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Tim Pile

With surfing now banned at all of Hong Kong’s 42 public beaches for safety reasons, board riders will have to venture further afield to pursue their passion. From beginner-friendly swells in Thailand to the powerful barrels of Indonesia, here are eight Asian spots that together offer something for every wave chaser.
1. Phuket, Thailand

Aside from the monsoon season (May to October), Thailand isn’t renowned for monster barrels but there are plenty of places where waves roll relentlessly shorewards. First timers should have fun in Phuket – the warm waters and relaxed vibe make it a great destination for families and surfers alike. Known for its reef breaks, Kalim Beach is probably the best place on the island for waves that can exceed 3.5 metres when the weather turns moody. For those seeking a gentler introduction, Bang Tao provides smaller sets that are perfect for learning the basics on.
2. Yomitan, Japan

A picturesque coastal village in Okinawa, southern Japan, Yomitan is popular with those in the know. Shaped by seasonal typhoons and testing swells, its reef breaks create challenging conditions, making it an ideal destination for intermediate and advanced surfers. For an unforgettable cultural experience, plan your visit to coincide with the Yomitan Festival. This lively celebration, which is usually held in October, features Okinawan dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, theatrical plays and a classical Ryukyu music concert.
3. Riyue Bay, China

Hainan Island is home to some of China’s most beautiful beaches and premier surfing spots. With its pounding breaks, Riyue (Sun and Moon) Bay stands out as the island’s top surfing destination, particularly during the winter monsoon, between October and March. The village has hosted international competitions such as the annual Hainan Surfing Championship and, to nurture local talent, authorities have established a national surfing team training base in Riyue Bay. Underscoring the sport’s growing significance in China, Yang Siqi – originally from Sichuan province but who was turned on to surfing in Hainan – represented her country at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
4. Siargao, The Philippines

Dubbed the “the surfing capital of the Philippines”, Siargao – in the country’s southeast – delivers an endless supply of waves for all levels. Surfing in Siargao is possible year-round but the most iconic spot, Cloud 9, is at its best from September to November, when steady swells and offshore winds produce perfect conditions. These world-class waves – ranked among the top 10 in the world – have been attracting shred heads from far and wide since the late 1980s. On prime days, when the waves are pumping, they can reach four metres and challenge even the most experienced riders.
5. Bai Dai and Dark Reef, Vietnam

A 40-minute drive from Nha Trang, Vietnam, beautiful Bai Dai, aka Long Beach, serves up consistent sets in water so shallow you don’t even need to know how to swim to catch a wave. The season runs from September to May and more proficient board riders can test their skills at Dark Reef, a classic reef break about halfway between Nha Trang and Bai Dai, near the Diamond Bay Resort. Surfers need to paddle 300 metres out to catch the best waves at Dark Reef, but boat transfers from the shore are available. There are no surfboard rental shops nearby so you’ll need to bring all your own gear, and the break is unsafe at low tide.
6. Lagundri Bay, Indonesia

Horseshoe-shaped Lagundri Bay, in Indonesia, has long seduced adventurous wave hunters, due in part to its scenic isolation – the story of its discovery by three Australians in 1975 has become part of surf folklore. Today, the glassy right-hander regularly appears on lists of the world’s best waves and continues to lure adrenaline junkies to the Nias Islands group, situated off the west coast of Sumatra. Lagundri Bay isn’t solely for seasoned surfers, however. For those who are new to the sport, surf schools affiliated with guest houses offer one-on-one lessons.
7. Cherating, Malaysia

Like Thailand, Malaysia is more of a destination for learning to surf than a hotspot for massive waves. The easy-going east coast beach town of Cherating was discovered by backpackers in the 1970s and 80s and has since evolved into a haven for surfers. The biggest swells arrive during the monsoon season, from October to March, with the Cherating International Surfing competition taking place in February. At this time, the town’s rustic wooden bungalows, cafes and traditional kampong-style restaurants are at their busiest.
8. Ahangama, Sri Lanka

Ahangama, Sri Lanka, boasts a variety of surf spots for all levels, from beach and reef breaks to a smoothly peeling wave known as Marshmallow. With clean swells, offshore winds and great weather, the southwest coast is a surfer’s paradise from November to April, which just so happens to be the dry season in Sri Lanka.


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8 Asian surfing spots to ride the waves, from Phuket to Sri Lanka

Surf’s up: seasoned surfers flock to the famous Cloud 9 surf spot on Siargao Island in the Philippines. Photo: Getty Images

Kalim Beach in Phuket, Thailand, is one of the top Asian destinations for world-class surf beaches. Photo: Shutterstock

Surfing in Okinawa in southern Japan is exciting, especially for those looking for more challenging conditions. Photo: Shutterstock

Surfers enjoying themselves at Riyue Bay on Hainan Island, China. Photo: Shutterstock

Siargao Island is known as the surfing capital of The Philippines. Photo: Getty Images

A drone view of Bai Dai beach in central Vietnam. Photo: Getty Images

Lagundri Bay in Indonesia welcomes beginner surfers, too. Photo: Getty Images

A beach at Cherating, Malaysia. Photo: Rachael Oakes-Ash

Ahangama in Sri Lanka is popular with surfers during the dry season. Photo: Shutterstock

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Surfing is banned in Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia offers great alternatives for everyone – from Phuket’s beginner waves to Indonesia’s challenging barrels


Surfing is banned in Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia offers great alternatives for everyone – from Phuket’s beginner waves to Indonesia’s challenging barrels.


8 Asian surfing spots to ride the waves, from Phuket to Sri Lanka

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Surfing is banned in Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia offers great alternatives for everyone – from Phuket’s beginner waves to Indonesia’s challenging barrels

.css-1mniedq{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;}1. Phuket, Thailand

Surfing is banned in Hong Kong, but the rest of Asia offers great alternatives for everyone – from Phuket’s beginner waves to Indonesia’s challenging barrels

1. Phuket, Thailand