surfing

J PAtokal: Long tail Boasts, Krabi Island, Thailand; 2005

Oct - Nov sees storm front activity in the Bay of Bengal that provides rideable options on the coast of Thailand. It is worth bearing in mind that there are fewer than 200 surfers living in Thailand so it's one of those places that you dont mind surfing with someone else for a change. The predominat flow of SW swell across the Indian Ocean tends to miss the coast with Sri Lanka really being the cut off point for reliable swell activity originating in the Southern Hemisphere. 

The Andamen and Nicobar Islands severely attenuate energy on the west coast of peninsula Thailand forming the often silent Andaman Sea. Stronger systems will storm over this barrier however and deliver lumpy swell on exposed beaches. Occasional typhoons in the South China Sea will bomb the east coast of the peninsula with multiple options.

Wandering swell systems can and do manage to get bent back to the coastline here however offering you another source of swell generating activity. Be sure to enjoy the isolation while it lasts, before someone builds a surf camp there.

what to pack

Flashdance: A pair of very simple Moroccan flip flops called "Cabjuks"; 25 May 2007

Pack light, there's no need to bring your expensive belongings. Thailand is a very casual country..

Going in summer, make sure you take a good sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses; a good insect repellent is a must. Bring on the medicines you are used to take, but keep in mind that the pharmacists are very professional, know English and can give you medical advice to most minor problems.

Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, hat and natural fabrics (such as cotton or linen) clothes will be very useful. Don't forget a backpack. Bring lots of film/memory as you will be taking many photos and memory cards for digital cameras are expensive over there. Also protect your camera from sand and dirt.