Surin Islands
หมู่เกาะสุรินทร์ · Phang Nga Province
Best Season
December to April (calm seas, clear water)
Score
8.5 / 10
Area
141 km²
About Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are five islands 55-60 km from the Kuraburi coast, less developed and less visited than the Similans. They offer shallow coral gardens of breathtaking quality, with hard corals growing right up to the beach in knee-deep water. The Moken village on Koh Surin Tai provides a rare window into a semi-nomadic maritime culture that is rapidly disappearing.
Facilities are extremely basic: park tents, a canteen, cold bucket showers, and limited electricity. There is no WiFi, no reliable mobile signal, and no shops. This is as far from resort tourism as Thailand gets. The isolation is what preserves the reef quality and the genuine cultural experience.
The recommended stay is two to three nights, allowing time to explore multiple snorkeling sites and visit the Moken village respectfully. Day trips are possible from Kuraburi but the long boat ride makes overnight stays far more rewarding. The park is strictly closed mid-May to mid-October.
Historical Note
The Surin Islands were designated a national park in 1981. The Moken people have lived on these waters for centuries as semi-nomadic fishers. Their traditional knowledge of tides and the sea famously saved many community members during the 2004 tsunami. The park preserves both marine ecosystems and this unique cultural heritage.
Best time to visit: December to April (calm seas, clear water)
At a Glance
Thai Name
หมู่เกาะสุรินทร์
Province
Phang Nga
Region
Southern
Area
141 km²
Elevation
0 m
Established
1981
Costs
Typical prices you'll encounter when visiting Surin Islands. Grouped by category.
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| National park entrance (foreigner) | 500 | 500 |
| Day trip from Kuraburi | 2,500 | 3,500 |
| 2-day/1-night package | 4,500 | 7,500 |
| 3-day/2-night package | 6,500 | 10,000 |
| Liveaboard (multi-day diving) | 15,000 | 40,000 |
| Snorkel gear rental per day | 100 | 200 |
| Kayak rental per hour | 200 | 500 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Tent rental on island | 500 | 800 |
| Longhouse dormitory | 300 | 500 |
| Kuraburi guesthouse | 400 | 800 |
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Park canteen meal | 100 | 200 |
| Snacks (bring your own) | 100 | 300 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Khao Lak to Kuraburi transfer | 500 | 1,500 |
| Speedboat from Kuraburi pier | 0 | 0 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| No utilities available on islands | 0 | 0 |
Weather & Climate
Open mid-October to mid-May only. December to April offers calm seas and best visibility. February to April is peak season with warmest water and whale shark chances at nearby Richelieu Rock. The Moken Loy Ruea ceremony in March is a rare cultural event.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32 | 24 | 25 | 74% |
| Feb | 33 | 24 | 15 | 71% |
| Mar | 34 | 25 | 25 | 73% |
| Apr | 34 | 25 | 90 | 77% |
| May | 32 | 25 | 310 | 84% |
| Jun | 31 | 25 | 280 | 84% |
| Jul | 31 | 25 | 300 | 85% |
| Aug | 31 | 25 | 320 | 85% |
| Sep | 31 | 24 | 390 | 87% |
| Oct | 31 | 24 | 340 | 86% |
| Nov | 31 | 24 | 190 | 81% |
| Dec | 31 | 24 | 70 | 76% |
Things to Do
Snorkeling at Ao Chong Khad
Park HQ bay where coral starts in waist-deep water. Clownfish, parrotfish, and giant clams right off the beach.
Moken Village Visit
Semi-permanent village of Thailand's Moken (Chao Leh) community on Koh Surin Tai, with traditional stilt houses and handmade boats.
Torinla Channel Snorkeling
Narrow channel between the two main islands with tidal currents bringing nutrients, creating a rich underwater zone.
Jungle Walk on Koh Surin Nuea
Short trails through coastal forest with Nicobar pigeons and flying foxes.
Kayaking at Ao Chong Khad
Paddle around the sheltered bays in crystal-clear water with granite boulders and coral visible below.
Stargazing
Zero light pollution makes for a spectacular night sky visible from the beach.
Food Nearby
-
Park Canteen Set Meals
Simple Thai food: fried rice, curries, and stir-fried vegetables served at the only food source on the islands.
100-200
Park canteen at Ao Chong Khad, Koh Surin Nuea
-
Bring Your Own Snacks
The canteen is the only food source. Bring coffee, snacks, and fruit from the mainland.
Varies
Buy in Kuraburi or Khao Lak before departure
-
Kuraburi Seafood
Fresh seafood from the Andaman at mainland restaurants before or after your island trip.
60-200
Restaurants in Kuraburi town
-
Liveaboard Meals
Multi-day dive boats serve good Thai and Western food, far better than island canteen options.
Included in package
Mid-range and premium liveaboard boats
Where to Stay
Hostel Dorm
300 - 500
THB / night
Budget Hotel
400 - 800
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 800
THB / night
Luxury
800 - 800
THB / night
Best Areas to Base Yourself
Booking Tip
Book via tour operators in Kuraburi or Khao Lak. Very basic: tent platforms, cold bucket showers, no private rooms. For comfort, consider a liveaboard instead.
Getting There from Bangkok
Fly to Phuket + transfer to Kuraburi
1.5h flight + 3.5h drive
2500-5500 THB
Overnight bus to Kuraburi
10-12 hours
500-800 THB
Festivals & Events
Park Opening
The Surin Islands reopen after monsoon closure. Exact date announced annually.
Moken Loy Ruea Ceremony
Traditional Moken boat-floating ceremony and new year celebration. A rare and culturally significant event.
Practical Info
Hospital
Kuraburi Hospital (mainland); Phuket for serious issues
Best SIM Provider
AIS (mainland only; no signal on islands)
ATM Availability
Limited
Language Tip
Tour operators speak English. Park rangers speak basic English. Moken community has their own language.
Drinking Water
Available at canteen. Bring a reusable bottle.
Tipping Culture
Tip boat crew and guides 100-300 THB
7-Eleven Density
Sparse
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
Surins vs Similans -- which should I choose?
Surins for snorkeling and the Moken cultural experience. Similans for diving with more sites and better infrastructure. If you have time and budget, do both via a liveaboard.
Is it worth the long journey to Kuraburi?
Yes. The remoteness preserves the reef quality. Far fewer visitors and better-preserved reefs than almost anywhere else in Thailand.
Is the Moken village visit ethical?
It can be if done respectfully with a guide who has a community relationship. Buy handicrafts directly. Do not treat the village as a zoo.
How basic is the accommodation?
Very basic. Tent on a platform, cold bucket showers, limited electricity, no WiFi. If that bothers you, consider a liveaboard instead.
Can I dive here?
Limited dive infrastructure compared to Similans. Most diving is via liveaboards combining Surin, Similan, and Richelieu Rock.
What should I bring?
Cash (no ATMs), reef-safe sunscreen, flashlight, power bank, dry bag, insect repellent, snacks, any medication, and a warm layer for the boat ride.