Surin Islands
SURIN ISLANDS ITINERARY
The world famous dive sanctuary of the Surin Islands Marine National Park, (dive and snorkeling site), renowned for its underwater beauty, marine life and coral, soft white sand beaches and lush interiors.
With reefs beginning only yards from the beaches and a visibility of up to 30 meters, the islands offer superb snorkeling as well as a unique diving experience where even novice swimmers can enjoy the underwater world.
Good news for tourists: the season for visiting the Surin Islands in Phang-Nga Province has returned. Everyone knows that this place has some of the most pure natural settings everywhere, so what are we waiting for? Let's get started.
We were willing tourists personally, so we set off for the Surin Islands right away, as October is the beginning of the travel season, which lasts till the mid of May.
North Surin Island, South Surin Island, Ree Island, Khao Kwang(Deer Horn) Island, and Kai(Egg) Island form the marine national park. The environment is extremely spectacular, with gem crystal pure blue sea and a sunlight that is amazing to no other.
So we headed to Tup-La-Mu Pier and boarded our speedboat, going for the Surin Islands. After about one and a half hour, the surprising beauty of the islands appears in front of us.
Queen Nature's beauty greeted us in every area we moved. There was the large ocean, the green tropical rainforest with big trees, the clean white beach, and the pure air that was both quiet and exciting.
Everything in this place is stable, fresh, and relaxing. There were no annoying sounds of entertainment or loud noises to upset the fauna and marine life in the environment.
Surin Islands Day Trip
Schedule with ThaiTravelGuru Tour Operator
5.30am to 7.30am
Pickup at the lobby of your hotel. Arrive safely to Tub-La-Mu pier with a smile.
Pickup at the lobby of your hotel. Arrive safely to Tub-La-Mu pier with a smile.
Check in at the pier and enjoy a light meal, such as a sandwich, fresh fruit juice, tea, and coffee.
Present our nature-loving tour guide and prepare to join the Speedboat. Program briefing from our tour leader on coral-friendly trip, including information and safety instructions on board, full of smiles and enjoyable.
Let's get started! - Join our Speedboat and set off for the Surin Islands.
Arrive to Surin Islands - Prepare to enjoy the snorkeling havens of the Nemo Bay and Pineapple Bay, where you may snorkel among the most spectacular coral reefs.
Gypsy Moment - It's time to go on an adventure! Head towards the well-known Sea Gypsy Moken Village. Visit and learn about the unusual and traditional lifestyle of fishermen." The opening to Moken Village may change depending on the national park policy.
Enjoy a delicious buffet meal at Surin National Park. You can unwind, take photographs, and explore the island at your leisure.
Snorkeling - After a delightful lunch, be surprised and amazed by the spectacular coral reefs while swimming and snorkeling at Mae Yai Bay and Tao Bay.
It's time to say goodbye as we return from Surin Islands to our pier.
17-17.30 pm.
Return to the pier - the driver will gently take you to your hotel.
Return to the pier - the driver will gently take you to your hotel.
Surin Islands Overnight
This zone is great for people seeking quietness or simply lying down on a hammock in the shade of a tree to enjoy a nice book.
Visitors can stay in one of two types of accommodations: bungalows or tents. We chose the tent style mainly for the surroundings, which include a hillside in the background and a lovely sea at the beachfront. Even five-star hotels cannot compete.
After putting our baggage away, we plan to explore the island by going down the beach. We stopped to take pictures at the area's landmark, Mother Hen Stone, also known as Hin Mae Gai.
Trekking lovers might follow the pathway into the forest. The 2-hour trek begins at the park's center and finishes at Mai Ngam Beach, walking through a variety of beautiful flora.
The Surin Islands are also a diving explorer and snorkeler's dream, having over 10 wonderful sites to enjoy. One of these is the Richelieu Rock area, which became the dive's highlight.
Ao Chong Kad is the spot to go for a swim, but if you're an artist, almost every tiny piece of the island will create the excellent background for your photos. There is also a meal and a clean washrooms for tourists.
When night came, we gathered about counting stars and telling stories until sleeping to our warm campgrounds on a site provided especially for this occasion.
We went for a final tour of the island's beauties after breakfast the next morning before departing. It was a wonderful trip for us, and we would suggest it to anybody who loves beautiful nature as much as we do. Please contact ThaiTravelGuru for additional details.
You would spend most of your day traveling to and from the Surin Islands, leaving little time to enjoy their beauty. Instead, try sleeping in a tent on the Surin beaches. Waking up to the sounds of birds and waves on North Surin Island is magical.
We booked the Surin Islands Overnight Trip with TravelThailandGuru. This included speedboat and minivan transfers from Khao Lak and a return to Phuket. When you arrive at Khura Buri Port, you will get coffee, tea, and breakfast while waiting for all the minivans to arrive. Once everyone is there, you will share the speedboat with day-trip visitors.
