Simeulue · Indonesia
Surfing Thailands
A reef break in Simeulue, Indonesia, for intermediate and advanced surfers.
- TypeReef Break
- LevelIntermediate / Advanced
- Size3-8 ft
- Best monthsApr-Oct
- Crowd2/5
The wave
Thailands is the best-known right on Simeulue: long, walling and sometimes hollow, with a name that dates from the early trips there.
It suits intermediate and advanced surfers, with a clean takeoff, faces for turns and barrel sections on the better tides. It works at 3-8ft on SW swell with NE-season winds. As with most reefs, it changes a lot with the tide.
Simeulue is in Aceh province, so it's conservative, and respectful travellers are made very welcome. Losmen are cheap and the lobster is good. Crowds are small. Everyday shortboard.
2.48, 96.38 · SW swell, NE wind · Open in Google Maps
When to surf Thailands
Thailands is at its best from April to October. Conditions it likes: SW swell, NE wind. This is how the year looks across Sumatra-Nias:
| Months | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| April to May | Good | The season builds, lineups are empty and camps charge shoulder rates |
| June to August | Prime | Peak power at Lagundri and Krui: the classic window |
| September to October | Good | Clean swells continue, crowds drop off |
| November to March | Quiet | Rainier and smaller but rarely flat, and cheaper |
Waves near Thailands
| Wave | Area | Type | Level | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tea Bags | Simeulue | Reef Break | Intermediate | 10 km |
| Afulu | Nias / Lagundri Bay | Reef Break | Advanced | 162 km |
| Asu | Nias / Lagundri Bay | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 202 km |
| Bawa (North Nias) | Nias / Lagundri Bay | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 203 km |
| Sorake Beach | Nias / Lagundri Bay | Reef Break | Intermediate / Advanced | 266 km |
| Lagundri Bay-Nias | Nias / Lagundri Bay | Reef Break | Advanced / Pro | 266 km |
Straight-line distances. By road it is usually further.
Getting there and staying around Simeulue
Transport, costs and the rest of the waves in the area are in the Simeulue surf guide →
A week here costs from about $725 with flights from Europe, or around $1,232 travelling comfortably. See other surf trips under $1,000 →
Thailands: common questions
When is the best time to surf Thailands?
Thailands works best from April to October. Ideal conditions: SW swell, NE wind.
Is Thailands good for beginners?
No. Thailands is a wave for intermediate and advanced surfers.
How crowded is Thailands?
Thailands is usually quiet: 2 out of 5 on our crowd scale.
Where is Thailands?
Thailands is in Simeulue, in the Sumatra-Nias region of Indonesia (2.48, 96.38). The nearest wave we cover is Tea Bags, about 10 km away.
Last updated October 2026. Seasons, costs and conditions change, so check the details before you book.
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