Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Surin Islands Marine National Park
The five gorgeous islands that make up the
Surin Islands Marine National Park
(
www.dnp.go.th
; ad-
mission adult/child 500/300B; mid-Nov-mid-May)
sit 60km offshore, just 5km from the Thail-
and-Myanmar marine border. Healthy rainforest, pockets of white-sand beach in sheltered
bays and rocky headlands that jut into the ocean characterise these granite-outcrop islands.
The clearest of water makes for great marine life, with underwater visibility often up to
35m. The islands' sheltered waters also attract
chow lair
- sea gypsies - who live in a vil-
lage onshore during the monsoon season from May to November. Around here they are
known as Moken, from the local word
oken
meaning 'salt water'.
Ko Surin Neua (north) and Ko Surin Tai (south) are the two largest islands. Park
headquarters and all visitor facilities are at Ao Chong Khad and Ao Mai Ngam on Ko Sur-
in Neua, near the jetty. The shapes and colours are what you'll remember most. The flax-
en sand and sparkling blue-green bays, the purpling depths, and sheer granite peninsulas
that tumble down in a permanent geological avalanche forming arrow-like points and nat-
ural breakwaters are spectacular.
Khuraburi is the jumping-off point for the park. The pier is about 9km north of town, as
is the mainland
national park office
(
8am-5pm)
, with good information, maps
0 7649 1378;
and helpful staff.
Sights & Activities
Several tour operators run day tours from Khao Lak and Khuraburi (2900B including food
and park lodging) to the park.
Greenview
( 0 7640 1400; Khuraburi Pier)
The best in safety, service and value is Greenview. Agencies
dealing with diving in Hat Khao Lak, Phuket and Ranong are the most convenient options
for booking live-aboard dive trips. Transfers from the place of purchase are always in-
cluded.
TOUR
Diving & Snorkelling
Dive sites in the park include
Ko Surin Tai
and
HQ Channel
between the two main islands.
Richelieu Rock
(a seamount 14km southeast) is also technically in the park and happens to be
one of the best dive sites, if not the best, on the Andaman coast. Whale sharks are some-
