SURIN ISLANDS

We invite you to an untouched paradise. Fantastic coral reefs, various fish species, and white sandy beaches await you on this excursion. The Surin Islands are ideal for snorkeling, relaxation, and swimming.

The Surin Islands are five fabulous islands, approximately 100 km north of Khao Lak. They may not be as famous as the Similan Islands, but they are equally stunning. Known for their colorful coral reefs and vibrant underwater life, they captivate many divers, and even snorkelers will be amazed by the natural beauty of the underwater world.

Mu Ko Surin National Park, richly covered in vegetation and surrounded by turquoise waters, is an almost untouched paradise. Fantastic coral reefs, along with various fish species and pristine sandy beaches, tempt you to stay.

Since the Surin Islands are the only inhabited archipelago, we will stop in a small fishing village with its own culture to take a walk and get an insight into how this culture lives on the beautiful Surin Island. Your guide will provide you with interesting information about island life.

The Surin Islands are perfect for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxation. So, we have two stops in different snorkeling spots, each lasting 45 minutes. This time is enough to explore the beautiful underwater world. For lunch, we will visit a restaurant in the national park, where a delicious Thai buffet awaits us. After lunch, you will have time to enjoy the beach and bask in the sun.

Our guide will provide you with interesting information about island life, and we will visit the village of the Moken sea gypsies. There, you can immerse yourself in the culture of the sea gypsies and their traditional way of life.

• Swimsuit (it's also a good idea to bring a lightweight t-shirt for snorkeling to avoid sunburn)
• Change of clothes
• Extra towel (for showering in the National Park)
• Sunscreen
• Sun hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera
• Camera batteries
• Dry bag (available for purchase, but pre-order is required - please inquire when booking)
• Thai baht in small denominations for souvenirs
• Smile

• Hotel transfer and return
• Transfers to and from your hotel in Khao Lak are available for an additional 300 baht each way
• Round-trip transfer on a shared speedboat from the pier to the Surin Islands
• Morning and day snorkeling on days 1 and 2 (morning snorkeling only on the last day)
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jacket
• English-speaking guide
• Refreshing drinks on board: water/non-alcoholic beverages
• Towel for use on the boat
• Food at Mu Ko Surin National Park restaurant (vegetarian option available)
• Tent, camping mat, sleeping bag, and pillow in the 2-day option

Attention:

• Pregnant women with a term of more than 3 months are not allowed to visit this tour. If the tourist conceals the fact of pregnancy, our company is not responsible for the consequences and will not be able to refund the money.
• Due to weather conditions and other force majeure, the program may be changed.

DAY 1

08.30 The team welcomes you on board at Namkhem Marina private pier for registration and snorkeling equipment collection. Hot drinks and bakery items are served.

09.00 Departure to Surin Islands ( one of the best snorkeling spots in the Andaman Sea) by speedboat.

10.20 Arrival at Surin Islands National Park, first snorkeling at Chong Kad Channel, then visiting the Moken village where the sea gypsies reside in the northern Andaman Sea.

12.00 A buffet lunch is served at the national park restaurant with a variety of drink menus and seasonal Thai fruits provided especially for you.

13.30 Meet your guide and check into your accommodations, then relax on Mai Ngam beach.

16.30 A jungle walk to Kra Ting bay to watch the sunset or enjoy free time on Mai Ngam beach.

19.00 Dinner, free time, and relaxation.

DAY 2

08.00 Breakfast at the national park restaurant.

09.00 Swimming and snorkeling at Mai Ngam beach.

12.00 Lunch at the national park restaurant.

13.30 Snorkeling at Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay and snorkeling at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay to observe the beauty of corals and fish.

15.30 Depart ure from Surin Islands.

17.00 Arrive at Namkhem Marina private pier. You will be greeted with a variety of drinks, snacks, tasty papaya salad, fried chicken breast, ice cream, and then returned to your hotel.

The tour includes:

• Land transfers
• Tent accommodation (bungalow for an additional fee)
• Non-alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and snacks
• Professional guide
• Full accident insurance during the trip
• National park fee
• Roundtrip speedboat transfer
• Snorkeling equipment
• Meals, drinks, snacks, and fruits
• All staff are trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Fins and 1 towel

What to bring:

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, mobile phone, photo/video camera and chargers for them, and a little Thai baht for minor expenses

Additionally available for purchase:

Accommodation in a bungalow for 2 people 2000 baht

Accommodation in a bungalow for 4 people 3000 baht

Attention:

• Pregnant women with a term of more than 3 months are not allowed to visit this tour. If the tourist conceals the fact of pregnancy, our company is not responsible for the consequences and will not be able to refund the money.
• Due to weather conditions and other force majeure, the program may be changed.

