If you're looking for some of the best places to surf in Thailand, you've come to the right place. Thailand is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and it's no surprise that it's also one of the best surfing destinations. In this article, Tavik will share with you some of the best places to surf in Thailand, so you can enjoy the waves and the sand all at once.
Climate in Thailand
Although Thailand's climate is mostly tropical, its size can also vary. The weather along the coast is hot and warm all year. The rainy season is different in the southern peninsular region, where you will find the best surf beaches. The summer heat is humid along the west coast overlooking the Indian Ocean. This is because the monsoon comes directly from the ocean, and there is almost no rain between December and March. Surfing on this coast is best from April through November when the largest swells of each year reach the coast. The summer monsoon on the east coast is less intense because it is a high tourist season. The retreating monsoon is when heavy rains are experienced from October through December. Although the best time to surf the east coast is November to February, this side has smaller waves than the Indian Ocean and lacks consistency.
Surfing in Thailand At A Glance
1. Pros
- Waves are easy to learn.
- When you aren't surfing, you're on the most amazing trip of your life!
2. Cons
- Small waves
- Very inconsistent
- Not much surf infrastructure (rentals, surf camps, etc.)
Cost for Surfing in Thailand
Thailand is an excellent place to learn how to surf. Many surf schools offer lessons and instructors who will be happy to help you. The average hourly rate for instructors is around THB 800, while renting a board costs about THB 500 daily. Prices can vary from company to company. Many beaches in Thailand have both calmer and trickier sections. Once you have enough experience and confidence, you can move on to other island areas. There is something for everyone on Thailand's beaches. Although Thailand is not a destination to be visited solely for its surf opportunities, it is a great place to learn to surf, especially for beginners. Over the past two decades, the sport has grown in popularity in Thailand. International surfing competitions are held there. This is making Thailand a popular destination for new surfers. Give it a shot. KHAO LAK LIFE- My simple Thai surf life 
Best Places To Surf In Thailand
1. Khao Takiab, Hua Hin
The best time to visit Phuket's surfing spots is April through October. Hua Hin is a great place to catch some waves during the winter months. The southwest summer monsoon brings swell to Thailand's western surf spots, but the Gulf of Thailand (and easterly spots) receive swell from northeast winter monsoons that blow across from China and Japan. The winter swell is less consistent and smaller, but it is worth taking a chance if you are up that way. It is important to remember that the winter swell can be less consistent and powerful than the summer swell. You should note that the main Hua Hin beach has become a popular spot for kitesurfing. If you prefer surfing only, then Khao Takiab is the best choice. Jellyfish can be more problematic on the Thai side, so ask the locals. It is not as attractive, however.
2. Chaweng Beach, Ko Samui
Ko Samui is also known for its beach beauty, party vibe, and excellent infrastructure. You can bring your kids along. Although it is not well-known for surfing due to the gentle waves, Chaweng beach is a good place to surf Thailand if you have the right timing. Tide waves with a maximum size of 1 meter can be felt when the tide is high or low. This means that one must be careful about tide conditions before surfing here. Here are a few bits and pieces for surfers:
- Best time for Surfing: November-February
- Wave Size: 1 Meter
- Ideal for: Intermediate and Beginners
3. Nai Yang, Phuket
Because of its westerly-facing coastline and consistent wave season, Phuket is a great spot for surfing. You can participate in many surfing contests. Nai Yang is the best spot to learn how to surf in Thailand. April to October is the best time to surf in Thailand to enjoy smooth surfing. You can surf in this area, except for the bracket. However, it will be based on hit or miss. If you don't want your holiday missed, the bracket is the best time to enjoy perfect swells surfing. Before surfing, here are some facts and figures about Nai Yang.
- The best time to surf is April-October
- Wave Size: 0.5 to 3 meters
- All levels of proficiency.
4. Nai Harn Beach, Phuket
Nai Harn Beach, Phuket's southern tip, is known for its large swells that can be experienced even at low tide. Local pros love this beach because it is less crowded and has a sandbank that allows surfers to enjoy faster waves with smaller swells. The northern end promises a challenging break and A-frame peak, while the southern end has long rides that end in a left-hand turn. Both ends are enjoyable. You can swim from November through April, but the waves are too large during the rest of the year to make it suitable for kite-boarders and surfers.
- The Best Months: From April to October
- Recommend for advanced users
- Coast Length: 660 meters
- Wave Height: 3 Meters
5. Kalim Beach, Phuket
Pro Surfers will love Kalim beach. This reef break on the right has a beach of only 100m. It also has a shallow reef, making it extremely dangerous. Every year, the Kalik Surf Contest is held on the beach by the Kalim Reef Surfers. This attracts a lot of attention.
