Fishing in Thailand
Including Cheow Lan Lake, Hua Hin Coastal and Squid Fishing Grounds, and Koh Chang Marine Waters. On the map.
The vibe
Angling here blends tropical river runs with offshore chases, offering a mix of giant catfish and big‑game saltwater species. The monsoon brings strong currents, so most anglers prefer the dry season, especially December to February, for steadier seas. You’ll often join a local charter that handles the licence and gear, though some seasoned anglers rent a boat and sort their own licence.
fishing licence
Cheow Lan Lake, Surat Thani
Surat Thani Province
Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Located within Khao Sok National Park, this stunning limestone-karst lake is home to the fierce giant snakehead. The environment is pristine, offering a unique wilderness fishing experience.
Access. Accessible via boat from the Ratchaprapha Dam pier. Guides are required for navigating the lake and accessing the best fishing zones.
Notes. Strictly regulated due to National Park status. Fishing must be done through authorized local operators who hold permits.
Hua Hin Coastal and Squid Fishing Grounds
Prachuap Khiri Khan Province
Supercarwaar / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Calm coastal waters along the Royal Coast of Hua Hin, popular for relaxed boat trips, bottom fishing, and evening squid fishing excursions illuminated by green lights.
Access. Fishing boats and wooden charters depart from Hua Hin fishing pier and surrounding coastal docks. Local operators arrange half-day and night trips.
Notes. Suitable for families and recreational anglers looking for calm waters and casual fishing experiences.
Koh Chang Marine Waters
Trat Province
Nick Steemans / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Eastern Gulf waters surrounding Koh Chang and Koh Kood, featuring sheltered bays, rocky headlands, and coral reefs. Excellent for light tackle reef fishing, trolling, and night squid fishing.
Access. Charters operate out of Bang Bao Pier on Koh Chang. Visitors can book shared or private longtail and speedboat fishing trips.
Notes. Adhere to Koh Chang National Marine Park regulations regarding restricted fishing zones.
Koh Samui Coastal Waters
Surat Thani Province
Roma Neus / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Gulf of Thailand waters surrounding Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, and Koh Tao, known for productive reef fishing and light-tackle bottom fishing. Anglers regularly encounter groupers, snappers, barracuda, and occasional pelagics.
Access. Local boat tours, traditional longtail charters, and speedboats operate daily from major piers such as Bophut and Nathon. Gear and bait are provided on charter excursions.
Notes. Fishing is subject to local marine conservation zones. Visitors should confirm trip inclusions with licensed operators.
Krabi and Ao Nang Coastal Waters
Krabi Province
kallerna / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Limestone karst-fringed coastal waters and nearby island channels offering scenic inshore and light offshore fishing. Anglers target species like mangrove jacks, barracuda, queenfish, and reef groupers.
Access. Longtail boat charters and speedboats can be hired directly from Ao Nang Beach or Nopparat Thara Pier. Local skippers know the best productive rock structures and channels.
Notes. Avoid fishing within designated national marine park core zones without authorized permission.
Pattaya and Koh Larn Fishing Grounds
Chon Buri Province
iMahesh / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Popular Gulf of Thailand fishing grounds around Koh Larn and nearby island clusters, ideal for bottom fishing, squid jigging, and light trolling. Common catches include snapper, grouper, and squid.
Access. Charters, wooden fishing boats, and speedboat rentals depart regularly from Pattaya's Bali Hai Pier. Day trips and night squid-fishing excursions are easily booked locally.
Notes. No special visitor license is required for standard recreational boat charters, but operators adhere to local fishing regulations.
Phuket Andaman Sea Waters
Phuket Province
Tobias Barkskog / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
World-class offshore charter grounds in the Andaman Sea targeting massive pelagics including marlin, sailfish, tuna, and giant trevally. Trips typically depart from Chalong Bay or Ao Po Grand Marina toward the Racha Islands or Drop Off areas.
Access. Deep sea fishing charters and sportfishing operators are widely available around Phuket's marinas. Half-day and multi-day boat trips include tackle, bait, and experienced local captains.
Notes. Marine park regulations apply around certain islands. Catch-and-release is strongly encouraged for billfish by reputable charter operators.
Songkhla Lake
Songkhla Province
กิตติ เลขะกุล / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Thailand's largest natural lagoon system in the south, connected to the Gulf of Thailand. Famous for brackish water and freshwater species including barramundi, mangrove jack, and various catfish.
Access. Accessed via local boat hire from Songkhla city waterfront or surrounding fishing villages along the lake shores.
Notes. A working lake supporting local artisanal fisheries; recreational visitors should hire local fishermen as guides.
Trang Archipelago Waters
Trang Province
Silaparul / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Untouched island waters off the Trang coastline featuring rich coral reefs, seagrass beds, and productive drop-offs. Target species include coral trout, snappers, and mackerel.
Access. Boats depart from Pak Meng Pier. Local guides offer customized island-hopping and fishing day trips.
Notes. Part of Hat Chao Mai National Park waters in certain zones; check with local guides regarding permitted fishing boundaries.