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Everything You Need to Know about Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are snorkeling and diving utopias off the Andaman Sea near Phang Nga Bay. This island group is surrounded by biodiverse waters filled with countless corals, reef fish species, crustaceans, marine reptiles, and more.

These islands also boast unspoiled white-sand beaches, leafy nature trails, and diverse wildlife, which makes them a top pick for island-hopping and beach escapes.

They’re only open to the public from October to May, so don’t miss your chance to experience their breathtaking natural beauty!

Where are the Surin Islands?

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Image Source: Google Maps

The Surin Islands are off the west coast of mainland Phang Nga in the Andaman Sea. It’s north of Koh Tachalai and west of Richelieu Rock.

Things to Know

Phone: +66 25 620 7603
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Website
Admission Costs: 

  • 500 baht (Adults)
  • 250 baht (Kids)

How to Get to Surin Islands

Speedboat/Ferry: The only way to get to the Surin Islands is to board a speedboat or ferry in Khura Buri or Khao Lak so you must travel to their piers first. We recommend Khura Buri’s Greenview Pier because it’s closer and the boat ticket is cheaper.

Your speedboat or ferry will drop you off at Ao Chong Khad where you must pay for the ticket to Mu Ko Surin National Park at the ranger station’s tourist information desk.

What to See and Do in Surin Islands

Enjoy the calm crystal-clear waters in Ao Chong Khad

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Ao Chong Khad is the first port of call and the main bay in the Surin Islands, so it’s the best choice if you’re already itching for a swim. It’s known for having fine white sands and crystal-clear waters which are great for sunbathing and snorkelling as well.

This bay is also conveniently located between Koh Surin Nuea and Koh Surin Tai, so you don’t have to worry about strong waves and currents. The island’s ranger station is also here, so it has bathroom facilities, bungalows, a campsite, and a restaurant.

Swim along Mai Ngam Beach’s mangrove-rich coast

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Mai Ngam Beach is a popular beach on the west end of Koh Surin Nuea. This white sand beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling because it’s next to a peninsula which acts as a natural barrier from strong winds and waves.

It’s also great for beach picnics because its shore is lined with numerous trees with swings and spots for setting up hammocks. However, its best feature is the mangrove-rich coastline on its right end.

Going there gives you a chance to enjoy a relaxing swim and observe mangrove crabs and fish. This beach also has a campsite, restaurant, souvenir shops, and bungalows for rent, so you’re covered for food, shopping, and accommodation.

Gear up for a diving trip around the Surin Islands

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A trip to the Surin Islands isn’t complete without booking a diving trip to its coral-rich dive sites. One of the island group’s best dive spots is the lengthy coral line east of Koh Khai, also known as Koh Torinla.

There, you can observe a wide range of soft and hard corals, tropical fish species, marine reptiles, crustaceans, and more. The most notable sightings include manta rays, moray eels, green turtles, and banded sea kraits.

If you head further east, you’ll also find the iconic Richelieu Rock. This dive site is called the jewel of the Andaman Sea because of its diverse marine life and the occasional sightings of whale sharks.

Check out the water lily pond along Mai Ngam Beach’s nature trail

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The nature trail in Mai Ngam Beach is on the unique side. Aside from the typical lush forest and wildlife encounter, it’s also known for its gorgeous natural pink water lily pond.

This pond is easy to spot because it’s on the side of the nature trail, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Plus, the trail itself is straightforward thanks to the concrete road and trail markers you can follow.

In case you didn’t know, pink water lilies in Thailand bloom between October and March, so it’s perfectly in line with the time the Surin Islands are open to the public.

Visit the Moken community in Koh Surin Tai

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Though most of Koh Surin Tai is off-limits, it’s frequented by tourists for its local Moken community. Not only are they the sole inhabitants of the Surin Islands, but they’re also sea gypsies so they have a semi-aquatic lifestyle.

They’re best known for their excellent free-diving skills which they use for spearfishing or collecting shellfish, sea cucumbers, etc. The Mokens of Koh Surin Tai also sell colorful accessories and wooden handicrafts, so you’re covered for souvenirs.

There are information boards around their village in case you want to learn about their history.

Observe the wildlife in Mu Ko Surin National Park

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Aside from its diverse marine life, the Surin Islands also boast a broad range of land animals. The land areas covered by Mu Ko Surin National Park are home to crab-eating macaques, flying lemurs, bent-toed geckos, kingfishers, and more.

It also has a variety of animals that dwell on land and water. Think Asian water monitors, hermit crabs, mangrove crabs, porcelain crabs, etc.

If you’re a serious birdwatcher, the national park’s over 130 recorded bird species are also a massive plus.

Where to Eat and Drink in Surin Islands

Chong Khad Coffee

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Address: Tourist Information National Park, Koh Surin Ao Chong Khad
Phone: +66 65 816 1655
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for coffee

Chong Khad Coffee is in Ao Chong Khad so it’s a convenient spot to get coffee as soon as you arrive at the Surin Islands. It serves hot or iced classic coffee drinks like Americano, espresso, cappuccino, and mocha.

This coffee shop’s signature orange black coffee is also great if you’re looking for a refreshing drink to beat the heat.

