Surfing in Thailand! What! who would have thought that you can go surfing in Thailand?
We just finished touring the south of Thailand and found the best surfing Thailand spots that will have you begging for more.
There are quite a few Thailand surf spots and I will show you where they are here.
Check out my surfing video below!
Table of Contents
Is Surfing in Thailand Possible?
Yes, surfing in Thailand is possible but it doesn’t compare with the likes of Indonesia and the Philippines for consistency.
But if you are surfing Phuket Thailand at the right time of year you will be rewarded with some great uncrowded waves.
What is the right time of year? Find out in this article all about the weather in Thailand, month by month.
How Do I know that there is Surf in Thailand?
Well we are currently traveling around Southeast asia and I have my surfboard with me.
Reason being it is too expensive to send it home so I have brought it along just in case I experience any surf.
And guess what! I experienced surf in Thailand.
Best Time to Go Surfing in Thailand?
The best time to go surfing in Thailand on the West coast is between April to October in Phuket when the Southwest monsoon begins to blow.
Read the post on Thailand Weather and when to go
These conditions bring windy conditions and rough weather to the west coast of Thailand but will glass off for a couple of days after the wind.
Expect swell sizes in the ranges of 1 – 2 meters on average.
Where to go Surfing in Thailand for the Best Surf?
Surfing in Thailand isn’t always the easiest because if you haven’t got your own board in most spots you can’t rent one.
I happen to have my 6.2 Foot shortboard with me so this makes things easy.
Here are all the locations for the best surfing in Thailand that we know of.
Koh Phayam (North West Coast)
Location
Aow Yai Beach (Koh Phayam) Requires ferry ride to access island. See Map.
Access
Easy access to surf beach, approximately 10 – 15 minute walk to beach.
Surf Type
Normal beach break type wave breaking right and left.
Experience
All surf levels.
Frequency
Regular waves.
Beach Type
Sandy ocean floor.
Power of Wave
Normal power.
Wave ride Length
Expect rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on Low to mid tide and needs 1 meter of swell, holds up to 2 meters of swell.
Crowds
Uncrowded most days but watch out for a couple of local surfers who are angry.
Dangers
No dangers.
Beach Vibe
Relaxed vibe.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Bang Niang Rivermouth (West Coast Khao Lak)
Location
Instant access off the highway at Bang Niang down to river mouth. See Map.
Access
Park in the coconut grove, easy access to the breaking wave which is to the left of the river mouth.
Surf Type
River mouth wave breaking right and left.
Experience
All surf levels from beginner to advanced.
Frequency
Regular waves.
Beach Type
Sandy floor at the river mouth.
Power of Wave
Ordinary power.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works best on a West, Southwest swell direction and prefers an Easterly wind.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of maximum 50 meters.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid to high tide and needs 1 meter of swell, holds up to 2 meters of swell. Prefers outgoing tide.
Crowds
Empty most days.
Dangers
Pollution after heavy rain.
Beach Vibe
Quiet beach, relaxed vibe.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Cape Pakarang (West Coast, Khao Lak)
Location
Head about 8 Kilometers North of Khao Lak and take the sign to Cape Pakarang. See Map.
Access
Take a car or scooter to the end of the road, here you will find the point. It is a bit of a walk say 10-20 minutes to get to the access.
Then a 10-20 minute paddle to get to a take-off zone. Boat access would be easier depending on which side you surf, the left or right. It is a little hard to get to.
Surf Type
Right and left point type wave.
Experience
Advanced surfing levels.
Frequency
Breaks occasionally.
Beach Type
Reef coral seabed with sharp rocks.
Power of Wave
Weak power more suited to Mals and Stand up paddle boards.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works best on a Southwest swell direction and prefers a South East, North East wind.
Wave ride Length
Rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good normal surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on all tides and needs 1 meter of swell, holds up to 2 meters of swell. Prefers rising and falling tides.
Needs a good ground swell to work properly and is best surfed April/May and October/November.
