Strength and grace
Water buffalo, unique biodiversity, lotus flowers - shadow puppetry - a mirror of freshwater
Phatthalung is one of the most authentic and unspoilt provinces in Southern Thailand, celebrated for its remarkable combination of wetlands, mountains, agriculture, biodiversity and living cultural heritage. It is home to the renowned Thale Noi wildlife sanctuary and shares the shores of Songkhla Lake, vast lotus-covered waters, traditional fishing communities and the iconic water buffalo grazing in the marshes. Its wealth is cultural too, from Nora to shadow puppetry.
Three places that tell the story of Phatthalung
Thale Noi
A bird sanctuary scattered with pink lotus blooms. Over 280 bird species, observed from a silent longtail canoe.
Khao Ok Thalu
The pierced mountain, symbol of the province. An early morning climb rewarded with panoramic views over patchwork rice paddies.
Nang Talung Shadow Theatre
An ancestral art form of the South, recognised as intangible heritage. Meet a master puppeteer in his workshop.
Phatthalung in pictures
Discover Phatthalung through:
- ◆A dawn canoe trip with a local fisherman
- ◆A visit to a water buffalo farm
- ◆Tasting Sangyod rice, a protected local variety
- ◆A shadow puppetry workshop
The province of Phatthalung also offers exceptional nature to discover, along with breathtaking viewpoints.
November to February — lotus in bloom, mild climate
Design my journey to Phatthalung