Ao Chong Khad Ranger Station Restaurant

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Address: Ao Chong Khad, Ko Phra Thong
Phone: +66 25 620 7603
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for Thai food

The restaurant is the only option for tourists staying in Ao Chong Khad’s ranger station. It serves classic Thai dishes like fish tom yum soup, grilled sea bass, stir-fried mixed seafood, and more.

They also offer a special dinner set, but it’s only available if at least two people will order. Plus, orders must be confirmed before 2 p.m., so be sure to inquire early so you can secure food for the night if you’re staying in the Surin Islands.

Mai Ngam Beach Restaurant

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Address: Mai Ngam Beach, Ko Phra Thong
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 

  • 7:30 a.m. – 9 a.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
  • 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)

Good to know: Good for Thai food

Mai Ngam Beach Restaurant is an on-site restaurant under Mu Ko Surin National Park’s management. It’s also the only restaurant in Mai Ngam Beach, so it’s definitely worth checking out if you plan to stay there for the night.

This restaurant operates on a limited time frame for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so be sure to come by before its kitchen closes. Keep in mind that it only offers set menus and a minimum of two people must order as well.

Its set menu items include dishes like Thai chicken basil, stir-fried seafood with rice, stir-fried mixed vegetables with rice, omelets, and more. You also get a cheap cup of coffee.

Where to Shop in and Near Surin Islands

The shopping option in the Surin Islands is limited so you might need to buy everything you need in mainland Phang Nga before your trip. These shops and stores are what we recommend.

Mai Ngam Beach Souvernir Shop

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Address: Mai Ngam Beach, Ko Phra Thong
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for souvenirs

Mai Ngam Beach Souvenir Shop is a wooden kiosk next to the beach’s restaurant. It’s a convenient spot to buy simple souvenir items like clothes and accessories. Think shirts, scarves, and swimwear.

This shop also sells ice cream and bottled water.

7-Eleven PTTOR Kuraburi

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Address: Khura Subdistrict, Khura Buri District
Phone: +66 2 267 0412
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 24 Hours (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for daily essentials
Website

This 7-Eleven branch is an ideal choice location-wise. It’s only a 5-minute drive from Greenview Pier, so you don’t have to travel far if you need to stock up on essential items before your boat departs.

They also put all travel essentials in one section, so you don’t have to wander around like a headless chicken. Useful items you can find in their inventory include battery packs, toiletries, self-care products, bug sprays, and more.

It’s also wise to stock up on instant noodles, sandwiches, and chips in case food is unavailable at the limited restaurants in the Surin Islands.

Khura Buri Municipal Food Market

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Address: Khura Subdistrict, Khura Buri District
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for souvenirs, street food

Khura Buri Municipal Food Market is the closest traditional market to Greenview Pier. It’s also next to the bus station which is convenient if you’re using public transportation to get to the Surin Islands.

There, you can buy from numerous local vendors selling street food, fresh produce, cheap clothes, handicrafts, and more. Shopping here also gives you the best chance to get the best value for your money thanks to the local-friendly prices.

Where to Stay in and Near Surin Islands

There are only two accommodation options in the Surin Islands so you need to find a hotel in mainland Phang Nga if you want more alternatives. These are the top ones we think you should consider.

Ao Chong Khad Ranger Station

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Address: Ao Chong Khad, Ko Phra Thong
Phone: +66 25 620 7603
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for backpackers, beach lovers, families
Website

Ao Chong Khad Ranger Station is arguably the best option if you plan to stay the night in the Surin Islands. 

It has three wooden bungalows that can accommodate up to four people, making it great for families or backpackers who don’t mind sharing with other visitors.

Keep in mind you can only book these bungalows via the DNP website and payments must be wired two days in advance. Basically, it’s not doable if you’re still overseas. 

A solid alternative is the ranger station’s campsite because you can rent tents on arrival. Their rental tents are also cheap and even the smallest option can fit up to 3 people. 

This ranger station also has communal bathrooms, shower facilities, and a restaurant. 

Mai Ngam Beach Campground

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Address: Mai Ngam Beach, Ko Phra Thong
Phone: +66 25 620 7603
Pricing: ฿
Operating Hours: 7:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for beach lovers
Website

Mai Ngam is one of the two accommodation options available in the Surin Islands. The Mu Ko Surin National Park manages it, so you must book your tent rental at the ranger station.

This beach also has a few wooden bungalows for rent but you can only book them online which requires paying at least two days in advance. There’s also a restaurant and souvenir shop, so you’re covered for food, drinks, and a little bit of shopping.

It also has bathroom facilities and offers rental services for snorkeling and swimming gear.

Vannamei Resort

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Address: 433 Khura Subdistrict, Khura Buri District
Phone: +66 96 650 8335
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples, families
Website

Vannamei Resort is only an 11-minute drive from Greenview Pier, so it’s great if you want quick access to the boats bound for the Surin Islands. It’s also close to Khura Buri’s town center which is great if you like to hit the local shops and restaurants.

This hotel also provides cozy rooms with minimalist interiors and essential amenities. There’s also a lush garden in case you like pleasant walks in the morning or afternoon.

It doesn’t have an on-site restaurant, but you get complimentary biscuits and coffee all day.

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