Low season is good for surfing and there's the bonus of some great bargains in Phuket
- Published: 17/06/2010 at 12:00 AM
- Newspaper section: Horizons
The sun, sand and sea are probably the main reasons a lot of holiday makers choose Phuket during its so-called high season that roughly runs October through April. For some, however, the ideal time to visit the island resort is the monsoon period _ low or green season, whatever you wish to call it _ when the sun factor is eclipsed by something that's much more fun: the surf.
From May to September, several beaches along the island's west coast are consistently pounded by waves on average 1-2 metres tall, just perfect for budding surfers. And milder sun rays filtering through the cloud banks means you can enjoy the sport as long as your energy lasts with less to worry about sunburn. With such favourable conditions, Phuket's surfing community has grown steadily in recent years, as well as others indulging in other forms of water sports.
But surfing is not the only good thing on offer. Thanks to the monsoon, trees and plants, and waterfalls on the island are more lively this time of year, complementing Phuket's many other attractions that can be enjoyed all year round.
Last but not least, don't forget that operators of tourist-related businesses, from restaurants and shops to hotels and airlines, consider this period of year the low season. And that means there are plenty good deals up for grabs!
Kitesurfing (also known as kiteboarding or simply kiting) is growing in popularity in Phuket. Unlike surfing, kitesurfers can enjoy their sport virtually all year round, although they have to move from one beach to another in search for the right wind and wave conditions. This photo was taken last September at Nai Yang Beach, northwest of the island.
Many of Phuket’s inland attractions can be visited any season. Why care so much for the sun when there are many other things you can enjoy, from the scenic lookout point at Laem Phromthep, a wildlife reserve at Khao Phra Thaeo and one of the South’s best aquariums at Laem Panwa to wellrespected Buddhist temples, the old town famous for Sino-Portuguese architecture and a variety of museums and fun parks? And don’t forget about the seafood and other local delicacies!
If you’re new to surfing, there are a few things you need to know. These range from proper gear (things such as why surfing pants has mesh pockets and velcro instead of metal buttons or zippers, etc) to how to balance yourself on the board as well as safety precautions. But don’t worry, there are several surf schools on the island that offer a crash course in surfing.
Kata Noi and the adjacent Kata Yai on the southwestern side of Phuket definitely rank high among the island’s surfing hot spots. The beaches are safe for both surfers and swimmers, thanks to a gentle inclination. Besides, surf shops and other related facilities are also easy to find in these areas.
Sirinat National Park covers a number of sandy strips on the northwestern rim of Phuket. Here, you can still enjoy tranquil beaches in their natural state, which is rare in other parts of the island. And at this time of year when it rains, plants in this area are lush green and refreshing to look at.
It doesn’t rain everyday in the monsoon season. Even on days it does pour, it isn’t wet everywhere and tends to be kind of on and off. These two photos were shot on the same day but at different times and beaches, the one with bright afternoon sky at Rawai and the other one a few hours earlier at Mai Khao.
Some might be surprised to know that diving in the Andaman Sea is possible all year round, well, at certain sites. The eastern side of Koh Racha Yai, a smaller island south of Phuket, boasts such spots where coral reefs are sheltered from the monsoon’s southwesterly winds. Too bad such a location offers no help when it comes to the outbreak of coral bleaching induced by higher sea temperature, which has affected many diving spots in the Thai waters. The underwater photo shown here was shot at a depth of five metres off Koh Racha Yai by Rewat Vichai just a few weeks ago. He revealed that the bleaching began in March and the effect is evident up to a depth of 12 metres. With the monsoon, the water is cooler now but chances are slim that the damaged corals will survive the ordeal.
This colourful parakeet is ‘Jub Jub’. The bird can be found at a resort on Koh Racha Yai. When in a good mood, Jub Jub is so friendly that it often alights and hangs out on visitor’s shoulder.
As one of the Kingdom’s top tourist destinations, Phuket is easily accessible. There are several daily flights connecting the island and Bangkok via Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports. For a taste of Phuket in monsoon season, and if you wish to ride the waves, budget carrier Nok Air has devised a package that includes return airfares from Bangkok, accommodation and a surfing class. Check out www.nokair.com if you wish for details.
About the author
- Writer: Pongpet Mekloy
- Position: Horizons Editor
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