You will arrive at North Surin Island (spot number 1 on the map). From there, a long-tail boat will take you to spot number 2. After a 3-minute walk through mangrove trees, you will reach the national park office and camping grounds (number 3 on the map). The camping area has shared toilets, a bar, and a restaurant. You can book snorkeling or long-tail boat trips at the reception. The restaurant is only open at meal times, so don’t miss them!
The beach in front of the camping area is called Mai Ngam Beach. It is one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. There are swings and hammocks on the trees for relaxing.
When it’s time to leave the Surin Islands, check the reception for the long-tail boat schedule. The long-tail boat will take you back to point number 1, but the speedboat pick-up might be two hours later. The long-tail boats need to leave spot number 2 before the tide gets too low (around 1:30 PM for us), but the speedboat doesn’t leave until 3:30 PM after the snorkeling day trips. This gives you more beach time. We walked to spot number 5, where there is a beach without boats, so you can enjoy the clear water.
Pick Your Surin Islands Stay:
Lodges and Bungalows: If you want more comfort, book lodges or bungalows on the Surin Islands National Park’s website. They provide basic amenities and a more organized stay. Camping at Surin Islands: For a thrilling experience, stay in tents. The camping site on the north side is loved for its tranquil setting. Book your spot early as they fill up fast during busy times.Planning Your Activities at Surin Islands:
Snorkeling and Diving: The Surin Islands are famous for their colorful coral reefs and many types of sea creatures. Plan your snorkeling and diving trips early. Local guides can take you to the best places and make sure you're safe while you explore the underwater world.
Hiking and Exploring: Surin Islands have great hiking trails in lush forests. These paths show different plants and animals. Wear strong shoes and bring water.
Beach Relaxation: Take time to relax on the beautiful Surin beaches. Bring a book or just enjoy the views and calm atmosphere.
What to Pack:
For Lodges/Bungalows at Surin Islands: Keep it light with toiletries, casual clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. Most places provide basic bedding, but double-check.
For Camping at Surin Islands: Take a strong tent, sleeping bag, and camping gear. Don't forget a flashlight, bug spray, and a portable stove. Bring enough food and water, though there are island facilities.
Getting to Surin Islands:
From Phuket to Surin Islands: Take a speedboat for a 2-hour trip to Surin Islands. Book in advance, especially during busy times.
From Phang-Nga to Surin Islands: Boats leave from Khura Buri point. The journey is about an hour, depending on the boat.
Enjoying the Surin Islands:
Respect Nature: Follow rules to keep the surin islands beautiful. Don't litter, be kind to animals, and protect the environment.
Interact with Locals: Talk to Surin Islands guides to learn about the culture and nature. They'll make your trip better.
Follow these tips for a great time at Surin Islands, enjoying their beauty and activities.
Where are Surin Islands?
Surin Islands National Park is in Koh Pra-Tong subdistrict, Khura Buri District, Phang-Nga Province. This marine national park covers 141 square kilometers and has islands with many plants and animals. The area is home to birds like the Pied Imperial-Pigeon, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, and the rare Nicobar Pigeon. On the beach, you might see the Pacific Reef Egret, Seagull, and Red Hawk looking for fish.
The sea around the islands has lots of plankton and nutrients, which support many marine animals. Corals here include Cauliflower coral, Staghorn coral, Finger coral, Sea anemones, and Sea fans.
Other marine life includes Sponges, Marine worms, Lobsters, Oysters, Crabs, Squids, Sea stars, and Sea cucumbers. Fish include Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Angelfish, Triggerfish, Damselfish, Sixbar Wrasse, Horse mackerels, and Puffer Fish. Rare animals like Whales and Whale Sharks can also be found here. The park has several types of sea turtles, including the Carambola turtle, Green turtle, Tortoise turtle, and Olive Ridley sea turtle.
What's in Surin Islands?
The Surin Islands are just 60 kilometers from the mainland. They are only one hour away from Phuket, a popular tourist destination. Unlike Phuket, the Surin Islands offer a more natural and untouched environment. There are no large tourist groups and few facilities, which helps keep the beaches beautiful with their clear blue water and colorful coral reefs. This pristine setting makes the Surin Islands a paradise for snorkeling, diving, and camping. Many tourists choose to stay here for extended periods to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty.
If you want to be one of the few people to visit these priceless islands, please chat with us! We offer excellent advice to help you plan your trips so you can truly enjoy the natural wonders of the Surin Islands. You can book lodges and bungalows in advance through the Surin Islands National Park’s website. Alternatively, you can book a tour with us, and we will take care of the details for you.
Most tourists, however, prefer to stay in tents at the camping site on the northern side of the Surin Islands. This site is favored for its fresh, quiet, calm, and beautiful atmosphere.
