Thailand’s beaches are famous over the world. Powder white sand, sky blue water, cool sea breeze, and a wonderful atmosphere, make the beaches a huge draw. However, there’s another reason why people are flocking to the Thailand’s beaches, and that reason is surfing. Though, the waves here aren’t crazy, they are still good, and make for an awesome place to learn and get into the groove. There are many beaches in and around Thailand, but…
Here are the 8 best places in Thailand to Go Surfing.
1. Nai Harn Beach
One of the least crowded beaches in Thailand, the Nai Harn Beach is a good place to surf and relax in peace. The waves here do not get to dangerous levels. They are quite moderate, so, you can take this opportunity to perfect your skills, and even learn a few tricks. The beach is dotted with a few resorts and a Yacht Club, so, you can stay here or just grab a bite. The drive to the beach is quite scenic, as you drive along the coast.
2. Kamala Beach
Go 15 mins ahead (North) of the Patong Beach, and you will arrive at Kamala Beach. This is the place where tourists stay for longer durations, as this place is cheap and dotted with guest houses and restaurants. A little further out to the headland, you will see waves as high as 3 metres. Get in the water here to enjoy the high waves, and surf. Kamala Beach is a quiet place and you can easily spend a few hours here enjoying the surf and sand.
3. Kata Noi Beach
If you are looking for treacherous waters that will leave you excited and exhausted, head to the Kata Noi Beach, south of Kata Yai. Though the waves at the beach are not very high, they come in thick and fast. These waves will excite hardcore surfers, as it takes real skill to master these waves. However, there are portions in the beach where the waves are calm. This place is for new learners. After enjoying the waves, you can relax at the beach or stay at the Katathani Resort. The Kata Noi Beach is full of action and adventure, so, choose this place for a more adventurous surf.
4. Kalim Beach
At the Northern end of Patong Bay is the friendly and lively Kalim Beach. This is the place to come when waves are too treacherous elsewhere. The natural geography of the place ensures the waves here are pleasant and rideable throughout. The waves start at around just 50m to 100m into the sea. So, you are close to the beach and it is quite safe. The beach is quite popular with tourists, so, there’s a party atmosphere throughout. Despite the crowds, you can still find secluded spots to hone your surfing skills.
5. Kata Yai Beach
Probably the most popular surfing beach near Phuket, the Kata Yai Beach has a bustling town centre nearby that is packed with tourists. The beach too has the most surfable waves. They come in fast, and are quite fun to conquer and ride. The only problem is that the geography of the place attracts filth during the rainy season. So, this place should be avoided during this time. Otherwise, visit this place to enjoy some fast and exciting waves.
6. Surin Beach
Rated amongst the top 50 surfing beaches in the world, Surin Beach is a pristine beach that was once destroyed by development. However, the government woke up and removed all the ugly development. Today, the beach is clean and a hotspot for people looking for challenging waves. The waves here get quite high and fast, and even quickly form barrels, making it quite challenging for surfers. It is even more challenging during high tide. There are different sections of the beach that offer different difficulty levels. The beach is located just 1 km north of the popular Laem Sing Beach.
7. Khao Lak and Phang Nga
Destroyed by the Tsunami, these beaches have now recovered well. They are an hour and a half’s drive away from the Phuket, which ensures they do not have any crowds. However, its popularity is back on the rise, as the nearby locations are turning into tourist spots. The waves here are quite calm, so, along with surfing, you can also try longboarding. Come to these places if you want a truly undisturbed and peaceful surfing expedition.
8. Nai Yang Beach
The waves at Nai Yang Beach can reach up to 3 metres in height. The beach’s geography has many banks and peaks that make it an exciting place to surf in. The beach has a coral reef that also attracts quite a few scuba divers. The weather plays a huge role in the surfing conditions, and there are days where you cannot ride out and have surf. Therefore, check the weather conditions before coming here. However, if you are not able to surf, there’s a lot you can do here. You can visit the Nai Yang National Park.
Conclusion
These are the 8 beaches that are excellent for a surfing sojourn. However, there’s more to the beaches than just surfing. There are good resorts, eating joints, and party places in these beaches of Thailand. Your trip to Thailand would be incomplete if you do not visit these surfing beaches of Thailand.
