The Thailand Surfing Tourism Industry is poised for substantial growth. It is forecasted to increase from an estimated USD 6.9 billion in 2025 to USD 24.3 million by 2035, reflecting a CAGR of 13.3% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2035.
The growth is driven by Thailand's rising reputation as a surfing destination, the continuous development of surf tourism infrastructure, and the increasing demand for surf-focused leisure activities.
Market Overview
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Estimated Thailand Industry Size (2025E) | USD 6.9 billion |
| Projected Thailand Value (2035F) | USD 24.3 million |
| Value-based CAGR (2025 to 2035) | 13.3% |
Thailand is now a major competitor in Southeast Asia's surfing tourism industry, with a wide variety of surf spots ranging from the lively beaches of Phuket to the off-the-beaten-path waves of Koh Lanta and Koh Phayam. Surf resorts and surf schools are proliferating in these areas, providing customized packages for foreign visitors, such as surf camps, guided tours, and surfboard rentals.
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The following chart highlights the changes in CAGR for the base year 2024 and the forecast for 2025, reflecting evolving market trends.
CAGR Values for Thailand Surfing Tourism Industry (2024 – 2025)
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.6% in the first half of 2024, with a slight increase to 12.7% in the second half. In 2025, the growth rate is projected to rise to 13% in the first half and peak at 13.3% in the second half due to the increasing number of surf resorts and surf schools offering new surf packages, catering to both beginner and advanced surfers.
|
Category |
Details |
|
Market Value |
The Thailand surfing tourism market is estimated to generate USD 6.1 billion in 2024, contributing 45% of Southeast Asia’s surfing tourism market. |
|
Domestic Market Share |
Domestic tourists make up 50%, with popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Hua Hin seeing significant local interest. |
|
International Market Share |
International tourists account for 50%, with notable visitors coming from Australia, Europe, and North America. Key destinations include Khao Lak and Koh Lanta. |
|
Key Destinations |
Top surfing destinations include Phuket's Kata Beach, Koh Lanta, Khao Lak, and the relatively undiscovered Koh Phayam. |
|
Economic Impact |
Surf tourism brings millions to local economies through surf camps, accommodations, restaurants, and surf-related services. |
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Key Trends |
Growth in surf resorts with wellness packages, an increase in surf competitions and surf schools, and sustainable surf tourism practices. |
|
Top Travel Seasons |
The peak season occurs from November to March, particularly during the dry season when the waves are at their best for surfing. |
Thailand’s surfing tourism industry is emerging as a leading destination for international surfers, with locations like Phuket and Koh Lanta becoming increasingly well-known among surf enthusiasts. Phuket's Kata Beach and the nearby Kalim Beach are attracting a growing number of foreign surfers. Koh Lanta offers more secluded, less crowded surf experiences, making it popular for independent travelers looking for an escape.
One of the prominent trends in Thailand's surfing tourist industry is the emergence of environment-friendly surf resorts, like at Khao Lak, that follow sustainable methods such as harnessing solar power, reducing plastic, and serving organic food. Well-being tourism has also seen an uptick with resorts providing surf-and-yoga retreats on Thailand's picturesque coast.
|
Date |
Development & Details |
|
Jan 2025 |
Launch of Surf & Wellness Packages: Koh Lanta Surf Camp introduced a new "Surf & Wellness" retreat, combining surf lessons with mindfulness meditation and beachside yoga sessions. |
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Dec 2024 |
New Surf School in Phuket: The Wave Surf School, located at Kata Beach in Phuket, opened its doors, offering advanced surfing techniques and surf photography services. |
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Nov 2024 |
Family Surf Camps in Khao Lak: Surfer’s Paradise Resort launched a family-friendly surf program designed to cater to all ages and skill levels, offering specialized lessons and accommodations for families with children. |
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Oct 2024 |
Surf Competition in Koh Phayam: Koh Phayam’s annual “Hidden Wave” surf competition attracted international surfers, showcasing the island’s untapped surf potential. |
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Sept 2024 |
Artificial Wave Pool in Hua Hin: Hua Hin Surf Center opened a state-of-the-art artificial wave pool, allowing surfers to practice consistently throughout the year. |
Independent Travelers Dominate the Thailand Surfing Tourism Segment
Independent travelers will comprise the largest segment of Thailand's surfing tourism market by 2025, holding 60% of all reservations. The trend suggests a change in how surfers travel, with increased preference for customized and flexible itineraries that address specific needs and preferences. Instead of taking pre-packaged group tours, the majority of surf tourists now wish to have the liberty to craft their own surf experiences so they can experience Thailand's varied coastline and surf beaches on their own terms.
