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Surfing in Thailand: Best Spots to Try this Activity
Let’s face it, those stunning beaches and unspoiled islands facing the Andaman Sea give Thailand its fair share of impressive surfing spots. Though not as massive as the waves of Asia’s top surfing destinations, these can certainly hold their own.
So, itching to plant your feet on those surfboards, why not check out the best surfing spots in Thailand? That’s exactly what we’ll showcase in this guide: the flourishing surf scene in this tropical paradise, worthy of waxheads and newbies alike.
Kata Noi Beach
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Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 725 meters
Wave Height: 2 meters
If you’re looking for a surfing spot in Thailand that you can enjoy regardless of your skill level, Kata Noi Beach is a no-brainer. Not only is this beach cove pristine, but it’s also a hidden gem that doesn’t see as many visitors as Phuket’s famous beaches.
Note, however, that the waves here can be strong so don’t always expect an easy time if you’re a beginner. During this time, the lifeguards in Kata Noi Beach may even prohibit swimming activities due to the danger, so planning when to visit is crucial.
The best surfing waves in Kata Noi Beach are in its northern portion, with a few decent waves in the middle. As for the surfing equipment, you can find rental surfboards in the small shops along the beach, but feel free to bring your board.
Pro Tip:
If you want to book a professional surfing lesson, Phuket Surfing is the best-rated surf school you’ll find near Kata Noi Beach, but it also has surfboard rental services. Plus, the private lessons they offer are cheaper than other establishments in the area.
Nai Harn Beach
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Address: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 568 meters
Wave Height: 3 meters
The mostly undeveloped Nai Harn Beach is a charming surfing spot in Thailand because you’ll have a peaceful time away from large tourist crowds. Upon arrival, notice an excellent beach break on the northern side, which can form big waves.
Otherwise, opt for the smaller swells forming in the southern portion of Nai Harn Beach, especially if you’re new to surfing. Plus, it’s perfect since this sandbank is a consistent break, giving you more chances to practice riding the waves.
Overall, this beach is a superb surfing spot because its fast barrel waves can provide you with a long and thrilling ride. What’s more, every surfer can master his craft without fear as the beach is surrounded by plenty of lifeguards.
Pro Tip:
It’s best to stay at The Nai Harn Hotel if you want to surf on this beach. This way, you get the best accommodation in the area, with the option to rent the hotel’s surfboards or book its on-site surfing lessons.
Kalim Beach
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Address: Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Intermediate to advanced
Coast Length: 1.14 kilometers
Wave Height: 3 meters
Another surf spot in Thailand that offers consistent waves is Kalim Beach, west of Phuket province. It’s a popular location, so expect to see other surfers during your visit unless you’re lucky enough to have this excellent location to yourself.
Just note that Kalim Beach mostly has rocky shorelines teeming with shallow reef formations, which makes it unideal if you’re a beginner. For intermediate surfers, though, this beach’s reef break can offer you consistent and long wave rides.
And don’t forget to bring your own surfboard, which you can buy from a surf shop in Kathu or rent from your hotel. Note that the local surfing community holds an annual surfing competition here, so it’s something you can look forward to.
Pro Tip:
You won’t find a surf school around Kalim Beach so you must head to the nearby Patong Beach to book a lesson from Andaman Seaclub or Jack’s Surf School. Once you can surf reliably, you can return to Kalim Beach with a surfboard.
Surin Beach
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Address: Choeng Thale, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: All levels
Coast Length: 772 meters
Wave Height: 2 meters
Surin Beach is a popular destination in Phuket during the high season, so it’s a good option if you don’t mind big crowds— or if you’re visiting during the low season. But, the best thing here is the various surfing waves that cater to all skill levels.
If you’re an advanced surfer, you’ll love the fast and heavy barrel waves on each side of the beach during the high tide. Just be warned of the strong currents that could pull you under.
Otherwise, you can surf in front of its parking area if you prefer riding smaller waves for practice.
The beach is just a kilometer long but there’s no shortage of goods here as all sorts of shops (surfing stuff included) abound, not to mention high-end residences and resorts.
Pro Tip:
From experience, Haad Surin Surf Club is a solid option if you plan to surf in Suring Beach since it’s a one-stop shop offering rental boards and surfing lessons. Also, go to the small shops along the beach if you only want to rent a cheap board.
Aow Yai Beach
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Address: Koh Phayam, Amphoe Mueang Ranong, Ranong 85000, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 2.69 kilometers
Wave Height: 2 meters
Koh Phayam’s Aow Yai Beach, also known as Big Bay, is one of the most consistent surf spots in Thailand. Here, you can enjoy riding mellow waves most of the year, with multiple beach breaks across its iconic crab-shaped shoreline.
The best part? You don’t have to worry about coral reefs and rock formations getting in the way if you’re still new to the sport!
Just avoid Koh Phayam between June and September because the island is often exposed to harsh weather.
Overall, plan your visit carefully for a memorable surfing experience here, thanks in part to its pristine beach. For one, if you start surfing late in the afternoon, you’d be in awe of how beautiful and head-turning the sunset is at Aow Yai.
Pro Tip:
There’s a surfing club in Aow Yai Beach’s Phayam Lodge where you can rent surfboards and book lessons. But, their rental longboards are the biggest reason you want to come here since it’s the best to use while surfing on this beach.
A longboard will give you a steadier and smoother ride on the beach’s mellow waves, perfect while you’re still learning.
