Makutet Travel Guide
Fishing in Thailand
The Complete Guide to Fishing Holidays, Big Fish, Resorts, Parks & Trip Planning
Big Fish
The Fish You Can Catch in Thailand
Species from the Amazon, the Mekong and Thailand itself — all in one country. These are the fish that make the journey worth it.
Arapaima
Arapaima gigas
Why
One of the largest freshwater fish in the world. A prehistoric air-breather.
Max size
Can exceed 200 kg in the wild
Style
Bait fishing near the surface
Where
Gillhams (Krabi), Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani), other resorts
Mekong Catfish
Pangasianodon hypophthalmus
Why
Among the heaviest freshwater fish globally. A genuine giant.
Max size
Can exceed 300 kg in the wild
Style
Bottom fishing with bait
Where
Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani), other resorts
Siamese Carp
Catlocarpio siamensis
Why
The world's largest carp species. A flagship Thailand target.
Max size
Can exceed 100 kg in the wild
Style
Carp fishing methods
Where
Multiple Thailand fishing resorts
Alligator Gar
Atractosteus spatula
Why
A prehistoric armoured predator with a distinctive appearance.
Max size
Can exceed 130 kg in the wild
Style
Lure and bait fishing
Where
Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani), other resorts
Giant Snakehead
Channa micropeltes
Why
An aggressive, powerful predator. A prized lure-fishing target.
Max size
Can exceed 20 kg in the wild
Style
Lure fishing
Where
Fishing parks and wild waters across Thailand
Tambaqui
Colossoma macropomum
Why
A large, powerful fruit-eating fish. A strong sport fish.
Max size
Can exceed 30 kg in the wild
Style
Bait fishing
Where
Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani), other resorts
Pacu
Various species
Why
A powerful, deep-bodied fish related to piranha. Strong fighter.
Max size
Can exceed 25 kg in the wild
Style
Bait and lure fishing
Where
Multiple Thailand fishing resorts
Chao Phraya Giant Catfish
Pangasius sanitwongsei
Why
A large, powerful catfish native to Thailand.
Max size
Can exceed 100 kg in the wild
Style
Bottom fishing with bait
Where
Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani), other resorts
Redtail Catfish
Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Why
A colourful, powerful catfish popular with anglers.
Max size
Can exceed 50 kg in the wild
Style
Bait fishing
Where
Multiple Thailand fishing resorts
Fish photography is illustrative — showing the real species, not catches from any particular resort. Stocked records vary by venue; verify directly.
The Map
Thailand's Fishing Regions
From urban fishing parks in Bangkok to island charters in the south — Thailand's fishing map is diverse and accessible.
Bangkok & Central Thailand
Hua Hin / Cha-am
Surat Thani
Koh Samui
Krabi
Phuket / Andaman
Bangkok & Central Thailand
Home to numerous fishing parks and day-ticket venues. Convenient for travellers already in Bangkok.
Explore
Hua Hin / Cha-am
Coastal area south of Bangkok with established fishing resorts including Jurassic Mountain.
Explore
Surat Thani
NewAn emerging fishing base. Home to Paradise Fishing Resort (pre-opening) and close to Khao Sok.
Explore Paradise
Koh Samui
Island-based fishing, charters and tourism. Reached via ferry from the Surat Thani mainland.
Explore
Krabi
Coastal province with established freshwater fishing resorts including Gillhams.
Explore
Phuket / Andaman
Saltwater charters and some freshwater venues. Strong tourism infrastructure.
ExploreFishing Experiences
Resorts, Parks, Charters & Guides
Fishing Resorts
New in Southern ThailandParadise Fishing Resort
Surat Thani, mainland Southern Thailand
Freshwater resort — 2 lakes, 37+ species
Anglers wanting a mainland Southern Thailand base with family/wider-trip potential
14 lakeside lodges, restaurant, bar, pool. 10 min from Surat Thani Airport (Paradise published).
฿6,000/night with fishing; ฿40,000/7-night package (Paradise published)
New — expected opening November 2026
Gillhams Fishing Resort
Krabi, Southern Thailand
Freshwater resort — 12-acre lake, 50+ species
Anglers wanting an established, all-inclusive Krabi experience
On-site villas. Near Krabi beaches. Well-established, highly rated.
Approximately $250–500 USD per angler per day (verify directly)
Well-established
Jurassic Mountain Resort & Fishing Park
Cha-am, Phetchaburi (near Hua Hin)
Freshwater resort — lake
Budget-conscious anglers based near Hua Hin / Bangkok
On-site accommodation. Approximately 2.5 hours from Bangkok.
Approximately £130 per day fishing (verify directly)
Established
Fishing Parks
Bangkok Fishing Parks
Day-ticket venues around Bangkok. Convenient, affordable, and great for a casual session.
Saltwater & Charters
Phuket Charters
Saltwater sport fishing charters from Phuket. Target species include barracuda, grouper, snapper and sailfish.
