Thailand forum

"...would like to spend some time in the beaches, less crowded the better, surfing a plus...."
Um, I can only help you with this on account I'm a beaches and island guy.


November is tricky because things are changing from wet season to dry season* most places except the southern Gulf islands (which have no reputation for surfing - sorry babe but if I was there any time of year I might throw myself and board off the side of one of the inter-island ferries and hope for some wake surfing).
* wet season = swell, some waves although often sloppy onshore rubbish
dry season = very very little swell

Anyway early November when wet season is maybe still going, Phuket is the place - I'd be heading to the southern end of Kata beach which gets some waves when the swell is up and has some board-hire places, even instruction if you are desperate. Thing abt Kata is that it is not exactly one of the less crowded beaches, although before high season it won't be too busy.
Wally at Paradise Lost on Ko Kradan tells me Sunset Beach gets wet season surfible swell and occasional surfers - even if you don't get surf Kradan is one of the less crowded islands - as are near neighbours Ko Ngai and Ko Mook.


Gotta tell you I have seen dudes surfing tiny dry season swell at Ko Phayam and on Sunset Beach+Laem Pakarang at mainland Khao Lak (Khao Lak tends to be less crowded in November and is a good destination with the Similans, Surins, Ko Koh Khao, KoPhra Tong not too far away) but I really think any swell is luck of the draw. The way it works maybe is occasional monster swell from the southern Indian ocean makes its way up past Sumatra the the northern half of the Andaman coast - but this is a hell of a long way and so doesn't happen too often.

Hell I've even had a body-surf at Surin and Naithong at Phuket in dry season. But once again a lucky dip - I think in maybe 25 dry season trips I've seen surf on 3 or 4 occasions.


Other other less crowded islands in November when the weather is okay - Ko Phayam, littel Ko Chang Andaman side, Ko Phra Thong, Ko Koh Khao, Ko Similan, Ko Surin, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Ko Racha, Coconut island, Ko Jum, Ko Siboya, east coast of Phi Phi, southern beaches Ko Lanta, Ko Libong, Ko Lao Liang, Ko Sukorn, Ko Bulon Lae, Ko Adang, Ko Taratao (last two are busy with locals on weekends and Thai public holidays as are the already mentioned Similans and Surins), Ko Whai, Ko Mak, Ko Kut.

Thank you, that is great info!!