- Surfer Level: Professional
- Coast Length: 100m
- Wave height: 3m
6. Na Nan, Khao Lak
Khao Lak, located 60km from Phuket, is north of Phuket. You can't compare its atmosphere to Phuket, even though it is closer to Phuket. This is where surfing can get you started. There are many festivals and contests like the Khao Lak Surf festival and contest. This is where you can find the best surfing in Thailand. This coast is dotted with sandy beaches and capes. It's also lined with reefs, creating a solid mixture of points and beach breaks. This is where you can find the best surf waves for surfing. The best time to surf is between May and October. Between June and September is the Thailand surfing season, as this is when the southwest monsoon is at its peak. Thailand Surf season here will be the opposite of tourist season. It is better to surf if there are few people and the beaches are empty. Be aware of the rip current.
- Best time for Surfing: June-September
- Wave Size:.5-3 meters
- All levels of proficiency.
7. Mae Ram Phueng Beach, Rayong
Rayong is becoming more popular among the surf community. This can be seen in the increasing number of shops offering lessons, board rentals, and local competitions. It's not far from surf Bangkok, unlike other surf hubs on the eastern and western coasts. This makes it easy to reach the capital. Waves roll slowly and are often low to moderate in speed, making it easy to improve your stance. Mae Ram Phueng is Rayong's most popular surfing Thailand beach. Longboarding and standup paddling can be enjoyed in the nearby Khao Laem Ya National Park.
- The Best Months of May to September
- Recommend for all levels
- Coast Length: 12,000 meters
- Wave Height: 0.5 to 2.2 meters
8. Kamala Beach, Phuket
Kamala Beach is another stunning beach that will provide a surfer with a great surfing experience. This is the best place to surf in Thailand. The comfortable spot for intermediate surfers is known because the Kamala beach at its north end offers a challenging, hard-hitting break. The Kamala Go surfing challenge organized by the local Kamala Go surf club makes this beach a great spot for surfing. The beach is not only for adult surfers, but children can also learn at the south end. Here is some information that will prove useful to any surfer.
- The best time to surf is April-October
- Wave Size: 1 Meter
- Ideal for Intermediate
9. Kata Noi Beach, Phuket
Kata Noi beach is the best place to learn how to surf in Thailand, especially for beginners. The waves that hit Kata Noi beach are usually very short and heightened. This means that they don't have large swells. Beginners can enjoy surfing here. Here beginners can learn to surf in a safe and comfortable environment. Surfers will find great waves at Kata Noi's northern point. After surfing on shorter, more powerful waves, you can enjoy the beach with its white sand. Before you go to enjoy the waves ride, here is some information.
- The best time to surf is April-October
- Wave Size: 1 Meter
- Ideal for intermediate and beginner
10. Kata Beach, Phuket
Kata Beach, located at the southern end of Phuket, is Thailand's surfing hub. It has numerous surf schools and shops that offer surf lessons. They also host international surfing competitions every year. This stunning, white-sand beach can get crowded when it reaches above the knees. There's still plenty to do on this beautiful white-sand beach. The action starts at the southern end, where you will find an A-frame beach break with a sandy bottom and waves up to 2m (6.25ft). Advanced riders will find the swell challenging, but beginners will be able to enjoy the waves. Waves are punchy and fast, sometimes heavier than other spots. This allows riders to ride in hollow barrels.
11. Patong Beach, Phuket
Patong beach is known around the world as a paradise for beginners. You can surf at Patong beach with good waves of short height or gentle waves. The wind is nice, and the waves are smooth. This makes it a great place for beginners or those who want to learn how to surf. These waves are less unpredictable, making surfing easier for those with lower skills. Before you go on a water wave ride, make sure to read the highlighted information.
- The best time to surf is April-October
- Wave Size: 1.5 meters
- Ideal for beginners
12. Ao Yai Beach, Koh Phayam
The perfect waves of the pre-winter months on Koh Phayam island make Koh Phayam an island to behold. It is undeveloped, so it may not suit your needs if you are uncomfortable with some isolation and lack of amenities. It's a great place to explore the outdoors, but you shouldn't wander off into the jungle alone. Ao Yai Beach is the main beach for the surfer in Koh Phayam. It is located in a perfect spot to catch the Andaman Sea swells. From October to mid-December, the waves are beginner-friendly. They get smaller until January. Between February and March, there are no waves. The monsoon season, which begins in mid-April, is the real excitement. Waves can reach two meters and possibly beyond. However, the wind can make the conditions unpredictable, so experienced surfers are best.
- The best months: Mid-October to mid-December (beginner and intermediate); middle-April (advanced).
- Recommend for all levels
- Coast Length: 2000 meters
- Wave Height: 0.5 to 2.2 meters
13. Bang Tao Beach Phuket
Bang Tao Beach offers intermediate surfers decent challenges. Bang Tao Beach's central section has smaller waves, but they are still manageable. Because of its better exposure to winds, the waves at the north end of the beach are larger. Bang tao's most exciting section is also difficult and unpredictable because of the shifting sandbanks.
