Surin Islands

One of the gems of the Andaman, "Surin Islands", crystal clear blue water, white sandy beaches, sea gypsy villages, popular diving spots, beautiful coral reefs, strange marine life, and something else that few people know, this is an excellent place to watch rare birds in Thailand. The great stork is found only a few places in Thailand, the endangered beach grouse, the white lumpu bird that if you don't come here, you will rarely see it on the shore, plus the southern gibbon shows off its beauty in the Surin Islands. It is an island group in the Andaman Sea, approximately 70 kilometers west of the coast. It is an island group that is adjacent to the Thai-Burmese border. It covers an area of ​​approximately 84,375 rai, divided into a land area of ​​approximately 20,594 rai, consisting of 5 important islands: Surin Nuea Island, Surin Tai Island, Khai Island (Torinla Island), Klang Island (Pachumba Island), and Ri Island (Stock Island). Located in Ko Phra Thong Subdistrict, 60 kilometers from Kuraburi Pier, it was discovered by Phraya Surinthracha (Nok Yung Wiseskul), the Mayor of Phuket Province. When he came to explore the Andaman Sea and named it “Surin Islands”, it consisted of 5 islands: Surin Nuea Island, Surin Tai Island, Ri Island (Stock Island), Khai Island (Torinla Island) and Klang Island (Pachumba Island). Later in 2007, “Richereu Rock” was included, making the total area of ​​the park 88,282 rai or 141.25 square kilometers. Surin Islands National Park is the largest and most complete shallow-water coral reef in Thailand. The arrangement of the islands in the large bays can protect the waves and wind well, creating coral reefs along the coast around the islands, especially Surin Nuea and Surin Tai Island, which are close together like twin islands, with shallow waters about 200 meters wide separating them. During low tide, people can cross between the islands, similar to a separated sea called “Ao Chong Khad”. The tide rises and falls 4 times a day, with a high and low level difference of up to 3 meters, causing the currents along the coast to circulate quickly and strongly, resulting in diverse changes in marine biology. In addition to the small, beautiful fish in the coral group, There is also a chance to see large animals such as whale sharks and 4 species of large sea turtles. Mae Yai Bay, Mai Ngam Bay and Suthep Bay are peaceful and beautiful areas both on the beach and under the sea. Three other small islands, namely Koh Ri, Koh Khai and Koh Klang, are rocky islands with small trees that are tropical rainforest plants, beach forests, mangrove forests and epiphytic plants. They are home to small wildlife including more than 80 species of birds, especially the rare “Nicholas” bird. The most interesting thing about the Surin Islands is learning about the way of life of the “Moken” community or “Gypsies of the Sea”, approximately 200 people, who are the last group to live in the traditional way. They build huts on stilts on the beach of Ao Bon Yai in the southern Surin Islands. They mainly fish and make souvenirs to sell to tourists. Some of them are employees in the park. The tourist season is from November 1 to April 30. The park has bungalows and restaurants in Ao Chong Khad and a camping site with equipment in Ao Mai Ngam, northern Surin Islands. There are also boats for rent for snorkeling around the island.