Don’t expect great waves, but you are very, very close to some of the best waves on this darn planet.  Well here we go!

Thailand is a number one destination for European surfers that are just starting out. They swarm this place and have in a way created their own surf scene or surf culture for Thailand.  They love to surf and come from places that don’t even have waves.  The island of Phuket has the best and most consistent waves and can at times be really fun.  This place is only a stone throw away from Indonesia and is easily accessed from Malaysia.

There are heaps of breaks to choose from mostly beach breaks and a couple of reefs.  The accommodation is cheap and plenty of it. It’s up to you really.  There is accommodation in Phuket starting from Basic Bungalows from $15.00 a night to the downright dig deep in your pockets.  Also if you search hard you can find a place to stay very close to the beach and surf.

Thailand isn’t as hardcore for travelling as Indonesia and could well be a great family surf trip also, as everything is provided and easily accessed.

Getting around & Surfing in Thailand

Getting around Thailand is simple as there are a lot of great buses and heaps of hire car options. Car hire can start for as little as $50 AUD a day and the roads are fine.  Flying into this country is a snack and if you are going surfing I recommend that you fly straight to Phuket Island.

You can drive from one end of the island in about 2 hours. The west coast is where the waves are and can be found all along this coastline.  Driving to the breaks is a snack and there are plenty of signs.  I do recommend a good map though.

Also, motorbikes are cheap to rent, but beware don’t ride one unless you are very competent on them.  There are many horror stories about accidents and I have lost a friend myself to these forms of transport.

Top tips

The local tooktooks are expensive and are to be avoided of possible.  Also lock your helmet to your bike or keep it with you, as they like to disappear.

Costs

Bloody cheap.  Yep not as cheap as Indo but, quite close.  A budget traveller could easily live like a King for $50-$60 AUD a day and eat out 3 times a day.  This would include a Bungalow, motorbike and three meals a day, and maybe even a few beers.

Thailand Accommodation

There are literally hundreds of places to stay from low to top end and you can also book accommodation before you go. This is a great option if you are taking a family surfing vacation.  If you are travelling on your own or just you’re a friend I recommend just jumping into anything then the next day put your feelers out and find something that is within budget and close to the waves.

Da Bungalows at Kata Beach is highly recommended and is found at the southern end of Kata beach.  There is a little bit of theft in Thailand as work can be scarce, lock your room at all times even when you are sleeping.  It’s very uncommon but it does happen and I was once a victim.

Surfing Thailand Tsunami dangers

Tsunami, Yes unfortunately there is always this chance, but it’s very rare and I recommend not live your life in fear, just go.  They are set up a lot better now with warning systems on the TV radio and yes sirens. 

If you are worried about this get some accommodation up on higher ground.  Kata Beach has some great places up on the hill.

Theft on the beach is another problem and is not only from locals but also from travelling scum looking for easy targets.  When you are going for a surf just take what you need, or keep your stuff with eyes reach.

Some of the reefs you may need booties and if you are using this place as an Indonesian surfing pit stop you will have them anyway.

Always drink the bottled water and keep hydrated.  Also sunscreen and rash vest is a must.  In the beginning of the surf season it can be seriously hot and blinding to the eyes, remember you are just a stone throw away from the equator.

Best time to go to Surfing Thailand

The surf season is from April to October and it seems that the early and late season is the best for winds as the Monsoon has slowly subside or not kicked in yet.  If you want to surf everyday then from May to September is the go.  The southwest trade winds create most of the waves and at times can get up to two meters.

Mostly you will surf onshore waves that resemble your summer home beach break.  Some waves pack a bit of punch, others an extremely soft.

Tip

In-between storms and rain the wind subsides and you can get glassy conditions.  Also it doesn’t rain everyday and can be great for weeks on end. 

Kata beach on Phuket Island has some of the most consistent surf but can get jam packed with everyone from beginners to experienced surfers.  Hire boards are everywhere so if you don’t want to travel with surfboards just hire one straight of the beach at Kata.

