Thailand is a beginner-to-intermediate warm-water destination with an easy two-coast rhythm and unbeatable travel logistics. The Andaman side around Phuket fires on the SW monsoon, while the Gulf side around Koh Samui catches NE swell in the opposite season. Fly via Bangkok (BKK) and Phuket (HKT).
Andaman coast April – November; Gulf coast October – January.
Beginners learn on the gentle Phuket beach breaks (Kata, Kalim) with a mature surf-school scene; intermediate surfers get punchier reef and beach setups on a solid SW monsoon swell.
The Andaman coast (Phuket, Khao Lak) is best April to November on the SW monsoon; the Gulf coast (Koh Samui) catches NE swell October to January. The two coasts give Thailand a usable surf window most of the year.
Yes — Phuket's beach breaks (Kata, Kalim, Nai Harn) are gentle on most monsoon days and have a mature surf-school and board-rental scene.
Yes, though it surprises people. During monsoon season the Andaman coast around Phuket gets consistent waist-to-overhead beach-break surf — a genuine, fun scene with great food and easy logistics.