between December and April, with colonies arriving from as far as Siberia, Sumatra, and Australia. Nowhere else in the "Land of Smiles" will you find such a concentration of birds.

• Stroll amidst pink water lilies

Boat rides are also an opportunity to study floating plant species. Pink water lilies, blue or white lotuses, and aquatic snowflakes transform the lake into a colorful tapestry. This macrophyte ecosystem abounds with small insects and phytoplankton, which birds eagerly feast upon. Progressing through mangrove forests, the landscapes change, blending freshwater with seawater to attract species adapted to salinity and tidal fluctuations. Crabs, shrimp, and other crustaceans thrive among the mangroves. Opting for a guided tour allows deeper insights into encountered species, their characteristics, and medicinal or gastronomic values.

• Cultural immersion in Baan Thale Noi village

After bird observation, take a stroll through Baan Thale Noi village along the lake's shores. Local women specialize in reed weaving, using freshly harvested materials from lagoons and marshes to create quality items like handbags, hats, baskets, mats, and tapestries.

• Laem Chong Thanon fishing village

If time permits, head to Laem Chong Thanon, a humble fishing community 39 km from Phatthalung. The village's attraction lies in traditional fishing techniques. Visitors patiently wait as fishermen haul traps from the waters, then witness the hustle of sorting and packing fish into ice chests. Join the locals for a seafood meal prepared from the day's catch.

Practical information

Entrance fee

Entry to the park is free. However, renting a boat service to explore the lake and approach aquatic birds is essential. A one-hour canoe ride costs around 400 THB (11.2 €).

The best time to visit

The peak tourist season at the lake is from January to April, coinciding with dry weather and the migration of birds. Lotus and water lily blooms make boat rides truly magical.

Avoid visiting on weekends and school holidays to steer clear of crowds of Thai tourists.

Getting there

Thale Noi Bird Park is located in southern Thailand, a 7-hour drive from Phuket and 23 km north of Phatthalung. Transportation is convenient, whether by private car or public transport, amidst bustling traffic. Minibus passengers can board at Trang station. The journey takes 1.5 hours at a cost of 120 baht (3.36 euros). If visiting Phattalung before bird photography, the bus fare to Thale Noi is 70 baht (1.96 €).

Nearby attractions

Near the bird park, other exceptional natural sites include:

• Songkhla Lake, located 10 km south of Thale Noi;
• Khao Ok Thalu, a 177-meter-high mountain peak;
• Local waterfalls like Phrai Wan.