When talking about Phetchaburi, besides its famous desserts and historical sites, there is another event that attracts tourists: the "Eat Clams, Watch Birds, Catch Squid" Festival. Held along the beach and mangrove forest of Ban Laem District, this annual festival combines the charm of local fishing life, the richness of nature, and the freshness of seafood all in one place.

 

History and Charm of the Festival

Ban Laem District is known as the largest and most famous source of cockles in Thailand. It is also a crucial area for various migratory birds that come to rest during the winter. With its muddy coastline, it is a habitat for squid and other marine life. The festival was organized to promote ecotourism and to showcase the area's rich biodiversity to a wider audience.

 

Activities and Highlights

  • Eat Clams: Visitors can savor fresh, large cockles just harvested from the sea. Besides cockles, there are other types of shellfish such as mussels, oysters, and razor clams, prepared in various delicious menus.

  • Watch Birds: Phetchaburi is a popular destination for birdwatchers, especially during the winter when migratory birds from Siberia and other cold regions fly down to rest in the mangrove forests. A highlight activity is taking a boat trip to see flocks of birds, with guides providing information about each species.

  • Catch Squid: A popular evening activity not to be missed. Boats take tourists out to sea to catch banana squid and Indian squid. The caught squid can be immediately prepared as sashimi or grilled right on the boat, creating an exciting and delicious experience.

  • Seafood and Local Products Market: The festival features stalls where locals sell fresh seafood and processed local products at reasonable prices, such as dried shrimp, salted fish, shrimp paste (kapi), and fish sauce.

 

Things for Tourists to Know

  • Timing: The festival is usually held from late in the year to early in the next (October - February), which is the most suitable time for bird watching and squid catching.

  • Getting There: Ban Laem District is not far from Phetchaburi city center. Traveling by private car is the most convenient option.

  • Etiquette: Some activities, such as catching squid, require booking a boat in advance. For bird watching, it's best to wear non-brightly colored clothes to avoid startling the birds.

The "Eat Clams, Watch Birds, Catch Squid" Festival reflects the richness of the mangrove ecosystem and the simple lifestyle of the local fishermen. If you are a nature lover and enjoy fresh seafood, this festival is the perfect answer.