This trip took place in the middle of last month. My friends wanted to visit "Phatthalung" to experience the atmosphere of rice fields and nature.
Yearning for the gentle breeze 🌾🌾⛅️ amidst the rice fields.
The two-day, one-night trip to Phatthalung began in Phang Nga, where everyone gathered.
We drove our own car and stopped at any cafes that looked inviting.
"Phatthalung" is renowned for its rice fields, earning it the nickname "Rice Barn City" as per the province's motto. This was my friend's first visit to Phatthalung, inspired by my frequent reviews of the province and the numerous reviews on Readme about Phatthalung.
A friend's request to experience "Phatthalung".
- A popular accommodation option amidst rice fields: Sampaothai.
- I would love to visit a local market with delicious food… Pa Phai Sang Suk Market or Lad Tai Nond… I must go to one of them.
- A coffee shop with a view of the rice fields and Khao Ok Thalu mountain. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail.
Our journey begins in Phang Nga, where we set off early in the morning around 8:00 AM to reach the Pa Phai Saeng Suk Market, which is only open on Saturdays and Sundays.
As we drove along, we entered Trang province. I love this road; it's lined with tall trees on both sides.
Upon entering Trang, I noticed many friends checking in at this establishment. I decided to stop by and experience the atmosphere for myself.
"Phu Luang, the son of the wind," a convenient stopover on the way to Phatthalung via Na Yong.
We have arrived at "Phu Luang Luk Lom," a local restaurant and coffee shop nestled amidst rice fields along the irrigation canal, facing the Khao Chang Hai mountain range in Na Muen Si sub-district.
Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a building constructed from bamboo with a thatched roof, surrounded by rice fields and vegetable gardens.
Upon entering the establishment, patrons are greeted by an interior design that prominently showcases the distinctive cultural elements of Southern Thailand, such as the Manorah dance tradition.
A variety of refreshments will be available, including freshly brewed coffee, rice with curry, rice noodles, and sweet desserts.
We'll have some drinks with ice, please. We're not really hungry yet.
Outside the building, there is a wooden bridge connecting the building, allowing you to walk and feel the cool breeze.
Visiting Trang? Don't miss the chance to sip on a cup of "Phu Luang Luk Lom" coffee.
Address: Na Muen Si Subdistrict, Na Yong District, Trang
Monday - Friday 07:00 - 18:00
Saturday - Sunday 07:00 - 20:00
Phone: 061 949 9229
Leaving Phu Luang, Luk Lom continued his journey towards Phatthalung, which was getting closer. When he saw the road ahead, "Khao Phap Pha", he considered it one of the most beautiful roads he had ever seen.
The journey takes you to Khuan Khanun district, where you will find the "Pa Phai Suksaeng Market" nestled within the Pa Phai Kwan Jai area. Often referred to as the "Green Market," it is aptly named for its location amidst a lush bamboo grove. The market features stalls run by local residents, offering a variety of locally produced food and handcrafted goods. Notably, the market prioritizes environmental sustainability by minimizing the use of plastic.
After finding a parking space, I walked into the Bamboo Forest Market. The atmosphere was truly reminiscent of a bamboo forest, with beautiful bamboo groves creating a truly enchanting ambiance.
Upon entering the market, you will encounter a diverse array of vendors offering a wide variety of local savory and sweet dishes.
This is to say that the first time I heard and ate it, it was very delicious. "Mouth pot sago flour root", which is made from real sago palm, is delicious, fragrant, sweet, and creamy. The fresh coconut milk and the chewy texture of the dough are very unique, unlike the usual dough that is commonly made.
As you walk, you will hear the sounds of "Manorah" or "Nang Talung" music alternating throughout. You will also see students opening boxes, playing music, and performing Manorah dances for your enjoyment.
This restaurant uses natural containers to serve food to customers and has a central area for relaxing and enjoying meals.