Be careful

Thailand is notorious for its nightlife and just because you have had a few beers and she looks hot don’t think it doesn’t have a dangler between the legs.  This is super common and is known as Katoi.  Also, they are notorious for following you on your motorbike and offering certain services. If that’s what you’re looking for a real girl will not be too far away

Enjoy your holiday and surfing Thailand, catch some waves and have a great time.  If you get a little bored, remember Sumatra is not too far away

If you are looking for more information about surfing and would like to meet surfing travellers you can visit http://www.worldboardridersclub.ning.com add make a profile and find like minded travelling surfers

Reference

Surfing Thailand

Respect for the Royal Family – During our wonderful stay in Thailand we noted that the Thai people have the utmost respect for the Royal Family. Criticizing the Royal Family in any way deeply offends the Thais, and, in addition, it is a criminal offense called ‘lese majeste’

Placing portraits of the Royal Family in an appropriately high place in offices or homes, as a gesture of respect, will be appreciated by Thais.

Religious Places – Other things to carefully observe is when entering a religious place in Thailand: Some special section in Thai law concerning religious offenses. These cover Buddhism and other faiths represented in the kingdom. Here are some worth knowing before visiting Thailand:

• Dress politely; don’t go shirtless or wear immodest attire.
• Don’t wear shoes inside the chapel of any Buddhist temple.
• Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman.
• All Buddha images, large or small, ruined or not are regarded as sacred objects.
• In a mosque, men should wear hats, while women should wear slacks or long skirts, a long-sleeved blouse buttoned to the neck, and a scarf over the hair.

And one thing so common, shoes should be removed before entering.

Social Norms – In Thailand, a prayer-like gesture called ‘wai’, pressing of palms together is their normal way of greeting one another instead of the usual shaking of hands like we normally do.

In greeting, Thais will say Sawadee Krap if a male or Sawadee Kha if female simultaneously with the wai. This is what they also use when saying goodbye.

When saying ‘thank you’ they will sometimes perform the wai with or without saying Kob Khun. The younger, or the lower-ranking person, should be the one to make the wai first.

Other Dos and Don’ts

• Thais believe the head is the most sacred part of the body. Thus, refrain from touching the head.
• The feet are considered the lowest part of the body; don’t rest your feet, or put your shoes, on a table and don’t point your feet to anyone’s direction.
• Thais have their highest regard about their religion, so don’t wear immodest attire at a temple, don’t climb Buddha images, and always remove your shoes before entering a temple.
• Displays of affection between sexes in public places are a no-no. Don’t sunbathe topless.
• Thais are quite respectful of Westerners and some may try their English on you. Don’t be offended by questions about your age, salary and marital status; they don’t mean to be intrusive.
• “Sanuk” is a Thai word describing every thing that is fun, enjoyable and gives pleasure. This is often combined with the phrase ‘mai pen rai’ (never mind).
• Keep your voice at a moderate level always. Never shout or speak loudly as Thais are usually very quiet, polite people and they regard a loud voice as ill-mannered.

1. Phang-nga

   

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   A historic maritime site in Thailand, it is composed of around 120 islands standing in various exotic shapes attributed to chaotic geological events some millions of years ago. Fascinating and wonderful, a once in lifetime vacation to these imposing islands dotting the local ocean is exactly perfect to intellectual tourists like university professors in geology and earth science taking a break from long bouts of academic life.

2. Ko Pha-ngan

   

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   Made ever grand by limpid waters and serene ambience, it has become one of the tourist destinations in the country. One of the island’s primary attractions is the Tan Sadet waterfall that is endowed with the world’s largest orchid and many other exotic plants basking in the nerve-sipping freshness of the atmosphere. Splendid! A solitary visit in this oriental island located in the Gulf of Thailand is an experience of a lifetime.

3. Phi Phi Islands

   

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   A group of islands is about 40 km from Phuket. The seven islands comprising it are a grand sight to behold while the crystal waters surrounding them completed a fragment of paradise. Moreover, the beautiful coral formations underwater makes the resort ideal for diving and as divers marvel at the exotic beauty of the underworld, they would also have to wonder at the pre-historic drawings etched on undersea caves. What a fascination to historians and geologists.

4. Chaweng Beach

   

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   Located in the east coast of Koh Samui’s is the local families favorite, its almost unblemished white sand extends around 7 km long. And the sight of its blue waters refreshes and braces even if one is hundreds of meters away off-water and exposed in a noon oriental sunlight. Adding to its grandeur is the troubling peace of the shores while being continually whipped by the gentle caravan of serene waves.

5. Kata Beach

   

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   For tourists looking for a very tranquil vacation from the humdrums of urban life, this resort is ideal. The whiteness of the powders of sand is made prominent by bright sunlight while the sea is so calm and transparent that objects underwater are sometimes visible. Snorkelling at a small coral reef located north is another enjoyment during a vacation on this beach resort also located in Phuket.