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The 12 Best Surfing Spots in Phuket Where Every Wave Is a Thrill You Won’t FORGET!
I used to think catching a few small waves at the beach was enough to call myself a surfer. But after paddling out in Phuket, I quickly realised—this is where the real thrill begins.
With crystal-clear waters and rolling swells, Phuket isn’t just a tropical paradise but a surfer’s dream too! Some of its spots offer long, smooth rides ideal for honing your skills, while others bring the kind of adrenaline-pumping barrels that keep you paddling back for more.
Phuket’s waves are waiting, and trust me, once you ride them, you won’t forget the experience. So, grab your board, embrace the salt and sun, and read on! Our list below covers the best surfing spots in Phuket so you’ll know what to expect and find the most suitable place for your skills!
Kata Beach
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Address: Karon
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Intermediate
If you’re looking for consistent waves and a lively beach vibe, Kata Beach is your go-to surf spot. Known for its turquoise waters and soft golden sand, this beach draws in surfers of all levels, making it one of the most accessible places to ride the waves.
With 2- to 3-metre high waves during surf season, it’s a solid choice for immediate surfers. But don’t worry, beginners can easily find instructors and rental boards right along the shore.
The beach is lined with surfboard rental shops, beach shacks, and casual bars, so you won’t have to look far for food or a post-surf drink. If you’re new to surfing, you can take a lesson for around 800 to 1,200 baht, with friendly and experienced instructors.
Pro tip: Ask around for a surf instructor named “King”—he’s well-known for his fun and easy teaching style, and many beginners have learned to ride their first wave with him.
Kamala Beach
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Address: Kamala
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Whether you’re a beginner looking for gentle waves or an experienced surfer chasing bigger swells, Kamala Beach has something for you. This scenic and well-maintained beach is one of the more relaxed parts of Phuket.
The northern end is ideal for beginners, with softer, smaller waves that make learning stress-free. Meanwhile, the middle section sees waves up to 3 metres, attracting intermediate and advanced surfers looking for a bit more excitement.
For those who love a challenge, the southern part of the beach has a tiny reef point break that can push your skills to the next level. There are plenty of surfboard rental shops along the shore and lifeguards are on duty, making this a safe surfing spot!
Pro tip: Rent a lounger and spend the entire day here—with FREE WiFi at many restaurants and a great selection of food, it’s easy to make this a full-day surfing adventure!
Nai Harn Beach
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Address: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Intermediate
Nai Harn Beach offers a mix of powerful waves and a peaceful beach vibe, plus it is one of the best places to surf in Phuket. This compact but scenic beach has two distinct spots—the north and the southern sides.
The north is where waves can reach up to 3 metres and is perfect for experienced surfers looking for long, powerful rides. Meanwhile, the southern side offers quick but manageable waves, making it a great choice for beginners who want to practice.
What makes Nai Harn stand out is its laid-back atmosphere—it’s less commercialised than Kata or Patong, with a slightly hippy, village-like vibe. There are plenty of casual restaurants, local craft shops, and even a Buddhist monastery nearby you can visit.
Pro tip: Surf in the morning for fewer crowds and cleaner waves—by midday, the beach gets busier, especially during tourist season!
Surin Beach
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Address: Choeng Thale
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Intermediate to Advanced
Looking for a spot to escape the crowds and enjoy a more relaxed surfing session? Surin Beach is simply the surfing spot you’re looking for! Often overlooked in favour of Kata or Kamala, this beach offers some of the best waves in Phuket.
The northern section is great for beginners, that has gentler swells, rolling in steadily, so it is an excellent place to get comfortable on your board. That said, the southern part of the beach features more technical waves and a reef break.
Aside from its surf appeal, Surin Beach is simply stunning—with powdery white sand, turquoise waters, and a scenic backdrop of swaying palm trees. There are also local food stalls selling cheap and delicious Thai dishes, so you can grab a fresh coconut!
Pro tip: Surf in the late afternoon—not only do the waves pick up, but the sunset at Surin Beach is one of the most beautiful in Phuket, making it the perfect way to end your session.
Kalim Beach
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Website: https://www.facebook.com/kalimbeach.phuket
Address: Kathu, Kathu District
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Advanced
If you’re into a thrilling and technical surf experience, Kalim Beach is where you need to be. Known for its powerful reef break and annual surf competitions, this spot is best suited for experienced surfers who can handle 2- to 3-metre waves and rocky seabed.
Unlike some of Phuket’s sandy-bottomed beaches, Kalim has sharp reefs and hidden rocks, making it too dangerous for beginners. However, when the high tide rolls in, the waves become more manageable, offering a challenging but rewarding surf session.
Beyond the surf, Kalim Beach has a fantastic atmosphere, blending a local feel with a lively social scene. There’s a charming night market right by the shore, where you can find delicious halal food, fresh roti, and classic Thai street delicacies.
Pro tip: Come hungry! After the intense surf session, grab a seat by the sea wall, order fresh roti and Thai street food, and enjoy the view—it’s one of the best post-surf experiences in Phuket.
Bangtao Beach
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Address: Thalang District
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner
Bangtao Beach is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a stress-free surf session in Phuket, especially if you’re a beginner looking to practice in friendly waters. As one of the longest beaches in Thailand, it has plenty of space to catch waves.
The northern end of the beach gets the best waves, reaching up to 3 metres on good days. Overall, the surf here remains gentle and manageable, making it an ideal spot to build your confidence on board.
