Surin Islands

27 December 2022

The Surin Islands are a popular destination for travelers seeking an escape from crowded tourist areas and urban centers. Located in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand in Phang Nga Province, the archipelago is home to five islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Khai, and Koh Klang. These islands are known for their excellent diving, snorkelling, hiking, and game fishing opportunities.

The main island of Koh Surin Nuea has several bays, each with its own unique features. Ao Mae Yai, on the southwest side of the island, is the largest bay. The southeast side of the island is home to Ao Luek, which has shallow corals and a wealth of marine life. Ao Mai Ngam, located on the northeast side of the island, is home to the national park office and a 2-km walking path. This bay also has good snorkelling and swimming opportunities along its long beach. Ao Chak, located on the north side of Koh Surin Nuea, is known for its beautiful bay and pristine coral reefs.

The Surin Islands are a protected national park, and visitors are required to pay a fee to enter. There are a variety of accommodation options available on the islands, ranging from basic tents to luxury villas. The islands can be reached by boat from the mainland.

Activities in Surin Islands

There are a variety of activities to enjoy on the Surin Islands, depending on your interests and preferences. Some popular options include:

Diving and snorkelling: The Surin Islands are known for their clear waters and rich marine life, making them a popular destination for diving and snorkelling. There are a number of diving schools and tour operators on the islands offering equipment rentals and guided diving and snorkelling tours.
Hiking: The Surin Islands are home to a number of trails and paths that are suitable for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the islands.
Fishing: The Surin Islands are known for their excellent game fishing opportunities, with a variety of species found in the surrounding waters. There are several fishing tour operators on the islands offering guided trips and equipment rentals.
Beach activities: The Surin Islands have several beautiful beaches that are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities.
Cultural experiences: The Surin Islands are home to several small communities of the Moken, a traditional sea-faring people who have lived in the area for centuries. Visitors can learn more about the Moken culture and way of life by visiting their villages and participating in cultural activities.

Overall, the Surin Islands offer a wide range of activities and experiences for travelers of all interests and ages.

Highlights of Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are a group of five islands located in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of Thailand in the province of Phang Nga. These islands are known for their beautiful beaches, clear waters, and rich marine life, making them a popular destination for diving, snorkelling, and other water sports.

Some of the highlights of the Surin Islands include:

Pristine beaches: The Surin Islands have several beautiful beaches with clear waters and soft, white sands. These beaches are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and other beach activities.
Rich marine life: The waters around the Surin Islands are home to a diverse range of marine life, including coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves. The islands are a popular destination for diving and snorkelling, with a variety of fish and other marine animals to observe.
Cultural experiences: The Surin Islands are home to several small communities of the Moken, a traditional sea-faring people who have lived in the area for centuries. Visitors can learn more about the Moken culture and way of life by visiting their villages and participating in cultural activities.
Hiking and outdoor activities: The Surin Islands have a number of trails and paths that are suitable for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the islands. There are also opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and other outdoor activities.
Richelieu Rock: This coral-covered pinnacle is a popular diving spot due to the large number of whale sharks that are often found in the area.

Overall, the Surin Islands offer a unique and memorable experience for travelers seeking a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and relaxation.

How to get to Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are located in the Andaman Sea and can be reached by taking a boat or ferry from Phuket. The journey takes around three hours by speedboat or six hours by ferry. Once you arrive at the islands, you can explore the beaches, forests, and coral reefs, and visit the Moken village on Koh Surin Nuea to learn about the local sea-faring culture. Keep in mind that the Surin Islands are a protected marine national park, so you will need to pay a fee to enter.

The tropical climate on the islands can be hot and humid, with occasional rain showers, so it is important to bring sunscreen, insect repellent, and a hat or umbrella to protect yourself. Travel to the Surin Islands can be difficult during the southwest monsoon season (May–October) due to rough waves. There are several options for reaching the islands, including taking a ferry from Khura Buri Pier (which takes around four hours) or arranging a tour from Phuket (which can include snorkelling and a visit to the national park’s headquarters). Alternatively, you can book a speedboat trip, which takes only one hour to reach the islands. Foreigners are required to pay a fee of around 200 baht to visit Mu Koh Surin National Park.