Surfing at Pakarang Beach (Memories Beach Bar) | KHAO LAK – PHANG NGA

Located only 15 mins drive North of Khao Lak town, Pakarang beach is the up and coming spot we're talking about. The shallow part is gentle and perfect for first-timers and beginners, and if you paddle out far enough, you can find bigger surf that's challenging for intermediates and satisfying for advanced surfers as well.

Surfing is something we have really been into recently, and we discovered an amazing super chilled surf spot in Khao Lak district in Phang Nga, Thailand. Located only 15 mins drive North of Khao Lak town, Pakarang beach is the up and coming spot we’re talking about.

Riding the wave. Photo by onedayasurfer.

Pakarang Beach is a VERY long and quiet beach with very wide beachfront.Β  It is absolutely stunning, especially on sunny days.

Photo by Life Out Loud.

There are no reefs or rocks at this particular spot, so you never have to worry about leaving the ocean with cuts all over your legs.Β  As the shallow ocean part stretches very far out, the surf on this part is gentle and perfect for first-timers and beginners.

Our friend Puk surfing whitewash on his first-ever lesson with Better Surf Thailand.
Bee enjoying surfing after her lesson with Better Surf Thailand.

However, should you paddle out far enough, you can find bigger surf that’s challenging for intermediates and satisfying for advanced surfers as well.

Pakarang Beach Surf.Β  Photo by Taweeroj Tah Eawpanich.

Video of Madi Ross surfing at Pakarang Beach

Photos by OneDayASurfer

 

This surf spot on Pakarang beach is just so chilled and laid back.Β  There have always been a group of local passionate surfers riding the waves regularly.Β  In the recent years they have got together and founded a surf school and community namely Better Surf Thailand.Β  They offer solo and group surf lessons as well as rental boards–all at very friendly rates.

Better surf Thailand Surf School lessons always start with theory on basic surfing and safety.

Board Rentals at Pakarang Beach.

Right in front of the board rental “shop” stands the Memories Beach Bar where visitors can have seriously delicious and authentic Thai food and get refreshing juices, beers and cocktails.

Wall decoration of the rustic Memories Beach Bar–you get the vibe now?

Like to pose?Β  Memories Beach Bar has a number of great spots of photos too!

In our opinion, the best time to go is early in the morning from 7-11am and anytime from 4.30pm onwards–this way you can minimise your chance of getting a majestically red sunburn.

If you surf between 11 and 2pm you will end up squinting all day like this… Surf suit/wet suit from Sharkskin >>> https://sharkskin.com/

You can also combine your afternoon surf session with watching the most stunning sunset (whilst getting slightly intoxicated with the cocktails or beers…).

Khao Lak is on the West coast of Thailand and, and Pakarang beach isn’t flooded with tourists so you are guaranteed a memorable, peaceful sunset (unless there are rain clouds!).

Below are some more shots from of surfers and the golden sky of Khao Lak.Β  Enjoy!

Never a boring sunset for Bee <3

OUR TIPS

  • To get to this surf spot, you have to drive via a 3km long gravel roads with bumps and potholes (usually filled with water).Β  Β Cars with low lips aren’t ideal for this road.Β  The entrance for Pakarang Beach hasn’t got a clear or massive sign post.Β  When you’re driving on the main road of Khao Lak (there is just one!), look for the yellow & orange surfboard at the entrance of the drive way (see in video).
  • If you are planning to come to Khao Lak mainly to surf for a few days, we recommend you stay at Apsara Beachfront Resort (Link below)Β  It’s on the beach right next to Pakarang Surf Shop (5-10 mins walk only on the beach).Β  Otherwise you would need to hire a car / motor bike / taxi to get there.

RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS

  • For surfer’s zinc sunscreen and other surf-related skincare products, visit our favourite online shop https://www.thalassomer.com/
  • Check outΒ WAVES Sunscreen Remover Wipes, 100% fast-biodegradable wipes with natural ingredients that effectively remove very sticky and stubborn waterproof sunscreens and zinc paste while being super gentle on the skin.Β  Suitable for children age 3 and aboveΒ https://www.wavesecocare.com/
  • For surf accessories and apparels, visit https://www.beachboycommu.com/
WAVES Sunscreen Remover 100% Fast-Biodegradable Wipe.

RECOMMENDED LINKS

  • Better Surf Thailand for booking and enquiries on surf lessons and hotel packages.
  • onedayasurfer for professional surf photography service (based in Khao Lak)
  • #LOLDO Experience in Phang Nga near Khao Lak:
    • Thailand’s Little Amazon Mangrove Forest Canoe tour, click HERE
    • Ao Tho Li & Samet Nang She stunning view points, click HERE
    • Bamboo Rafting at Tarn Morakot (Emerald Streams), click HERE
  • #LOLSTAY Experience APSARA Beachfront Resort (5 mins walk to the surf spot): clickΒ HERE
    Photo by Life Out Loud.
    Photo by Better Surf Thailand

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Bee & Ben Life Out Loud. Author contributor content creator travel lifestyle blog life out loud official