What makes Bangtao Beach unique is its relaxed but lively atmosphere. Unlike more commercialised beaches, this spot attracts a mix of locals and tourists who come here to surf, sunbathe, and soak in the scenery.
Pro tip: Get here early in the morning because not only will you have the waves mostly to yourself, but you’ll also get to enjoy the cooler air and a beautiful sunrise before the crowds arrive.
Karon Beach
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Address: Karon
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
With consistent waves and a long, open beach, Karon Beach should be included in your surf list. This stunning stretch of golden sand offers easy-to-immediate waves, making it perfect for beginners and those looking to refine their skills.
The northern end tends to be windier, creating faster waves that are great for progression. But what truly makes this spot a stand out are the waves keep rolling in every few seconds, meaning you’ll have endless opportunities to catch your ride.
The beach itself is peaceful but not isolated, giving you the balance of serenity and a lively atmosphere. Surfboard rentals are readily available, and you’ll find plenty of street vendors selling snacks and drinks nearby.
Pro tip: Come in late afternoon and stay for sunset because Karon Beach offers one of the most breathtaking sunset views in Phuket. Watching it after a surf session feels like the perfect reward.
Pansea Beach
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Address: Choeng Thale, Thalang District
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Advanced
Pansea Beach is a private, untouched surf escape, and is one of Phuket’s most lesser-known spots. Located between Bangtao and Surin Beach, this tiny 250-metre stretch of sand is not easily accessible to the public, as it’s maintained by resorts.
However, for those who can make their way in, Pansea Beach offers one of the best left-hand point breaks. It has waves reaching up to 2 metres and breaking over a shallow coral reef.
The real thrill here is the take-off—it happened about 100 metres offshore near an exposed rock, and the waves build speed quickly before closing out on the reef. This only means that Pansea is not for beginners because only experienced surfers should take on these waves!
Pro tip: The best way to access Pansea Beach is by staying at one of the beachfront resorts. Otherwise, you’ll need to find a way in through Surin Beach (which isn’t always easy).
If you do manage to get here, bring reef booties to avoid cuts from shallow corals!
Patong
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Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
If you’re scouting for a surfing spot with non-stop energy, Patong Beach is where you want to be. While it doesn’t have the biggest waves in Phuket, it’s a fantastic place for beginners to catch their first ride, thanks to gentle swells and low tide.
What makes Patong truly special isn’t just the surf—it’s the buzzing atmosphere that lasts long after the sun sets. After your surf session, you can walk straight into one of the busiest nightlife scenes in Thailand, with beachfront bars and lots of entertainment.
The convenience factor at Patong is unbeatable—surfboard rentals are everywhere, and you can easily find an instructor to guide you through the basics. If you’re in the mood for more adventure, jet skiing, paragliding, and a speedboat ride are available!
Pro tip: Surf in the morning for a more peaceful experience, then stay for the sunset and head straight to Bangla Road—this is where Patong truly comes to life after dark!
Nai Thon Beach
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Address: Nai Thon
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Advanced
For those looking to escape the busy beaches of Phuket while still catching great waves, Nai Thon Beach is a dream come true. This long, picturesque stretch of soft white sand and turquoise waters offers consistent waves.
The northern and southern ends have deeper waters and stronger swells, perfect for advanced surfers. Moreover, the centre of the beach provides gentler waves, making it ideal for intermediate-level surfers.
One of the best things about Nai Thon is its laid-back, peaceful atmosphere. It’s not busy as Patong or Kata, which means you’ll have more space to enjoy your surf session without worrying about crowds.
Pro tip: Head to the left side of the beach for some of the best Instagrammable spots and hidden chill-out areas. It’s the perfect place to enjoy a peaceful sunset after a fun day of surfing.
Naiyang Beach
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Address: Soi Nayang 13/3, Thalang
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner to Intermediate
Located within National Park, Naiyang Beach offers consistent waves that suit beginner to intermediate surfers. What makes this beach unique is the unexpected wind swells and reef breaks, which can turn an average surf session into an exciting ride.
With an 800-metre paddle offshore, you’ll find moderate-level waves that test your stamina and skills, making it a great place to improve your technique. While Naiyang is a paradise for surfers, you won’t find surfboard rentals here, so you’ll have to bring your own.
However, what it lacks in surf shops, it makes up for the charm—this beach is far less crowded than Phuket’s more commercialised surf spots. Naiyang Beach is near the airport, where you can watch planes land and take off right from the sand.
Pro tip: Pack your surfboard and bring extra wax—with no rentals on-site, being prepared will make all the difference in enjoying your surf session to the fullest.
Karon Noi Beach
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Address: Karon
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Difficulty: Beginner
Karon Noi Beach is one of those surfing spots that offers a quiet and private surf experience. Its seclusion means you won’t find beach vendors, loud partygoers, or overwhelming foot traffic.
So you can expect powdery white sand, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful environment. The tides here stay relatively low, which makes it a great spot for practicing turns and transitions.
With its serene atmosphere and postcard-worthy scenery, Karon Noi is more than just a surf spot—it’s an escape. This beach offers a unique and intimate experience that’s hard to find in Phuket.
Pro tip: If you’re not staying at Le Meridien, try accessing the beach via kayak from Karon Beach—it’s an adventure on its own and a great way to enjoy the hidden beauty of Karon Noi!