Find Charters
Koh Samui Fishing
Island-based charters and fishing experiences from Koh Samui. Combine with beach holidays.
Find Charters
A Discovery
Paradise Fishing Resort
A new specialist freshwater fishing resort taking shape in Phunphin, Surat Thani. 37+ species across two lakes, 14 lakeside lodges, a restaurant, bar and pool — 10 minutes from the airport.
Makutet has watched this resort develop first-hand, from before construction began. The full independent guide — with logistics, family options, wider Thailand combinations and practical trip planning — is on the Paradise Fishing page.
Explore Paradise FishingKoh Samui
Fishing from Thailand's Island Paradise
Koh Samui offers a different kind of fishing holiday — saltwater charters, island-based freshwater venues and local guides, all combined with one of Thailand's most popular island destinations.
The island is reached via ferry from Donsak Pier on the Surat Thani mainland, making it a natural combination with mainland fishing and Paradise Fishing Resort.
Find Koh Samui ExperiencesIsland Charters
Sport fishing charters from Koh Samui targeting species in the Gulf of Thailand.
Freshwater Fishing
Some freshwater fishing venues on or near Koh Samui for shore-based sessions.
Boat & Big Game
Big-game fishing for sailfish, barracuda and other pelagic species in the Gulf.
Local Guides
Local fishing guides offering half-day and full-day experiences around the island.
Combine Koh Samui with Mainland Surat Thani
Koh Samui is a natural extension to a Paradise Fishing trip. Fish at Paradise on the mainland, then take the ferry from Donsak Pier to Koh Samui for beaches, island charters and a different pace.
Journey Concepts
Combine Fishing With a Wider Thailand Journey
A fishing trip doesn't have to be just fishing. Build a full Thailand holiday around it.
Fishing + Khao Sok
Ancient rainforest and a vast emerald lake framed by limestone karst. Combine a fishing base in Surat Thani with Thailand's most dramatic landscape.
ExploreFishing + Koh Samui
Fish on the mainland, then ferry to Koh Samui for beaches, dining and island charters. The most popular island combination.
Explore
Fishing + Koh Phangan
Quieter than Samui, famous for Full Moon Party. Combine fishing with island life and jungle waterfalls.
ExploreFishing + Krabi
Dramatic karst cliffs, Railay Beach and island-hopping. Krabi also hosts Gillhams Fishing Resort.
ExploreFishing + Phuket
Thailand's largest island with international flights, saltwater charters and full resort infrastructure.
Explore
Fishing + Beach
Any fishing trip can be extended with a beach stay. Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Krabi and Phuket all offer beach extensions.
ExploreFamilies & Non-Anglers
What Does the Non-Angler Do?
A common concern with fishing holidays. The best Thailand fishing destinations address this with pools, nearby attractions and island access.
Pool & Resort
Most fishing resorts have pools, restaurants and bars. Non-anglers can relax on-site.
Khao Sok & Cheow Lan
Day trips to Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake for rainforest and limestone karst scenery.
Island Day Trips
Ferry to Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao for beaches, snorkelling and island life.
Local Food & Markets
Explore local Thai food, floating markets and night markets around Surat Thani.
Family Activities
Water parks, geological museums, dharma parks and cultural sites within reach of fishing resorts.
Cost
What Does a Thailand Fishing Holiday Cost?
| Item | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fishing resort | ฿1,500–5,000/day (parks) to $250–500+ USD/angler/day (all-inclusive resorts) | Varies hugely by venue type |
| Day fishing ticket | ฿1,500–5,000/day | Fishing parks and day-ticket venues |
| Accommodation (non-resort) | ฿500–3,000/night | Hotels and guesthouses outside resorts |
| Flights (UK/Europe to Thailand) | £450–900 return | Economy, indirect. Seasonal. |
| Domestic flight | $25–50 one-way | Bangkok to regional airport |
| Transfers | ฿300–1,800 per transfer | Paradise Fishing published prices |
| Food & drink | ฿500–1,500/day | Often included at all-inclusive resorts |
| Travel insurance | £20–60 for 2 weeks | Essential for fishing trips |
| eSIM / connectivity | $5–20 | Travel eSIM activated before departure |
| Excursions | ฿1,500–5,000/day trip | Khao Sok, islands, activities |
| Optional extensions | Varies | Beach stays, island hopping, more fishing |
Worked Examples
Budget Fishing Park Trip
7 days
£1,200–1,800
- • Flights: £500–700
- • Bangkok hotel: £150–250 (5 nights)
- • Day fishing tickets: £150–250 (3 days)
- • Food & local transport: £200–300
- • Insurance & eSIM: £30–50
Assumes a solo angler fishing at Bangkok-area parks. Indirect economy flights from UK/Europe.
Most Popular
Mid-Range Resort Trip
10 days
£2,000–3,500
- • Flights: £500–800
- • Fishing resort: £800–1,500 (7 nights)
- • Island extension: £200–400 (3 nights)
- • Transfers & excursions: £200–400
- • Food, insurance & eSIM: £200–400
Assumes a couple combining a fishing resort with a beach extension. One angler, one non-angler.
