Thailand is an up-and-coming surf destination with some great surfing spots, and when visiting make sure to make the most of the best beaches for surfing.
Thailand is one of the most exciting destinations for many reasons. With great food, incredible culture and out-of-this-world landscapes, there is something for everyone in this diverse country, even surfing nomads.
Furthermore, with a host of idyllic beaches and surfing schools to take advantage of, Thailand is a fantastic place for both advanced and beginner surfers to enjoy.
While Thailand may not be as well known for its surfing spots compared to Indonesia or Sri Lanka, there are many excellent surfing locations which cannot be overlooked if you want to try your hand at surfing in Thailand.
So, let us inspire you to join the surfing community in Thailand during the surfing season with these 10 incredible spots.
Here are the top 10 beaches for surfing in Thailand.
10. Kata Noi Beach – a beginner-friendly spot
This beginner-friendly surfing spot is known for its white sands and very short-wave swells. This makes it a relaxed place to learn to surf.
Fellow surfers can make the most of the turquoise waters during tourist season and indeed any time you go.
Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
9. Kamala Beach – for a great surfing experience
While the south end of Kamala Beach is a fantastic place for beginner surfers, the north end is more suited to intermediate-level surfers looking for a decent challenge.
One of the best times to visit is when the Kamala Go Surfing Challenge comes into full force. This is an exciting event to witness.
Address: Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand
8. Patong Beach – a great place to learn
With a swell size of just 1.5m, Patong Beach is one of the best surfing beaches in Thailand for beginner surfers.
The warm waters and the short waves here, which are pretty predictable, make it a comfortable environment for first-time surfers who want to enjoy some relaxed surfing lessons.
Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
7. Nai Harn Beach – away from the crowds
Professional surfers will be in their element at Nai Harn Beach, which has excellent, challenging wave quality, which advanced surfers will thrive on.
Since the waves are strong, Nai Harn is consistently visited by those looking to take on a challenge in Phuket without the crowds.
Address: Rawai, Phuket, Thailand
6. Chaweng Beach – the best surf beach in Koh Samui
Chaweng Beach, located on one of the best islands in Thailand, the island of Koh Samui, is the only one in the area suited to surfing and is a popular surf spot.
This surfing spot is perfect for intermediate to professional-level surfers, and the ‘Left Alone’ reef break, which is rarely taken on, is a long surfable wave that is surfable during mid to high tide only.
Address: Surat Thani, Thailand
5. Kalim Beach – home to the Kalim Surf Contest
The unique thing about Kalim Beach is that it has a coast length of just 100m, yet it is ideally suited to professional surfers, so much so that this is a prime spot to host the Kalim Surf Contest, which happens each year.
The shallow reef makes for a dangerous surfing spot for anyone inexperienced. Whilst on the theme, check out some of the best places to surf in the world.
Address: W76V+WQM, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
4. Klong Dao – Island surfing for beginners
Located on the beautiful island of Koh Lanta in the Andaman Sea, the surfing spot of Klong Dao is undoubtedly worth the journey and is one of the best surf spots.
Since the waves are just 2m on average and the beach is relatively shallow, it is ideal for beginner surfers who don’t mind waiting for the waves, which tend to be less consistent than other beaches. If you want to remain close by, there are beautiful places to stay in Krabi.
Address: 403 Sala Dan, Ko Lanta District, Krabi 81150, Thailand
3. Surin Beach – a haven for pro surfers
Surin Beach in Phuket has been listed as one of the world’s best surfing beaches, and this is because of its excellent waves, which are ideally suited to professional surfers.
As Surin Beach is an exposed beach break, the best time to ride the waves here is from May to October, when the dry season and waves are more reliable.
Address: Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
2. Tao Beach – for intermediate-level surfers
This beach is ideal for intermediate-level surfers, and with an average wave height of 3m, surfers can take on a challenge, especially in the northern part of the beach.
The coast, which is 6000m long, has various sections which offer different experiences, depending on your abilities, and you will find plenty of people here during the surfing season.
Address: Phuket 83110, Thailand
1. Kata Beach – one of the best surfing beaches in Thailand
Kata Beach in Phuket is among the best beaches for surfing in Thailand. You will find many surf bars, schools and a great surfing community which will add to your overall surfing experience.
As well as boasting an artificial surf park, Kata Beach is also where the annual Phuket Surfing Contest takes place each year. This makes it a popular destination for surfers.
Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Notable Mentions
Khao Takiab Beach – Located in Hua Hin, close to Bangkok, this beach is a prime destination for surfing in winter, especially for new surfers, due to the clean waves.
Pansea Beach – Pansea Beach in Phuket is known for its consistent waves and is best suited to beginner and intermediate surfers since it is a small, secluded beach.
Koh Phayam – One of the best beaches for surfing in Thailand is the uncrowded island of Koh Phayam, the second largest island in the Andaman Sea, which is best surfed between November and January.
FAQs about the best beaches for surfing in Thailand
Where is the best surfing in Thailand?
Phuket is the best region for surfing, with a host of surfable, sandy beaches to suit all levels with decent waves.
Is Phuket good for surfing?
Yes, Phuket is the leading destination for surfers going to Thailand. Many surfing competitions are held on Phuket’s beaches, including experienced surfers.
Is Koh Samui good for surfing?
Chaweng Beach is one of the only surfing beaches on the island of Koh Samui, and this island would not be a top spot for surfers visiting Thailand, Asia.
So, if you are already a pro surfer or fancy taking on some surfing lessons while visiting Thailand, make sure you see one or more of these best beaches for surfing in Thailand for a unique surfing experience.
