Thale Noi

The sky takes on a magnificent red glow as dawn breaks. Water buffalo make leisurely progress to their feeding grounds, while birds on the wing dance through the air. Fishermen begin their day's work by tending to their traditional nets, like their father and grandfather did before them. Nothing except water and marshland with beautiful pink water lilies for miles. Thousands upon thousands of pink water lilies as far as the eye can see. It's impossible not to be moved by the natural beauty of Thale Noi while sailing through it on a longtail boat.

The name translates as "little sea" and is sometimes spelt as Talay Noy. Thale Noi, one of Thailand's most biodiverse locations, is a huge freshwater lagoon located in the southern Thai district of Phatthalung, just north of Songkhla Lake. More than 280 species of aquatic birds live in the marshes, with some staying all year.

Thale Noi's natural features make it a memorable place to visit. And being able to experience the local way of life makes this magical region of Phatthalung even more remarkable. Locals in the village of Ban Thale Noi still follow the old ways of doing things, relying on wisdom and abilities passed down from generation to generation. Every morning, the fishermen tend to the massive square-shaped nets that are set on a wooden frame known as 'yo' in Thai. The nets are dipped in water and hoisted to collect fish, which are then sold at local markets.