All-Inclusive Resort Trip
10 days
£3,000–5,000+
- • Flights: £600–900
- • All-inclusive resort: $2,500–4,500 USD (£2,000–3,600)
- • Transfers: £100–200
- • Extensions & excursions: £300–500
- • Insurance, eSIM & extras: £50–100
Assumes an angler at a premium all-inclusive resort (e.g. Gillhams). Pricing in USD as resorts often price in USD.
All figures are indicative based on typical costs as of 2026. Actual costs vary significantly by resort, season, flight origin and trip style. Verify current pricing directly with each supplier.
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thailand good for fishing holidays?
Yes. Thailand is one of the world's most popular freshwater fishing destinations, offering big-fish species (arapaima, Mekong catfish, Siamese carp), established fishing resorts, affordable prices and good tourism infrastructure.
Where can you fish in Thailand?
Fishing venues exist across Thailand, including fishing parks in Bangkok, resorts in Hua Hin and Cha-am, Krabi (Gillhams), Phuket (saltwater charters), Koh Samui and mainland Surat Thani (Paradise Fishing, pre-opening).
What types of fishing are available in Thailand?
Freshwater fishing (fishing parks, fishing resorts, day-ticket venues), saltwater and coastal fishing (charters from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Samui), and guided fishing experiences.
Where can you catch big freshwater fish in Thailand?
Fishing resorts in Krabi (Gillhams), Cha-am (Jurassic Mountain) and the emerging Surat Thani base (Paradise Fishing) hold species including arapaima, Mekong catfish and Siamese carp.
How much does a Thailand fishing holiday cost?
A fishing resort may cost from ~฿1,500/day (day-ticket parks) to $250–500+ USD/angler/day (all-inclusive resorts). Add flights (£450–900 from UK/Europe), transfers, insurance, eSIM and excursions. A 7–10 day trip typically costs £1,500–4,000+ per person depending on resort choice and style.
What fish can you catch in Thailand?
Key freshwater species include arapaima, Mekong catfish, Siamese carp, alligator gar, giant snakehead, tambaqui, pacu, Chao Phraya giant catfish and redtail catfish. Saltwater species vary by region.
Where can you catch arapaima in Thailand?
Arapaima are held at several Thailand fishing resorts including Gillhams (Krabi) and Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani, pre-opening).
Where can you catch Mekong catfish in Thailand?
Mekong catfish are held at several Thailand fishing resorts. Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani) publishes a stocked record of 275 lb.
Where can you catch Siamese carp in Thailand?
Siamese carp — the world's largest carp species — are held at several Thailand fishing resorts. Paradise Fishing publishes a stocked record of 111 lb.
What is the difference between fishing parks and fishing resorts?
Fishing parks are typically day-ticket venues, often without accommodation. Fishing resorts provide accommodation, food and multi-day fishing packages. Resorts generally hold larger fish and offer a more complete experience.
How do you get to fishing resorts in Thailand?
Most international travellers fly into Bangkok (BKK or DMK) and connect to a regional airport (e.g. Surat Thani URT, Krabi KBV, Phuket HKT). Some resorts are reachable by overnight train or bus.
Can fishing be combined with Khao Sok?
Yes. Makutet suggests combining a fishing trip with Khao Sok National Park and Cheow Lan Lake. Paradise Fishing in Surat Thani is particularly well-positioned for this.
Can fishing be combined with a beach holiday?
Yes. Fishing resorts in Krabi, Phuket and Surat Thani are within reach of beaches and islands. Makutet suggests combining fishing with Koh Samui, Krabi or Phuket.
What can non-anglers do while you fish?
Non-anglers can use resort facilities (pools, restaurants) and visit nearby attractions. Paradise Fishing lists a pool, restaurant and bar, and Makutet has researched nearby attractions including Khao Sok, Cheow Lan Lake and local waterfalls.
Which fishing experience is suitable for families?
Resorts with accommodation, pools and nearby family attractions work best. Paradise Fishing (Surat Thani) lists a pool, restaurant and nearby attractions. Gillhams (Krabi) is near beaches.
Is a Thailand fishing holiday suitable for beginners?
Many resorts provide equipment, bait and guides. Confirm beginner suitability and tuition directly with the venue.
When is the best time to go fishing in Thailand?
The cool dry season (November to February) is generally the most comfortable time to visit Thailand. Confirm seasonal suitability with your chosen resort.
Can I fish on Koh Samui?
Yes. Koh Samui offers saltwater charters, some freshwater venues and local fishing guides. It can be combined with mainland fishing via the ferry from Donsak Pier.
Plan Your Trip
Ready to Build Your Thailand Fishing Holiday?
Makutet can help you connect every part of the journey — from flights to fishing to accommodation, transfers, experiences and extensions.
Flights
Fishing
Accommodation
Transfers
Experiences
A small planning fee applies. Contact us for details.