Is Thailand a surfing destination? You bet. Many may not realise it, but the Thai surfing culture has been growing fast these past few years. Thanks to beaches with fine sand, brilliant blue seas, and beautiful waves, surfers from all over the world have been drawn to seaside provinces all across the Kingdom.
As surfing is currently all the rage among Thai water sports lovers, wave culture has really been blooming and thriving. Lots of surfing schools and surf bars have popped up, immensely livening up the scene for riding the waves in Thailand. But besides gliding across the water, another experience not to be missed is having a bite of the local delicacies at each destination.
We’d like to recommend five of the hottest surfing locations in Thailand and the delicious local dishes you should try when you visit.
Phuket
There’s no doubt that Phuket is considered among the finest gems of the Andaman Sea. This province is the largest island in Thailand, and it is home to many ideal surf spots. These are beaches on the island’s west coast, including Kata, Patong, Surin, Kamala, or Nai Thon, where you’ll easily find surfboards to rent. There are even schools that can teach beginners how to ride the waves in a day! The most popular beach for surfing is Kata, but other spots such as Kalim Beach and Bang Tao Beach also deserve a mention. The best time to hit the waves there is from May to October, which is monsoon season in Thailand.
What To Eat: Phuket is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, thanks to its diverse background. The island is a melting pot of Thai and Hokkien cultures, thus bringing to life the distinctive Peranakan cuisine. Some not-to-be-missed favourites include Hokkien noodles, O-Tao (oyster omelette with taro), lor bak (fried pork sausage), moo hong (pork belly stew), and O-aew (shaved ice dessert). For more Thai flavours, try the crab curry or shrimp chilli paste.
Make Sure To Check Out: Promthep Cape, Black Rock Viewpoint, Windmill Viewpoint, Old Phuket Town, Dibuk Road, Patong Beach, and Kata Beach.
Phang-Nga
Khao Lak, situated in Phang Nga province, has been gaining momentum over the past few years as a hotspot for surfers. One reason is because there are solid waves to surf all year long, beyond Thailand’s usual surfing season, which usually runs during the monsoons from May to October. Besides that, Phang Nga is also a nature lover’s playground, with its gorgeous seas, lush forests, and vibrant mountains. It’s also a destination packed with many other activities , so a stop here will have you checking all the boxes: surfing, sightseeing, and eating.
What To Eat: Phang Nga is home to thriving fishing communities, so it’s a given that you’ll find the finest seafood here. Their local dishes and accommodation are also available at pocket-friendly prices. Don’t miss a chance to taste their sour curry with snapper, stir-fried shrimp with bitter beans and shrimp paste, or Thai rice noodles with Southern curry.
Make Sure To Check Out: Khao Lak-Lam Ru National Park, Takuapa Old Town, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, Little Amazon Klong Sangne, Yao Noi Island, Panyi Island, and Khao Phing Kan Island.
Ranong
Phayam Island is a small little island in Ranong province, renowned for its abundance and excellent preservation of their traditional ways. It’s also long been one of the best-kept secrets among surfers: Ao Yai Beach is one of the most popular places to surf, stretching across two kilometres. The best times for a surfing trip to Phayam Island are during October to December and April to May.
What To Eat: Besides the variety of seafood you can find at local restaurants on Phayam Island, there are also lots of dishes local to Ranong that you should try. Yawye is one such dish you’ll only find in Ranong, sometimes also known as Swimming Rama. A mix of boiled morning glory, squid, pork, and fried tofu, doused with either a sweet or sour sauce, it’s usually enjoyed as an appetiser or salad. For another true taste of how locals around here eat, try ordering Southern rice salad or roti with curry.
Make Sure To Check Out: Temple in the Sea and Hin Talu, Buffalo Bay at Phayam Island, Residence of the Governor of Ranong, Raksa Warin Hot Spring, Ranong Canyon, Phu Khao Ya, and Namtok Ngao National Park.
Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan
Previously, this seaside holiday destination was better known for paddle boarding and kite surfing. It was only recently that surfers thought to test out the waves in Hua Hin and discovered that the waters aren’t shabby at all. Since then, surfing schools, surf clubs, and surf bars have popped up to really make Hua Hin a happening spot. The best season to hit this coast is from November to February. Most people tend to surf on Khao Takiab Beach, but you can also catch waves at Wanakorn Beach.
What To Eat: Hua Hin and all of Prachuap Khiri Khan province is packed with quality seafood restaurants, featuring fresh catches straight from nearby fishermen. Pak Nam Pran is particularly renowned for its eateries. Some top dishes not to be missed are black squid soup, giant catfish roe, sour curry, and sun-dried squid.
Make Sure To Check Out: Khao Takiab, Hua Hin Railway Station, Pak Nam Pran, Khao Sam Roi Yot, Khao Daeng Viewpoint, Phraya Nakhon Cave, and Kui Buri National Park.
Rayong
Being a seaside province just a stone’s throw from Bangkok makes Rayong another booming surfing destination. It’s no small community here, as lots of surf enthusiasts gather to share their passion for the sport. The waves here may not be as large as the ones you’d find in the Andaman Sea down South, but there’s more than enough action for beginners to learn from and to have fun with. Head out to such popular spots as Ban Kon Ao Beach and Mae Ram Phueng Beach.
What To Eat: Rayong is home to a plethora of fresh seafood. A popular favourite is the fried pak krachub salad, featuring pak krachub, a veggie local to Rayong. Other dishes worth trying include stir-fried noodles with seafood, deep-fried sea bass with fish sauce, fish steamed fish curry, and crab egg chilli paste.
Make Sure To Check Out: Pak Nam Prasae, Golden Meadow, Mae Ram Phueng Beach, Samed Island, Munnork Island, and Mai Nai Island.
Without a doubt, Thailand’s seas offer a variety of sandy beaches and luscious waves for surfers to revel in. If you’re passionate about surfing, you can head straight to these burgeoning surf spots, while also getting to taste delicious local food—it’s sure to be a trip to feed all the senses. Or if you’re a travelling foodie out to sample all the authentic dishes in each region, why not also take up surfing since you’re in the area? Possibly one of the best benefits of your sightseeing and experiencing local lifestyles is that you’re helping the local villagers generate incomes too.
During your travels, don’t forget to wear a mask, wash your hands, and protect your health. Also, be on the lookout for the SHA logo. SHA is a project involving the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Ministry of Public Health, and others. SHA certification verifies the safety, hygiene, and the sanitation quality of products and services of Thai businesses in order to ensure a safe travel experience for all travellers.
For more information about this project, please visit thailandsha.tourismthailand.org
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