Phuket
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Positives
- Uncrowded, mellow waves
- Occasional pointbreaks
- Cheap, party destination
- Easy, safe tourism
Negatives
- Short swell season
- Mushy, onshore conditions
- Inconsistent and rainy
- Mass tourism
Phuket surf travel guide
The western coast of Phuket has 27 soft, white sand beaches and is the centre of surfing in Thailand, while the east coast beaches are muddy without waves.
Thailand’s western shoreline has enough decent waves to attract surfers looking for cheap local costs and the famously warm Thai smile and hospitality. Regulars in the water are now a mixture of local Thais and foreigners from the sizeable expat community. Called “The Pearl of the South” by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is mostly mountainous with 70% forest cover.
Surf spots in Phuket
Research the 13 surf breaks in Phuket and discover what spots suit the current conditions.
Break lowdown
We’ve collated the wave data giving you a unique insight into the 13 breaks in Phuket.
When to go
Surf and weather statistics to help plan your surf trip to Phuket
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- feb
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- apr
- may
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- jul
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- sep
- oct
- nov
- dec
Travel Information
General
- Current Time
- Tourists
- 38,178,000
- Population
- 69,799,978
- Tourist Info
- Tourist Info
Security
Health
Money
- Currency
- THB
Cost of living
Communication
- Dialing in
- +66
- Dialing out
- 001
- Language
- Thai
Electricity
- Plug Type
- abcfo
Visas
EU, OZ, NZ, SA, USA, Canada, Japan and many others can visit Thailand visa free for touristic visits of 30 days. If you cross into Thailand via a land border this reduces to 15 days.
Getting There
Most visitors are issued a 1 month visa upon arrival. Flights from Bangkok (BKK) go every hour to Phuket (HKT). Thai Airways sometimes charges for boards. Book hotel transport at airport taxi counter; fixed rates for every beach ($15 for the southern beaches). $18 dep. tax.
Getting Around
Most visitors are issued a 1 month visa upon arrival. Flights from Bangkok (BKK) go every hour to Phuket (HKT). Thai Airways sometimes charges for boards. Book hotel transport at airport taxi counter; fixed rates for every beach ($15 for the southern beaches). $18 dep. tax.
Accommodation
Endless accommodation options and during the monsoon, hotel rates are often half of the following high season rates. Dble room in a 4-star hotel is $150. A/C room in a guesthouse/bungalow fr$15. There’s plenty of choice around Kamala and Kata. Check the Tube Surf Bar and Restaurant. Papaya salad, a popular Thai dish is $1.
Activities
Diving paradise although the Gulf of Thailand islands have the best visibility during SW monsoon. Don’t miss Thai Boxing tournaments, Fantasea Show (trapeze artists, elephants, Vegas style), snake shows, Thalang Museum, Wat Chalong temples and Chalong Big Buddha. 1hr Thai massage is $10.
Hazards & hassles
Waves are often mellow, but currents can be deceptively strong and tourists drown every year. There are some shallow rocks on a few of the points. A couple of spots are a bit localized, Muay Thai localism can put a downer on the rest of your trip. Beware of pickpockets and new friends who may slip a sleeping drug in your drink.
Handy Hints
You can rent boards, get lessons and find surf shops at many beaches. Try Saltwater Dreaming in Surin. Kata is the surf hub with many choices including the Rip Curl Surf house.
Due to global pandemic, Visas, Getting There, Getting Around or Accommodation information and pricing may have changed. Always check Government Travel Advice before travelling.