Beaches · Northern end of Patong Bay
Kalim Beach
The rocky northern tip of Patong's bay: a surf spot for experienced surfers in the monsoon, not a swimming beach.
Access
By road
Entry
Free
Time to allow
A short stop
Best time
May to October for experienced surfers; otherwise any dry-season day for the view
Why go
Only if you surf well, or want to see the waves. From May to October a shallow reef wave forms here, for experienced surfers; beginners should look elsewhere, such as the surf schools at Kata.
What you will find
The northern tip of Patong's bay, cut off from the main beach by a headland. The shore is rocky rather than sandy.
Getting there
By road, just north of Patong.
Before you go
Waves reach the rocks: in October 2025 a father and his son were swept off them and rescued. Keep off the rocks when the sea is big.
Swimmers were stung by jellyfish here and at Patong in October 2025. If you are stung, get out of the water, pour vinegar on the sting and call 1669.
Common questions
Can you swim at Kalim Beach?
It is not a swimming beach: the shore is rocky. For a swim, Patong's main beach is just to the south.
Is Kalim good for beginner surfers?
No. The wave breaks over a shallow reef and suits experienced surfers only, from May to October. Kata has surf schools in the rainy season.