Timeline
05:07
Check the route to Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve. You need to arrive before the sun breaks the horizon to secure a boat and find the best vantage point among the water lilies.
06:27
Board the boat. The 500 baht ride takes about an hour and a half, but arriving early ensures you catch the first light over Songkhla Lake without the strong midday sun.
06:37
Watch the sunrise. In January, the sun rises at 06:37. This is the peak window for spotting the 287 bird species and seeing the sea of pink water lilies in full bloom.
07:37
Finish the boat tour. The reserve is free to enter, but the experience is defined by the morning light and the quiet of the wetlands.
Local tip
Go early in the morning to avoid strong sun. The best time for bird watching and seeing a sea of blooming pink water lilies is during Jan-Apr.
Check before you go
- Boat rides cost 500 baht and take about 1½ hr.
- Entry to Thale Noi Waterfowl Reserve is free.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Hat Yai (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).