Bang Tao Beach
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Address: Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 8 kilometers
Wave Height: 3 meters
Bang Tao Beach is a massive 8-kilometer coastline west of Phuket Island, offering plenty of breaks and just as many opportunities for excellent surfing waves. It’s pretty inconsistent here, though, because of the unpredictability of its waves.
The silver lining is that you get a large and uncrowded area to explore, so you’ll surely find the perfect spot. Try starting out at the beach’s southern portion, which typically produces small swells, thanks to a headland below it.
As you move northward, you’ll notice the waves grow bigger, until you reach the endpoint that locals call Layan.
Pro Tip:
Talay Surf offers one of the best surfing lessons in Bang Tao Beach. They teach basic surfing skills, paddling, wave catching, and handy wave knowledge.
With their training, you should be able to learn the essential techniques you’ll need.
Kata Beach
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Address: Soi Pakbang, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 1.54 kilometers
Wave Height: 2 meters
As the popular sister of Kata Noi Beach, Kata or Kata Yai Beach is a safe bet if you want to surf in Thailand. Because it’s a tourism hotspot, you’ll find plenty of surf shops lined up on the lengthy coastline, with various clubs offering surf classes.
You’ll also find tons of newbies practicing surfing, which can be nice if you’re looking for some learning buddies. If you’re a beginner, you’ll be glad to know that the northern portion produces smaller waves, which is ideal for practicing.
If you’re looking for some challenge, you can find tall waves on the southern portion of the beach. If you’re lucky, you might encounter a wave with an impressive peak, resulting in a stunning barrel ride that you’ll want to capture in film.
Pro Tip:
Kata Beach is close to Kata Noi Beach so you can also check out Phuket Surfing for surfing lessons or surfboard rentals.
Khao Lak Beach
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Address: Khuekkhak, Takua Pa District, Phang-nga 82190, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner to intermediate
Coast Length: 12.6 kilometers
Wave Height: 2 meters
Khao Lak Beach’s long and sandy coastline is home to mellow but somewhat inconsistent swells. Once you find a good spot, you’ll see how this beach is perfect for beginners who want to try this activity for the first time.
Here, you can practice basic techniques like balancing, paddling, turning, wave selection, and the pop-up maneuver. As you get better, you’ll be able to adapt to Khao Lak Beach’s inconsistent patterns and select the best waves to surf.
If you’re looking for a rental shop, there are many scattered across the beach’s coastline, so it won’t take you long to start surfing.
Pro Tip:
Khao Lak Beach’s Pakarang Surf School is a highly-rated surfing school in its northern tip so it’s a good place to learn about surfing fundamentals. Best of all, the school is ISA-certified so you can also learn advanced surfing techniques.
Klong Dao Beach
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Address: Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: All levels
Coast Length: 2 kilometers
Wave Height: 4 meters
Klong Dao Beach is the premier surfing spot in Koh Lanta, a paradise island off the coast of Thailand’s Krabi Province. With sandbanks that can hold 4-meter-tall swells, it provides the perfect challenge if you like surfing on big barrel waves.
Luckily, it’s also a forgiving spot for newbies, since the average swells that break here are as high as a grown man’s waist. Yep, the sea is rather calm here and that’s a welcome sign for kids too!
What’s more, you won’t have to stretch your neck to find food and amenities as tons of bars and restaurants line the beachfront (though that might stretch your wallet).
Pro Tip:
Bring your own surfboard when traveling to Koh Lanta. Unfortunately, you can no longer rent surfboards in Klong Dao Beach since its lone watersports center relocated to Australia.
Laem Sing Beach
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Address: Pak Nam Laem Sing, Laem Sing District, Chanthaburi 22130, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: Beginner
Coast Length: 4 kilometers
Wave Height: 1 meter
Not to be confused with a Phuket beach bearing the same name, Chanthaburi’s Laem Sing Beach is an excellent beginner-friendly surfing spot in Thailand. You won’t encounter strong waves and currents, so you can practice without any worries.
What’s more, this beach is a quiet and peaceful location, allowing you to avoid judgemental looks as you practice surfing—if you’re feeling conscious about it.
Just know that the quality of waves here won’t let you progress your techniques further, so Laem Sing is only ideal for beginners. Once you get a feel of your surfing board in the water, you should relocate to other beaches to practice other surfing techniques.
Pro Tip:
Approximately 20 kilometers west of Laem Sing Beach, you’ll find Chao Lao Beach which is a good place to improve your surfing skills. This beach is not as beautiful, but it has a local surfing community where you can meet new surfing buddies.
Kamala Beach
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Address: Kamala, Phuket 83120, Thailand
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission Cost: Free
Surfer Level: All levels
Coast Length: 2 kilometers
Wave Height: 3 meters
With surrounding reef formations on its northern tip, Kamala Beach is a remarkable surfing spot that boasts a sandbank that produces 3-meter waves. The patterns are consistent, so you don’t have to play a game of cat and mouse to find a good wave.
Surfing spots in Thailand that cater to all skill levels are few and far between, so Kamala Beach is extra special. You won’t have to worry about finding a spot if you’re a beginner since the waves here are pretty forgiving, especially during the low tide.
Pro Tip:
For surfboard rentals and surfing lessons, there are plenty of shops along the beach, but your best option should be the Kamala Go Surfing Club. This way, you get to have an excellent professional trainer and make friends with the local surfing community.