Crowds
Very few surfers most days.
Dangers
Rocks and Pollution so wear boots, the right-hand wave is easier to get to while the left is over rocks and coral.
Beach Vibe
Remote and out of the way.
Where to stay
Coral Beach Pool Villa Khao Lak
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Kantary Beach Hotel Villas & Suites
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Memories Beach (West Coast, Khao Lak)
Location
Head about 7 Kilometers North of Khao Lak and take the sign to Memories Beach. See Map.
Access
Take a car or scooter down a dirt rural road until you come to the memories beach sign, here you will find the Memories beach bar. The surf break is straight out from here.
Super easy access straight out the front.
Board Rental
Boards can be rented at Memories Beach bar near the break, rental boards cost around 500THB per day and lessons around 800THB.
Surf Type
Right and left Beach break.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Breaks occasionally depending on swell.
Beach Type
Sandy sea bed.
Power of Wave
Regular power can be a little fast.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest swell direction and prefers a South East, North East wind.
Wave ride Length
Rides of 50 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on all tides and needs 1 meter of swell, holds up to 2 meters of swell.
Crowds
Busy spot on weekends and a couple of surfers on weekdays.
Dangers
Other surfers, beginners.
Beach Vibe
Fun spot, great for learning and relaxing.
Where to stay
Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Khao Lak (West Coast)
Location
In the center of Khao Lak main town head down to the beach near the Palm Beach resort and other big hotels. Surf spots near the lighthouse tower. See Map.
Access
Take a car or scooter down to the public surf area.
Easy access to surf.
Board Rental
Boards can be rented at Pakarang Surf shop in town, rental boards cost around 500THB per day.
Surf Type
Fun short normal type waves.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular surf frequency.
Beach Type
Sandy sea bed.
Power of Wave
Regular power and fun.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a North, Northwest, West swell direction and prefers a South, South East, East wind.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of 50 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on low and mid tides and needs 1 meter of swell, holds up to 2 meters of swell.
Crowds
Empty surf most of the time.
Dangers
No dangers.
Beach Vibe
Family place, relaxing and calm.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Phuket Surf Spots (West Coast)
Pansea Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Located on the Northern tip of Surin Beach. The beach is a quiet beach near the Chedi Resort and Amanpuri Hotel. See Map.
Access
Take a car or scooter down to the beach area and walk for 5 – 10 minutes.
Private access to surf and a little hard to find.
Board Rental
You will need to have your own board to surf.
Surf Type
Good quality point-break waves breaking left.
Experience
Experienced surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular surf frequency.
Beach Type
Sandy with a rock bottom.
Power of Wave
Normal power.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest, West swell direction and prefers South East, North East wind.
Wave ride Length
Long rides of 150-300 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on low and mid tides and needs 1 meter to 1.5-metre swell to work. Rising and falling tides are best.
Crowds
Very few surfers.
Dangers
Rocks and reef hazards.
Beach Vibe
Nice sandbanks along the beach, but private beach so keep a low profile.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Leam Sing Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Located South of Surin Beach, head to Kamala and turn off to Leam Sing. The beach is down a steep road. See Map.
Access
Take a car or scooter down to the beach area and walk for 5 minutes.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
You will need to have your own board to surf.
Surf Type
Fast Left-hand punchy wave.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Very consistent surf break.
Beach Type
Sandy bar, sandy seabed.
Power of Wave
Powerful ledgey and fast.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest, West swell direction and prefers South East, North East wind.
Wave ride Length
Normal rides of 50-100 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid and high tides and only needs up to 1 meter swell to work. Can hold up to 3-meter swells. The rising tide is best.
Crowds
Empty most of the time.
Dangers
No major hazards.
Beach Vibe
Nice sandbar when it works, suited better for bodyboards.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Kalim Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Located to the North of Patong beach is one of the best breaks on Phuket, Kalim Beach. See Map.
