Mu Koh Surin Marine National Park

Situated in Tambon Ko Phra Thong and covers an area of 84,375 rais (33,750 acres), Mu Koh Surin is an archi-pelago of 5 islands: Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Ri, Koh Khai, and Koh Klang. It was declared a national park on July 9, 1981. The archipelago is located in the Andaman Sea, near the Thai-Burmese sea border, to the west coast of Thailand. There are beautiful and unspoilt coral reefs; the area is suitable for snorkelling. The best time to visit is from November to April.

Koh Surin Nuea has several bays. The most well-known bay is Ao Mae Yai, the largest bay that offers calm waters. To the southeast of Koh Surin Nuea lies Ao Luek, which is so deep that the sea appears dark green, offering splendid shallow corals as well as sea weeds, sea flowers, coral lines, and various species of fish. Sea Gypsy Village, a Singha, or Morgan, Sea Gypsy tribe resides on the shore of Hat Sai En, Koh Surin Nuea. There are 130-150 sea gypsies who still hold on to their traditional ways of life and still live in their boats. On shore, there is a wooden sculpture resembling the Indian Totem Pole and is considered a sacred area.

Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon in April, the sea gypsies in this village would worship their respected spirits. The event lasts for 3 days. Ao Mai Ngam, situated to the west of Koh Surin Nuea with the National Parks office nearby. There is a 2-kilometer walking path that you can take to enjoy the natural features of Hat Mai Ngam or you can take a longboat ride. The lovely bay provides fresh water and a long beach that is best for snorkelling and swimming. Ao Chak, situated to the north of Koh Surin Nuea. The bay possesses unspoilt coral reefs.

Interesting in Surin Islands

Interesting places on Koh Surin Tai (Surin Tai Island) include Ao Tao (Tao bay), which is situated on the east of the island. This bay is a home of numerous sea turtles and magnificent coral reefs. Ao Phakkat (Phakkat Bay), which is situated on the south of Koh Surin Tai. This bay is a location of unspoilt coral reefs.

Koh Klang (or can be called as Koh Pachumba) has a scenic bay which is called as Ao Mangkon. The bay is abundant with gorgeous coral reefs and several schools of various kinds of marine animals.

Koh Khai (or known as Koh Torilla), whichi is situated on the south of Koh Surin Tai. A long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef is on the eastern side of Koh Khai. Here is the heaven for snorkelling.

For someone who likes hiking, on the northern island which has a number of trails is the good location; whereas the southern island has interesting attraction of a sea gypsies village. They also maintain a traditional lifestyle and preserve time-honoured customs. Not only is the underwater world excellent for scuba divers, but also it is excellent for snorkellers who can explore a wealth of shallow coral reefs.

Getting There

Travelling to Mu Ko Surin can be started from various different points:

Khura Buri Pier is the nearest point for travelling to Mu Koh Surin. Khura Buri is about 125 kilometres north of Phang-nga. A boat trip takes around 4 hours. IT doesn't have a regular boat service for travellers to Koh Surin. Boats leaving from Khura Buri are suitable for group tours.

Amphoe Kapoe Pier is located in Ranong Province. The trip takes 7 hours. Tourists can contact Chansom Tara Hotel (tel: +66 7783 5317-9). The hotel has boats leaving Chan Damri Beach for trips to Mu Ko Surin.

Note: The best way for individual travellers is to join a trip out of Phuket that includes Mu Koh Surin on the itinerary. This typically lasts at least 3 days, and it includes visits to Mu Koh Similan.

Accommodation in Phang-Nga

For more information contact Mu Koh Surin National Park, Amphoe Khura Buri, Phang-nga, 82150, tel: +66 7649 1378, +66 7641 9028.

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