The "Must-Wait Coffee Shop" offers a variety of freshly brewed drip coffee to perfectly complement the ambiance. With a wide selection of coffee beans to choose from, catering to every customer's preference, whether you prefer a strong or a mild brew, you're sure to find the perfect cup on their menu.
The coffee and snacks complement each other perfectly, with the rich coffee flavor enhancing the taste of the treats.
Upon entering the inner zone, you will find stalls offering rice dishes, curries, and rice noodles for your enjoyment. You can choose to dine at the market or take it home. All you see are delicious and famous dishes from Phatthalung.
Venturing further into the "Suan Phaipun Kwanjai" zone, you'll be greeted by an abundance of delectable treats and natural products.
This shop is always crowded with children. It sells spinning tops made from authentic local materials, which are rarely seen nowadays. However, you can still find them here to buy and take home.
Freshly harvested vegetables and seasonal fruits sourced from the local community are guaranteed to be free from harmful chemicals.
A wide variety of bamboo products from "Kwanjai Bamboo Garden" are available for purchase at affordable prices.
"Bamboo Forest Market for Happiness": A Green Market for the Community.
Every Saturday, opening hours.
🕗 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
(Located on Sai Yuan - Khuan Khanun Road, Khuan Khanun District, Phatthalung Province, approximately 200 meters from Khuan Khanun Hospital and 17 kilometers from Phatthalung city center.)
We strolled through the market until we were full, then continued on to our accommodation for this trip. As we drove deeper into the lanes of the Makok Tai - Chaiburi village, the lush green rice fields stretched out on either side of the road as far as the eye could see. We visited during the early stages of the growing season, when the rice was just beginning to sprout. The vast expanse of the rice fields contrasted beautifully with the mountains in the distance, creating a scene reminiscent of a painting.
Driving past the rice fields, you will soon arrive at "Samphao Thai," a popular accommodation amidst the rice fields.
Located in Ban Tha Sam Phao Tai, Chaiburi, Mueang District, Phatthalung Province, which is a major rice-growing area of Phatthalung.
A large, clearly visible wooden sign reading "Sampaothai" will be seen on the right side of the road.
After parking your car, walk to the resting area or highlight point with a junk boat and a long wooden bridge stretching across the rice field. Along the way, you will find a passion fruit arch. Vegetables are planted on both sides of the road. You will also find a pond or lake with a wooden building on the edge of the pond. When you enter, you will find a counter selling drinks, fresh coffee, and many people visiting and enjoying the atmosphere. This place is open for outsiders who have not booked accommodation to visit, take pictures, and check in.
Upon arriving at the beverage counter zone, I informed the staff that I had booked a room under the name of....... Shortly after, the owner escorted me to the room, of which there were only four available at the time. My attention was drawn to a large rice-harvesting sheaf prominently displayed at the bridgehead.
Behold, a large junk in the middle of a verdant rice field.
This is the appearance of the room for tonight at "Sampaothai". It is a wooden house raised from the ground with a thatched roof, and there is a bridge connecting the front of each room.
The room features a spacious layout with a large double bed and air conditioning, perfect for escaping the midday heat. The room can comfortably accommodate an additional guest with a provided extra bed, complete with bedding, towels, and pillows.
The bathroom is also convenient, with a wet zone that is separated by a partition.
The room was checked and everything was in order. It was a hot day and there were many visitors outside, but the staff did a good job of keeping them out of the guest area. I went to order a cold drink in my room and got a refreshing young coconut. I originally planned to stop by "Kham Nam Coffee" before checking in, but it was too hot and I was full from the market, so I decided to change my plans and go in the evening instead, switching from coffee to cocktails.
The building, which houses a Thai junk coffee shop, offers a relaxing atmosphere for customers to visit. Enjoy a cool drink while taking in the view of the lush green rice fields.
"Khonam Coffee" is a new bar zone in the rice field with a chill atmosphere.
Enjoy a delicious cocktail while watching the sunset over the Khao Ok Talu mountain range, accompanied by the gentle sounds of traditional Thai music.