Access
Take a car, scooter or tuk-tuk north of Patong beach area and walk for 5 minutes to the break.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
You will need to have your own board to surf or you can rent boards from Patong beach for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right-hand reef break.
Experience
Experienced surfing levels due to the reef.
Frequency
Regular consistency from May to October.
Beach Type
Shallow Reef seabed.
Power of Wave
Regular power depending on size.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest, West swell direction and prefers South East, North East winds.
Wave ride Length
Normal rides of 100 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid and high tides and only needs up to 1 meter swell to work. Can hold up to 3-meter swells.
Crowds
Crowded on weekends, a local classic.
Dangers
Shallow reef, jellyfish, and Pollution.
Beach Vibe
City beach, but locals are friendly if you are kind. Have respect and have fun.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Patong Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Located on Patong beach Phuket, North area of the beach is best. See Map.
Access
Take a car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Patong beach area and walk for 2 minutes to the break.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
You will need to have your own board to surf or you can rent boards from Patong beach for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular consistency from May to October.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Regular power depending on size.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest, West swell direction and prefers South East, North East winds.
Wave ride Length
Normal rides of 50 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on low and mid tides and only needs up to 1 meter swell to work. Can hold up to 3-meter swells before it starts closing out.
Crowds
Can get a little crowded on weekends, but plenty of good spots along the coast.
Dangers
Shorebreak, jellyfish, Swimming nets, swimmers and Pollution.
Beach Vibe
City beach, busy with swimmers. Fun vibe with a great atmosphere. Has some great sunset sessions.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Karon Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Located one hour south of Phuket airport. See Map.
Access
Take a taxi, car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Karon beach area or walk for 10 minutes from Kata beach.
Easy to find with good public access.
Board Rental
You will need to have your own board to surf or you can rent boards from Patong beach for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand fun beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular consistency from May to October.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Normal power depending on size.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest, West swell direction and prefers South East, North East winds.
Wave ride Length
Normal rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on all tides and starts working up to a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 2-meter swells before it starts closing out.
Crowds
A Little crowd on weekends, but empty during the weekdays.
Dangers
Rips and Undertow.
Beach Vibe
Quiet beach, which is exposed to the ocean and elements.
Where to stay
Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Kata Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Kata Yai beach is located one hour south of Phuket airport. See Map.
Access
Take a taxi, car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Kata beach area or walk for 10 minutes from Karon beach.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
There is a surf shop here where you can rent surfboards (Phuket surf) on the Southend of Kata beach for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand fun beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular consistency from May to October.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Regular power depending on size and is suitable for learning.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest swell direction and prefers South East, North East winds.
Wave ride Length
Normal rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good quality surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on all tides, but best on falling tides and starts working on a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 3-meter swells before it starts closing out.
Crowds
Empty on weekends, but empty during the weekdays.
Dangers
Rips and Undertow.
Beach Vibe
Relaxing beach, easy wave and beautiful location.
Where to stay
Kata Beachwalk Hotel & Bungalows
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Kata Noi Beach (Phuket West Coast)
Location
Kata Noi beach is located just south of Kata beach. Follow the road down to a dead end. See Map.
Access
Take a taxi, car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Kata Noi beach area or walk for 10 minutes from Kata Yai beach.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
There is a surf shop at Kata beach where you can rent surfboards (Phuket surf) on the Southend of Kata beach for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand fun beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Very consistent from May to October.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Normal power depending on size and is suitable for learning.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Northwest, Southwest swell direction and prefers Westerly winds.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of 50 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid and high tides. Swell starts working on a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 2-meter swells before it starts closing out.
Crowds
Empty most of the time during the year.
Dangers
Rocks.
Beach Vibe
Relaxing beach, easy wave and quiet location.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Koh Lanta Island (Anderman Gulf)
Klong Dao Beach (Koh Lanta)
Location
The first beach located just south of the ferry terminal at Saladan Pier. Head to the beach and go to Lanta Paddle Sports. See Map.
