Thailand
The Surin Islands are a group of five islets in the Andaman Sea. Ko Surin Tai, Koh Surin Nuea, Ko Klang, Ko Kai, and Ko Ri. This archipelago is located 55 kilometers off the coast of Phang Nga Bay Province. Officially, it is part of the Khura Buri district. Travelers from around the world flock to the area for snorkeling and underwater activities.
Historical notes
The islanders of the Surin archipelago are known as the Moken, or sea gypsies. Originally from Burma and China, these tribes settled on the Surin Islands over 4000 years ago. The Moken mainly live off hunting, fishing, and collecting mollusks and crustaceans. They have their own dialects. Their beliefs are deeply connected to nature. Living according to the seasons, they travel from island to island aboard Kabang, small wooden boats.
The 2004 tsunami radically changed the population's way of life. They were forced to take refuge in Ao Chong Kaad. Contact with modern civilization changed their customs and behaviors. The rural exodus increased. The Moken, nomads by nature, gradually settled in nearby cities. Fishing and hunting restrictions imposed by the government exacerbated the situation. Sensitized by these issues, numerous international organizations are working tirelessly to preserve the cultural heritage of the Surin Islands.
Today
The Surin Islands and the surrounding ocean are part of the Mu Ko Surin Marine National Park. Established in 1981 by the Thai government, this protected area preserves the biodiversity and unique ecosystem of the Surin archipelago. The park covers an area of 135 km2.
The two largest islands in the Surin archipelago are Koh Surin Nuea, in the north, and Koh Surin Tai, in the south. These are the busiest areas. All building construction is prohibited there. The only accommodation on the Surin Islands is located at Ao Mai Ngam, on Koh Surin Nuea island. Offering luxury comfort, numerous bungalows, tents, and restaurants are available on site. The entire area is covered by the internet.
Discovering the wonders of the Surin Islands
Hidden wonders under the sea
The waters are clear and shallow. They teem with life: colorful fish, manta rays, imperial angelfish, white-cheeked surgeonfish, harlequin shrimp, horned porcelain crabs, whale sharks, seahorses, groupers, barracuda schools, nudibranchs…
The immense formations of granite and limestone, sprinkled with coral and algae, are breathtaking.
Highly prized by divers, Richelieu Rock adorns the depths of the sea with its pink and purple hues. During your snorkeling sessions, discover the largest underwater fauna of the archipelago there.
The Surin Islands are full of several interesting corners.
The Tao Bay coral reef is a true underwater jewel. Observe many marine species at Suthep Bay and Pak Kaad. Discover the habitat of sea turtles at Turtle Ridge.
The beaches and jungles of the archipelago
The fine sandy beaches are adorned with immaculate white. They have been kept intact for years and highlight the turquoise-blue sea and lush vegetation of the islands. Jungle, mangroves—the archipelago is a paradise for lovers of greenery and natural landscapes.
Keep your eyes wide open. From your boat or on-site, you will discover a whole population of monkeys, birds, reptiles, and crustaceans living harmoniously in their natural environments. The islands are famous for their unique fauna, such as the Malayan monitor lizard, the bent-fingered gecko, green turtles, and giant hermit crabs.
An authentic Moken village
Today, more than 250 Moken live in a small bamboo village on the east coast of Surin Tai. They are skilled artisans. They sell several original creations and art objects on-site. Many Moken work in the park or drive long-tail boats in the area.
When to visit the Surin Islands?
The park is closed during the heavy rainfall seasons, between May and October. Climate change may disrupt this rainy period. It may occur in other months of the year.
If you aspire to a more intimate experience, avoid visiting the Surin Islands during the high seasons, from December to January.
The best times for diving are between December and April. The wind is calmer. The average water temperature is 29 °C.
How to get there?
Phuket International Airport is 170 kilometers from Khura Buri. From the Khura Buri Pier, you can reach the Surin Islands by boat. You can also contact the Sea Stars company and rent its speedboats to not miss anything in the archipelago. Khura Buri is connected to Bangkok by a network of buses and trains.
Getting around the Surin Islands
The Moken village and the campsites of Ao Mai Ngam are the only places where you can set foot on land. They are accessible on foot from numerous mooring places.
Good to know: some islands in the archipelago are not accessible to visitors. To preserve marine fauna and the environment, several maritime zones of the island are off-limits for diving.