After a relaxing break, we departed from the Thai junk and headed to "Khamnam Coffee," located on Manorah Road or the bypass. It wasn't far from our accommodation, and it took about 10-15 minutes by car to reach "Khamnam Coffee." Even though it was almost 5:30 PM, there were still many customers' cars parked on the side of the road. This place is famous for its coffee shop, previously known as "Sip Coffee and See the Mountain Piercing Through."
The restaurant has undergone significant changes since my last visit. A bridge has been extended to the back, leading to a small pavilion amidst the rice fields, providing additional seating for customers. The restaurant maintains its concept of using wood and natural materials to create a harmonious atmosphere. It remains a prime spot to witness the breathtaking sunset views of Khao Ok Talu, the iconic mountain of this province.
The "Kham Bar" building is located in the back zone in the middle of the rice field, which was built recently. The atmosphere of the cocktail bar is truly chill, built with a wooden thatched roof. The bar counter is also decorated with wood. As night falls, the lights turn on, creating a different kind of beauty.
Do you see his protruding chest, standing tall and majestic in the heart of Phatthalung city?
After taking in the surrounding atmosphere, let's move on to the cocktails themselves. This establishment offers a diverse menu, including a variety of cocktails and delicious Thai-style salads.
I tried several cocktails today, and they were all delicious.
The atmosphere at night is pleasant. The bar area is open until 10:00 PM.
A large Ferris wheel caught our eye as we were about to return to our accommodation. It was located near Khonam Coffee on the same bypass road, so we decided to stop by for a visit. "Ruang Lao: Dinner Stories" is a market decorated in a vintage style, with a seating area in the center.
Upon entering, the sight evokes memories of temple fairs, with a majestic Ferris wheel taking center stage.
Upon entering, you will encounter a spacious courtyard with seating arrangements.
A wide variety of food stalls are available.
"A Tale of Evening Cuisine" is a highly recommended spot for an enjoyable evening hangout. The food stalls offer a wide variety of affordable options, and the ambiance is pleasant with ample seating. Alcoholic beverages and live music further enhance the experience.
- "Evening Meal Stories" airs daily from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM.
The Thai junk was incredibly quiet and peaceful at night. The night air was delightful.
Early morning on a day off, in a house in the middle of a field. Waking up this morning was so refreshing. The smell of rice plants in the morning is truly fragrant.
This morning I woke up and decided to walk across the bridge to the other side. Since it was crowded and hot yesterday evening, I decided to come in the morning instead.
Stroll and breathe in the fresh air to your heart's content. On the other side of the sampan, you will find large trees with hammocks tied to them. The bridge ends at the canal.
Returning to the central building, also known as the dining hall, located by the water's edge with a water counter and dining tables, you will find grandmothers happily picking vegetables and chatting. They invite you to join them in picking fresh vegetables, explaining that these are the vegetables served with the morning rice noodles for guests staying at the accommodation.
Breakfast options include rice porridge, rice noodles, sweet desserts, herbal rice salad, dim sum, and toast. The breakfast spread is extensive and offers excellent value for money (accommodation + breakfast for 1,250 baht).
There's nothing better than enjoying delicious local home-cooked food while taking in the view of the rice fields. It really whets the appetite!
You can also order a hot latte (but not including the accommodation fee). The "khanom piap poon" here is very delicious, reminding me of my grandmother's recipe.
The 2-day, 1-night trip to Phatthalung with the rice field atmosphere has come to an end. See you on the next trip, I'll let you know where I'll be going. I'll end with the page of the accommodation and the cozy cafe.
- Phuluang Luklom https://th-th.facebook.com/phuluangluklm/
- Sampaothai (https://th-th.facebook.com/byTasorn/)
- Kanam Bar (Kanam Coffee) https://www.facebook.com/KanamCoffee/
- Talad Pa Phai Suksuk https://th-th.facebook.com/kindeemeesuk.pattalung/
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Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:10 PM