DAY 1

08:30 The team welcomes you on board at the private pier Namkhem Marina for registration and to pick up snorkeling equipment. Hot drinks and bakery items are served.

09:00 Departure to Surin Islands (one of the best places for snorkeling in the Andaman Sea) by speedboat.

10:20 Arrival at Surin Islands National Park, first snorkeling at Chong Kad Channel, then a visit to the Moken village, where sea gypsies reside in the northern Andaman Sea.

12:00 Buffet lunch is served at the national park restaurant with a variety of beverages and seasonal Thai fruits provided especially for you.

13:30 Meet your guide and check into your accommodations, then relax on Mai Ngam beach.

16:30 Jungle walk to Kra Ting bay to watch the sunset or choose free time on Mai Ngam beach.

19:00 Dinner, free time, and relaxation.

DAY 2

08.00AM Breakfast at the national park restaurant.

09.30AM Meet at the 200-meter meeting point to go snorkeling at Pak Khad Bay by longtail boat.

12.00PM Lunch at the national park restaurant.

01.30PM Meet at the 200-meter meeting point again to go snorkeling at Hin Kong and Ko Stork by longtail boat.

06.30PM Dinner then return to your accommodation for free time and relaxation.

DAY 3

08.00AM Have breakfast at the national park restaurant.

09.00AM Enjoy swimming and snorkeling at Mai Ngam beach then prepare for departure.

12.00PM Have lunch at the national park restaurant.

01.30PM Snorkeling at Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay and snorkeling at Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay to enjoy the beauty of the coral and fish.

03.30PM Departure from Surin Islands with lasting impressions.

05.00PM Arrive at Seastar’s private pier (Namkhem Marina). Welcome you with a variety of drinks, snacks, tasty papaya salad, fried chicken, ice cream, and then transfer back to your hotel.

The tour includes:

• Land transfers
• Tent accommodation (bungalow for an additional fee)
• Non-alcoholic beverages, tea, coffee, and snacks
• Professional guide
• Full accident insurance during the trip
• National park fee
• Roundtrip speedboat transfer
• Snorkeling equipment
• Meals, drinks, snacks, and fruits
• All staff are trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation
• Fins and 1 towel

What to bring:

Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, camera, mobile phone, photo/video camera and chargers for them, and a little Thai baht for minor expenses

Additionally available for purchase:

Accommodation in a bungalow for 2 people 2000 baht

Accommodation in a bungalow for 4 people 3000 baht

Attention:

• Pregnant women with a term of more than 3 months are not allowed to visit this tour. If the tourist conceals the fact of pregnancy, our company is not responsible for the consequences and will not be able to refund the money.
• Due to weather conditions and other force majeure, the program may be changed.

The Surin Archipelago is located in the northern part of the Andaman Sea, northeast of the Similan Islands. The Surin Islands lie close to the maritime border with Myanmar. The nearest mainland point in Thailand is the town of Khura Buri, located about 60 km away on the western coast of the Indochina Peninsula.

The archipelago consists of five islands — two large islands with areas of 10 and 20 km², and three smaller ones. In essence, they are picturesque rocky islands covered with dense tropical jungle.

Tropical rainforest blankets the entire territory of the islands. The coastline is indented with beautiful bays and sandy beaches. Numerous coral reefs around the islands are home to an abundance of fish and marine life. Just 15 km away lies the famous Richelieu Rock, well known among divers worldwide.

The two main islands of the archipelago are called Koh Surin Nuea and Koh Surin Tai. Tourists from Phuket and Khura Buri frequently visit them. The distance between the islands is only around 200 meters, and during low tide it is even possible to walk from one island to the other. This area is considered one of the best places for swimming.

In 1981, the Surin Archipelago and its surrounding waters were granted National Park status under the name Mu Ko Surin National Park. Its total protected area covers approximately 140 km². Park maintenance requires funding, so entrance to the national park is subject to a fee of 200 baht per visitor. Peace and tranquility reign here, while crystal-clear seawater and white sandy beaches make Surin Beach feel like a true tropical paradise.

• Mai Ngam. A half-kilometer-long beach with shallow waters, making it ideal for safe swimming and family отдых with children. A coral reef located about 150 meters offshore acts as a natural wave barrier, so large waves are rare here. Throughout the day, the water changes color from light blue to emerald green;
• Mae Yai. The second most popular beach in the area. The sea here is usually calm, and the underwater world is incredibly diverse, making this beach a favorite among snorkeling enthusiasts;
• Chong Kaad. More than just a beach, this area serves as the administrative center of the archipelago. Here you will find the national park office, a pier, restaurants, shops, and a museum dedicated to the islands’ flora and fauna. Visitors can also rent bungalows and stay overnight. However, the beach itself is less suitable for swimming due to heavy boat traffic;
• Tao. Located about 2 km from Chong Kaad, this beach is known for its peaceful atmosphere and pristine natural surroundings. Sea turtles can often be spotted nearby;
• Luk. This beach is famous for the darker shade of its seawater, caused by the significant depth that begins almost immediately from the shore. It may not be ideal for casual swimming, but it is excellent for diving;
• Suthep. Located on neighboring Koh Surin Tai, this area is popular among divers. At low tide, parts of the coral reef can often be seen rising above the surface of the water.

