Surfing Khanom to Songkhla Thailand
Updated for 2026
The Gulf coast from Khanom down to Songkhla is one of Thailand’s less documented surf areas. It can get small but fun waves during the northeast monsoon, especially from November to March, but it is inconsistent and usually depends on local wind swell rather than long-period ocean swell.
Khanom to Songkhla Surfing Conditions
| Season | Usually November to March, with the northeast monsoon and Gulf weather systems. |
|---|---|
| Swell | Mostly local wind swell from the Gulf of Thailand. |
| Waves | Small beach-break waves, sometimes clean and fun after the wind backs off. |
| Best For | Longboards, malibus, bodyboards and exploring surfers. |
| Other | Bring your own gear. Surf shops and board rental are limited compared with Phuket. |
Samila Beach, Songkhla
Yes, these Songkhla waves are small, but the sender of these photos says that Samila Beach can get good surfing waves and really goes off. Other people have reported very good surfing in Songkhla.
Samila Beach is one of Songkhla’s best-known beaches, famous for the mermaid statue and its long open stretch of sand. Most visitors come for the beach, food, photos and sea breeze, but during the right northeast monsoon conditions there can also be surf.
Surf at Samila Beach, Songkhla
Songkhla is on the eastern side of the Thai peninsula and gets waves from November to March. It could be worth a look if you are over that way.
Small Gulf coast surf at Songkhla
Local Note
Surfing on this side of Thailand is very different from Phuket. The Gulf is shallower, the swell is usually wind swell, and good conditions may only last a short time. If you see a clean little wave, do not spend half the day thinking about it. Go surfing before it disappears.
Khanom to Songkhla Coast
Feedback on the Khanom to Songkhla area
The southern east coast, Khanom to Songkhla, can get a reasonable wave December to March. I’m based at Khanom and we frequently get a small but good malibu type wave, particularly during and one day after a good E or SE, best, blow. Doesn’t last as the gulf is too shallow, but still good. Awesome beaches and no crowds; I’m possibly the only surfer for about 200 km. Bring your own gear.
This is still the best way to think about the area. It is not a polished surf destination, but it can be rewarding if you are living nearby, travelling through, or happy to explore with a board on the roof.
Khanom Surf Notes
Khanom is north of Nakhon Si Thammarat and has a long, open coastline facing the Gulf of Thailand. When the wind has been blowing from the east or southeast, there can be small, soft waves along the beaches.
The best days are usually when the wind drops after a blow and leaves a bit of leftover swell. These waves are normally better suited to longer boards rather than shortboards. If you are expecting perfect reef passes, you are probably on the wrong coast.
Safety and Expectations
The Khanom to Songkhla coast is still lightly documented for surfing, so check everything yourself: wind, current, sand bars, fishing gear, rocks, storm runoff and your exit point. Local windswell can look fun one hour and be gone the next. Bring your own board, ask around locally, and keep expectations realistic.
Staying Around Songkhla
Songkhla is a proper southern Thai city rather than a surf resort town. That means you will find hotels, food, markets, local life and plenty to do even if the surf is small. Samila Beach is the easiest place to check if you are staying in town.
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