Phatthalung, for the discovery of an authentic Thailand

The seductive south of Thailand never ceases to intoxicate travellers. A 13-hour train ride from Nakhon Pathom, the town of Phatthalung lies on the Malay Peninsula in the far south of the country.

Rice fields as far as the eye can see, spiritual walks in stone temples, visits to bird sanctuaries...

Unfairly overlooked, Phatthalung offers a clever and promising journey to the Land of Smiles.

A little-known destination, Phatthalung seduces with its tradition

For many, a visit to southern Thailand means safari, spa or star hotels by the sea.

This is without counting on Phatthalung, a green rural region on the east coast, close to the Malaysian border.

Phattalung in yellow on the map

In contrast to Phuket and Koh Samui Phattalung is a purely authentic resort.

It is a 5.5 hour drive from PhuKet, taking a Sri Trang Tour bus.

People live with touching simplicity: young peasant women weave reeds and bamboo fibres; villagers work in the rice fields with water buffaloes; monks meditate piously at the foot of a chedi.

Far from the industrialized world we know, the city of Phattalung jealously preserves its cultural identity.

It is as if time has stopped to contemplate these sandstone temples gilded by the light of the rising sun, these floating villages on the shores of Songkhla Lake, these ancient trades that the basket makers, the outrigger fishermen and the buffalo merchants have practiced for centuries.

Tradition is king, insolently holding back the steps of civilisation.

Phatthalung, the promise of a tropical paradise

At a time when mass tourism is spreading, converging towards a standardisation of leisure activities and tours, go to Phattalung is a privilege to enjoy an authentic trip to Thailand.

But the rich cultural heritage is not the only attraction of the resort.

Note the presence of exceptional natural sites, each one as striking as the next: green rice fields inviting you to take a walk, secret stalactite caves, Wat Malai temple, the vertiginous peak of Khao Ok Talu that seasoned trekkers will dream of climbing...

The journey is never-ending, immersing the tourist in the daily life of the inhabitants.

Phattalung is indeed in line with our image of an authentic destination: it combines agricultural tourism, ecological tourism and cultural tourism.

An immersion tour in Thailand

Climbing Khao Ok Thalu

Mount Ok Thalu Phatthalung

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One of Phattalung's must-dos is the hike to Khao Ok Thalu.

This massive limestone massif is 2 km from Phattalung station.

You have to climb the 1,300 steps to get to the top.

The landscape is lush as can be, and the hike is up and down cement stairs lined with glittering statues of the entire Hindu pantheon.

The Great Buddha stands next to an emerald Vishnu, an elephant-headed Ganesha and a 13-headed Guan Yin with a thousand arms.

The fatigue will not be in vain: the tourist will enjoy a breathtaking view of the villages, the rice plants and the Songkhlà lake.

Thale Noi Nature Reserve

Thale Noi Lake

A short walk from the city, Thale Noi Park offers a different kind of excursion.

A lake of the same name, with an area of 457 km2, is the main attraction of the place.

A large number of migratory birds find refuge here: they come to spend the summer from November to April before continuing their journey to Indonesia or Australia.

Among the 180 species found in the reserve are moorhens, gulls, teals, marsh hens, silver egrets...

It is a haven of peace particularly appreciated by birdwatchers.

It is possible to rent a pirogue to admire the lotus or water lily flowers that skim the surface.

Entrance fee: free.

Rachaprapha Dam Lake

Lake Rachaprapha Dam

Another place of interest is the Rachaprapha Dam Lake, a particularly popular walking destination.

The coming and going of multicoloured pirogues, the sight of fishermen going about their daily business, the houses on stilts crushed under the sugar loaf granites...

It is an ideal place for unforgettable moments of encounter and discovery.

Spiritual stroll through the temples

Wat Khao Daeng Tawan Ok

A spiritual walk awaits you as you enter the ruined Wat, Buddhist churches built during the glorious era ofAyutthaya.

The road to get there passes over a stupa-capped hill, then through a forest of bamboo and giant banyan trees; bats will sometimes hover over your head.

The most important temple in the area - Wat Tham Khuha Sawan - is hidden deep in a cave, where votive tablets from Buddha next to his disciples, adorable statuettes of the Awakened One, as well as a stone engraving of which Rama V made an offering to the church in the 19th century.

Wat Tham Khuha Sawan

The second temple - Wat Tham Malai - is accessible by mossy stairs and offers a beautiful limestone environment.

In the forest, monks in saffron robes will undoubtedly cross your path: humbly greeting you, they pass quietly and continue their meditation. Unforgettable!

Local cuisine

On leaving the temples, we will explore the local market to combine the pleasures of the palate with the pleasures of the eyes.

The market is only a 20-minute walk from Wat Tam Khuwa Sawan.

Good restaurants offer Thai specialities: seafood, fish, rice, local beer...

Video: 5 reasons to visit Phatthalung

Where to stay in Phattalung

There are comfortable hotels for all budgets in the city centre, all within walking distance of the train station and markets.

How to get to Phatthalung

You can get an idea of the price of transport or book your bus, train or plane tickets for Phattalung with our partner 12go.asia :

By bus

Buses to Patthalung are available at Sai Tai Mai (South) and Mochit (North) stations in Bangkok.

By air

There is no airport in Phatthalung, but you can fly to Trang or Hat Yai.

By train

Phatthalung Station is located 862.06 km from Bangkok Hua Lamphong Station on Thailand's North-South Line, the main line of which ends at Sungai Kolok.

Maps of Phatthalung

Map of the province

Map of the city

Article from the travel agency Sawa discovery which organises tours in Phattalung + useful information and photos by PierreTo.

Photos : Wikipedia Pthawatc; กิตติ เลขะกุล