Thailand (Lonely Planet, 13th Edition) - China Williams [555]
Hat Kalim, just north of Patong, is sheltered and has a consistent break that also gets up to 3m. The Phuket Boardriders Club (www.phuketboardriders.com) sponsors an August contest here. Hat Kamala’s northernmost beach has a nice 3m break, and Laem Singh, just up the coast in front of the Amanpuri Resort, gets very big and fast, plus it’s sheltered from wind by the massive headland.
Hat Nai Yang may have the best waves in all of Phuket. They are more than 200m offshore, so you’ll have to paddle a bit, but the reef provides a consistent break, swells get up to 3m high and there is no undertow.
Surfing isn’t a major draw on Phuket, so the island isn’t exactly brimming with surf schools or board shops. But if you bring your own stick and skills, and arrive with the wind, you’ll find some nice waves all the way up the west coast.
Recommended operators:
Blujelly ( Map; 08 5880 7954; www.blujelly.com; Bang Thao) Offers kids’ lessons and is a good source of info about surfing around Bang Thao.
Phuket Surf ( Map; 08 1002 2496; www.phuketsurf.com; Kata) Offers surf lessons starting at 1500B, as well as board rentals; on Kata Yai’s southern cove.
Saltwater Dreaming ( Map; 0 7627 1050; www.saltwater-dreaming.com; Surin) Undoubtedly the island’s best surf shop. Ask about surfing classes and check out the website to answer any of your surfing questions.
KITEBOARDING
If you’ve never tried this up-and-coming sport, now’s your chance. Lessons with Kiteboarding Asia (off Map; 08 1591 4593; www.kiteboardingasia.com; 74/10 Moo 3, Th Hat Nai Yang; lessons from 4000B) take place in the sheltered bay and prices include all equipment hire. For a bit more time and money you can become certified by the International Kiteboarding Organisation – a necessary step to be able to hire equipment from most outfitters around the world. Bob, the owner/instructor, also gives traditional surfing lessons (and hires boards) when the swell arrives (best between June to September). The waves here are just as good as in Kata and Nai Han, without the lethal undertow.
KAYAKING & CANOEING
Several companies based on Phuket offer canoe tours of scenic Ao Phang-Nga ( Click here). The kayaks are able to enter semisubmerged caverns (known in Thai as ‘rooms’), which are inaccessible to the trademark long-tail boats. A day paddle will set you back around 3000B per person, which includes meals, equipment and hotel transfers. Many outfitters also run three-day all-inclusive trips (from 13,000B).
Operators based in or around Phuket Town:
John Gray’s Sea Canoe (off Map; 0 7625 4505; www.johngray-seacanoe.com; 124 Soi 1, Th Yaowarat, Phuket Town; trips 3950-57,800B) Phuket’s original kayak outfitter, John Gray and his team of local guides lead ecotours to Ao Phang-Nga’s hidden islands, lagoons and hongs (caves semisubmerged in the sea), where guests learn about this fragile ecosystem. The Hong By Starlight tour, a guided, evening paddle through bat caves into bioluminescent lagoons, is unforgettable. Overnight camping trips are also available. Trips leave from Ao Por.
Paddle Asia ( Map; 0 7624 0952; www.paddleasia.com; 19/3 Th Rasdanusorn, Phuket Town) Caters to beginners and those who don’t enjoy being surrounded by noisy tour groups. Groups are small (two to six people) and multiday tours are offered.
Sea Canoe Thailand (off Map; 0 7621 2172; www.seacanoe.net; 367/4 Th Yaowarat, Phuket Town) Has a great reputation despite the unoriginal name.
YACHTING
Phuket is one of Southeast Asia’s main yachting destinations, and you’ll