Access
Take a taxi, car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Klong Dao beach area.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
Rent surfboards at Lanta Paddle Sports near Time for Lime restaurant for around 500TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand fun beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Regular consistency from May to October.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Average power depending on size and is suitable for learning and standup paddleboards. A better wave for mals but still can have fun on a shortboard.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works on a Southwest swell direction and prefers Northwest and Northeast winds.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid and high tides. Swell starts working on a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 2-meter swells.
Crowds
Empty most of the time during the year.
Dangers
None.
Beach Vibe
Fun waves in a beautiful location.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
West Coast Gulf of Thailand Surf
Surf locations in the Gulf of Thailand are very fickle because they generally receive only wind swell which hasn’t much power and shape.
But never underestimate the weather, you may get lucky if you happen to be carrying a surfboard and get the perfect conditions.
I have experienced this many times around the world.
Here are the best-known surf spots in the Gulf of Thailand that we know of.
Haad Rin Beach (Koh Phangan)
Location
The first beach located near the ferry terminal coming from Koh Samui. Haad Rin is the beach name. See above map.
Access
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
Rent surfboards at the main beach for about 300-500 TBH for the day.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand beach breaks.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Consistent surf if the wind is strong.
Beach Type
Sand seabed.
Power of Wave
Weak and powerless.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Swell works on the wind direction so best straight after strong winds.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of 50 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on low and mid tides. Swell starts working on a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 2-meter swells. Best surfed on a rising tide.
Crowds
A few surfers.
Dangers
None.
Beach Vibe
Great place for beginners.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Chaweng Beach (Koh Samui)
Location
Chaweng Surf spot is located on Koh Samui. Head to Chaweng Beach from Samui Airport or the ferry terminal. See above map.
Access
Take a taxi, car, scooter or tuk-tuk to Chaweng beach area.
Easy to find with public access.
Board Rental
Rent surfboards at Chaweng Beach for around 500TBH for the day or bring your own board.
Surf Type
Right and Left-hand fun beach break on Chaweng.
Also on the right conditions, a left-hand reef break called ‘Left Alone‘ can be surfed near hear but only break occasionally.
Experience
All surfing levels.
Frequency
Inconsistent waves from May to October works best from October to December, can get 3-4 foot surf days.
Beach Type
A sandy seabed at the main break and sharp reef on the outer reef break.
Power of Wave
Normal power depending on size.
Best Wind & Swell Direction
Works October to December on a Southwest swell direction and prefers Northwest and Northeast winds.
Wave ride Length
Short rides of 50 – 150 meters on a good surfing day.
Best Tides & Swell
Works best on mid and high tides. Swell starts working on a 1-meter swell. Can hold up to 2-meter swells.
Crowds
Empty most of the time during the year.
Dangers
Reef on the outer surf break and strong currents on Chaweng.
Beach Vibe
Fun waves, nice beach and friendly locals.
Where to stay
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Check the latest prices on Booking.com
Surfing Spots on the East Side of the Gulf of Thailand
Here is the list of surf spots that can be surfed on the east side of the gulf of Thailand that I personally haven’t surfed.
In the right conditions, these spots will give you the best chance to surf while staying in Thailand.
Koh Samet (East Side of Gulf)
The best chance to go surfing on Koh Samet island is on the east coast beaches. If you get the right conditions at the right time you can have empty rights and lefts breaking over the beautiful sandy beaches. See above map.
Best time of year to surf this side of the country in October to December when the swell is coming from the Southeast, east direction.
It can be very fickle over this side so don’t expect much, I would stick to the Andaman Coast for surfing in general.
Surfing in Thailand is A lot of Fun
Don’t come to Thailand expecting waves because you may be disappointed. I got lucky when traveling Thailand due to a hurricane in the Indian Ocean that produced a great swell.
It can be a real hit and miss but if you have your board on you you may get rewarded if in the right place at the right time.
Thailand isn’t only about food, elephants and fruit shakes.
Pro Surfer BRIAN
It can be about surfing in Thailand also, so explore surfer dudes.
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