This need for individualized surf experiences is especially pronounced in Thailand's lesser-known and isolated surf spots, like Koh Phayam, where visitors can experience a more peaceful and less touristy environment. In this setting, surfers can escape the crowds that come with more well-known spots and interact with the natural splendor of Thailand's beaches. The nation's established surf centers such as Phuket, however, still appeal to solo surfers based on the active surf lifestyle, top-notch surf schools, and busy beachside promenades. The range of choices from novice surf lessons to expert coaching sessions enables surfers to customize surf trips based on expertise and objectives.
Surf Thailand and other local surf tour operators are important in facilitating independent travelers to create their perfect surfing holiday. These operators provide customized services, including private surf guides who can lead surfers to the best location depending on their skill and preference, as well as surfboard and equipment rentals. Moreover, most of these websites offer customized surf lessons that incorporate a local guide's knowledge of surf conditions, weather, and techniques, which adds to the experience. This capacity to customize travel plans enables surfers to easily integrate their love of the sport with a genuine, self-directed discovery of Thailand's breathtaking coastal areas.
Surfers aged 25 - 35 are projected to account for 40% of Thailand's surf tourism market in 2025, making them the largest age segment. These individuals are specifically drawn to Thailand's mix of world-class surfing locations and relaxed beach settings that combine adventure and relaxation. Places such as Koh Lanta and Kata Beach, both famous for their reliable waves and lively surf culture, are particularly popular with this group. Koh Lanta, with its empty beaches and natural beauty, provides the perfect environment for surfers who desire seclusion along with thrilling surf conditions. On the other hand, Kata Beach in Phuket, with its lively atmosphere and top-notch surf schools, appeals to those looking for both surf excitement and cultural immersion.
Independent travel is one of the dominant trends among this generation of surfers. They prefer not to opt for packaged tours but rather exercise the freedom of creating their own surf and relaxation experiences. Through this change, they can couple rigorous surf breaks with exploration activities like a visit to a temple, experience of Thai cuisine, and immersion in community life. Moreover, wellness tourism has been on the rise, with a great number of those in this demographic looking for areas that combine surfing with relaxation activities such as yoga, meditation, and spa services. Areas such as Khao Lak, complete with wellness-focused resorts and surf schools, have become very popular for these integrated travel experiences.
A preference for accommodation for this age group tends to be boutique hotels, beachfront villas, and affordable mid-range resorts that are comfortable as well as social. These surfers prefer that which is both accessible and affordable and has good social areas where they can interact with other like-minded surfers. The mix of good surf conditions, cultural experience, and wellness makes Thailand one of the favorite destinations for this young and active age group.
The Thailand Surfing Tourism Industry is moderately competitive. Leading players in the market include Talay Surf, SSS Phuket Dive Freedive & Surf Center, Mahalo Kiteschool, with other regional surf camps gaining popularity.
2025 Market Share of Thailand Surfing Tourism Players
Leading players with notable market share Talay Surf, SSS Phuket Dive Freedive & Surf Center, Mahalo Kiteschool, with smaller surf camps and resorts around Thailand catering to niche surf travelers.
The industry is segmented into Domestic and International tourists.
he market is analyzed by gender (Men, Women).
Segmentation includes Independent Traveler, Tour Group, and Package Traveler.
he industry is segmented into Below 25 years, 25 - 35 years, 35 - 45 years, and Over 45 years.
The Thailand Surfing Tourism Industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 13.3% from 2025 to 2035.
The market is projected to reach USD 24.3 billion by 2035.
The key drivers include Thailand’s expanding surf infrastructure, increasing interest in surf-centered travel experiences, and the rise of sustainable surf tourism practices.
Key players include Talay Surf, SSS Phuket Dive Freedive & Surf Center, Mahalo Kiteschool.
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