A unique ethnic group known as the sea gypsies lives on Koh Surin Tai. They settled here during the last century and continue to live mainly through fishing and harvesting marine resources. The Moken people, as they are also called, sell handmade souvenirs to visitors.

This is a very small ethnic community, numbering only around two to three thousand people in total, with approximately 150 living on Koh Surin Tai. Their traditional lifestyle has remained largely unchanged for generations — many still reject modern technology, have limited literacy, and preserve ancient customs and beliefs. Because the Moken population is gradually declining, UNESCO has recommended protecting their traditional way of life, including their right to fish in nearby coastal waters.

Visiting the sea gypsy village offers travelers a fascinating glimpse into the traditional lifestyle of ancient coastal communities in Thailand. Occasionally, some visitors are even invited into Moken homes to see how they live. Such experiences are rare, but the village itself remains one of the most interesting cultural attractions of the Surin Islands.

One of the Surin Islands’ greatest advantages is their relatively low popularity compared to the famous Similan Islands. Surprisingly, this is exactly what attracts experienced travelers. There are no overwhelming tourist crowds here, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the peaceful tropical atmosphere. Even restaurants and local shops remain calm and uncrowded. A trip to Surin is often considered the choice of travelers seeking authentic nature and quiet relaxation.

One-day tour; two-day tour with one overnight stay; or a three-day tour with two overnight stays. Boats depart for the Surin Islands from Nam Khem Pier. Transfers to the pier are provided by comfortable modern minibuses, while the journey to the islands takes approximately 1.5 hours by speedboat.

Snorkeling equipment is provided free of charge, so guests do not need to worry about bringing their own gear. Traditional Thai meals are also included, typically consisting of rice, chicken, vegetables, juices, and soft drinks. Spending the night on the Surin Islands leaves visitors with unforgettable memories. Watching tropical sunsets and sunrises surrounded by untouched nature is a dream for many travelers. Overnight accommodation is usually arranged in two- or three-person tents. For those who prefer more comfort, bungalows and cabins are also available.

The underwater world surrounding the Surin Islands is highly appreciated by lovers of marine nature and snorkeling. While the waters are generally too shallow for advanced diving, they are ideal for snorkeling and shallow underwater exploration.

Each tour typically includes visits to several bays where guests can snorkel above colorful coral reefs. The underwater world here is incredibly diverse — visitors may encounter tropical fish, octopuses, lionfish, sea turtles, and even moray eels. Many travelers compare the scenery to the Maldives, noting only small differences in atmosphere. However, experienced visitors often mention that snorkeling around the Similan Islands can be even more spectacular due to the greater density of marine life and brighter coral formations. Still, the Surin Islands offer an exceptional opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy the beauty of the Andaman Sea.

One particularly remarkable feature of Surin’s coral reefs is the abundance of hard corals with unusual and intricate shapes. Marine biologists often note that Surin has one of the largest populations of hard corals in Thailand. In recent years, scientists have raised concerns about coral bleaching, a phenomenon affecting reefs around the world. Nevertheless, Surin’s reefs continue to impress visitors with their natural beauty and rich ecosystem.

For independent travelers, the best starting point for visiting the Surin Islands is the town of Khura Buri. It can be reached by bus from Bangkok in approximately 10 hours. From there, visitors can take a ferry to the islands, which takes around 4 hours, or hire a faster private speedboat. There are also bus connections to Khura Buri from Phuket and Krabi Province.

Visitors may bring and set up their own tent for a small fee of 60–80 baht. Tent rentals are also available for approximately 300–450 baht per night, while bungalow rentals start from around 2,000 baht per night. When planning an independent trip, it is important to consider the season. From June to October, the region experiences the rainy season, bringing strong winds and rough seas. The best time to visit is from November onward, when weather conditions become much more favorable.

That said, independent travel to the Surin Islands can be challenging and requires considerable planning. Booking an organized excursion is often the easiest and most comfortable option, allowing visitors to simply relax and enjoy the incredible tropical scenery without worrying about logistics.

Choose a Surin Islands tour from Phuket and experience the unforgettable beauty of nature in one of Thailand’s most stunning marine national parks!