- Surfer Level: Intermediate
- Coast Length: 6000m
- Wave height: 3m
14. Sunset Beach, Koh Kradan
Just a hop from Malaysia's Trang islands, Koh Krandan can be found. Koh Kradan, surrounded by reef and man, is covered in forest. It is known as Asia's most beautiful island. Stunning sunsets and blue waters surround the white beaches. Sunset beach measures 250m in width and is located on the west side of Koh kradan. From April to October, this beach can catch large and clean waves. Sometimes, Koh Kradan can catch the largest waves in Thailand. This place is ideal for experienced surfers, as the largest waves can pose the greatest risk to surfing. These waves reach 50m from the shore. These waves are great for surfing. It's not just about this island. This is a very dangerous area. Koh kradan is a great spot for backpackers and travelers. However, be careful because ATMs are not yet available on real roads. Before you go surfing, take a look at these highlights.
- Best time for Surfing: April - October
- Wave Size:.5 - 3.5 meters
- For intermediate and advanced students
48 hours on Koh Kradan: Thailand's most beautiful island?
15. Surin Beach, Phuket
CNN Travel included Surin Beach on their list of 50 Best Surf Spots in the World. Recently, it has been synonymous with bodyboarding. You will find large rocks in the middle of the water and white sand and turquoise water at the beach. The northern stretch is known for its unpredictable waves and fast speeds. This makes it difficult to distinguish between right-handers and left-handers, even for experienced surfers and swimmers. The southern section is more suitable for inexperienced surfers as it offers safer landings on the sandy bottom. You can practice your barrels in the northern and southern parts if you are a skilled surfer. If not, you can always go to the southern part.
- The Best Months: From April to October
- Recommended for: Beginner to Intermediate (Southern End); Advanced (Northern End).
- Coast Length: 80 meters
- Wave height: 2 meters
16. Klong Dao Beach, Koh Lanta
Klong Dao is the most beautiful beach in Koh Lanta and the best surfing spot. The 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) long bay is located north of the island. It offers gentle left and right-handers, with a sandy bottom that is perfect for beginners. Klong Dao Beach has more windswells than groundswells, but they can still be quite consistent. The breaks can be ridden at any tide and offer long rides. The spot is ideal for SUP and longboarding, with no crowds.
17. Pansea Beach, Phuket
Pansea Beach lies on the west coast of Phuket, between Surin and Bang Tao. One of Thailand's most beautiful beaches, this secluded beach is blessed with an abundance of palm trees. The waves can be quite aggressive even though they are short. They tend to accelerate before hitting a left-hander. The shore is approximately 100m away, and the take-off point is marked by a rock that has been exposed to the water. Professional surfers should consider this spot. The waves can be held for up to 2 meters in a point break before turning into a reef break.
- The Best Months: From April to October
- Recommend for Advanced Users
- Coast Length: 250 meters
- Wave height: 2 meters
18. Haad Rin, Ban Tai, Chaloklum, Koh Phangan
Like Koh Samui's flat waves, Koh Phanan usually has perfect conditions for swimming. Both are facing the Gulf of Thailand, so don't be surprised when people tell you that surfing here is a waste of time. If you go during the right months, you might be able to catch decent swells. Ban Tai's reef break from November to April offers long rides and clean swells. Haad Rin, however, is best for shorter runs in January.
- Chaloklum in December is the best spot to surf consistent waves.
- The Best Months: November through February
- Recommend for all levels
- Coast Length: 7000 meters
- Wave Height: 1 Meter
19. Laem Sing, Kung Wiman, Chao Lao, Chanthaburi
Chanthaburi is only 4 hours away from Bangkok. This may make Chanthaburi a great choice if you are looking for a quick getaway to surf. During the summer months (June through September), the most popular surf beaches are Kung Wiman or Chao Lao. Laem Sing is another worthwhile option. It features a sandbar that creates small rollers. For a memorable yoga and surfing experience, check out Nature Active Camp. Surfaholic Thailand and Chanthaburi Surf Tribe organize it.
- The Best Months: June through September
- Recommended for: Intermediate and beginner
- Coast Length: 25,000 meters
- Wave Height: 0.5-1.5 meters
FAQs
1. Is surfing in Thailand good for beginners?
For beginners, surfing in Thailand is easy. Although Thailand is not known for its large waves and huge surf crowds, it offers beginners small, flat waves that are perfect. Thailand is a wonderful destination for surf holidays. It has beautiful beaches, warm waters, sunshine, delicious food, and endless activities.
2. When is the best time for surfing in Thailand?
The peak surfing season in Thailand runs from April to November. The best months are June, July, and August. This is in contrast to the peak tourist season, which lasts from November to March. This can be disappointing for some, but it can also be a blessing. This means that you can enjoy a more affordable holiday with fewer people, and the price of everything from accommodation to flights drops beyond peak season.
3. Is surfing safe for beginners in Thailand?
Surfing is generally safe in Thailand's waters. The small waves and sandy beaches make Thailand safer than other popular destinations for surfing. Strong currents can be dangerous on Thailand's beaches. We recommend you take lessons with a qualified surfing school to ensure you know all the hazards before you go. Also, be aware of the conditions while surfing.
Conclusion
After spending months in Thailand and surfing at various country spots, we've concluded that the best place to surf in Thailand is at Khao Lak. Here's why: the waves are consistent, and of good size, the water is warm and crystal clear, and there are plenty of beginner-friendly surf spots in the area. Thanks for reading!
