Mu Koh Surin National Park is an archipelago in the Andaman Sea located approximately 70 kilometers off the western shore next to the Thailand – Myanmar border. The Park comprises 5 major islands; namely, Koh Surin Nuea, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Kai (Koh Torinla), Koh Klang (Koh Pachumba), and Koh Ri (Koh Satok). It was proclaimed a national park on July 9, 1981, and includes islands with beautiful coral reefs in the shallows and various schools of fish of different colors. It offers ideal spots for snorkeling to admire coral reefs in the shallows, especially at Koh Torinla and Koh Pachumba. An ideal spot for scuba diving is the Richeliu Rock, 10 kilometers to the southwest of Koh Surin. This site is a fertile undersea nature habitats various kinds of fish, colorful corals, and where whale shark, the kind Giant of the Sea, is frequently encountered. The most suitable period for a visit is between November and April whereas from May to October is the period of monsoons when there are heavy rainfalls and windy wavy sea.
Interesting Attractions within the National Park:
Koh Surin Nuea and Koh Surin Tai are two attached islands separated by a water channel. There are both large and small bays scattered around the islands, all with distinctively beautiful beaches. Koh Surin Nuea is where the Park’s Ranger Station is located with a Tourist Service Centre, bungalows, camping site, and long-tailed boats for rent to visit various islands are all here.
Ao Chong Khat is located south of Koh Surin Nuea and has a camping spot on a clean white sandy beach suitable for swimming and snorkeling to see coral reefs with various kinds of colorful fish such as parrotfish and wrasse.
Ao Mae Yai is also south of Koh Surin Nuea and offers a bay of calm sea. It is the largest island in the Surin Archipelago with coral reefs in the shallows.
Ao Sai En is situated east of Koh Surin Nuea, with boat people known as Chao Le or Mogen People the sea tribes settled their life here. They believe in Indian icons carved wood regarded as their sacred items. During the full moon day’s period of April every year, they will gather to pay respect to their revered spirits for 3 days.
Ao Luek is to the southeast of Koh Surin Nuea and offers coral reefs in the where it acts as schools of clown fish.
Ao Chak is to the north of Koh Surin Nuea and offers a white powdery beach and snorkeling spot to admire coral reefs in the shallows.
Ao Mai Ngam is to the west of Koh Surin Nuea next to the headquarters bay. It is a large bay with a long curving beach, beautiful coral reefs. Moreover, there is Ao Mai Ngam Nature Trail through an evergreen forest along the beach, with nature interpretation signs along the 2-kilometres route, taking approximately 1 hour. Along the route, various species of wildlife and flora such as mouse deer, flying lemur, and rare birds like Nicobar pigeon and pied imperial pigeon can be seen.
Ao Bon is located east of Koh Surin Tai and inhabited by another group of the Mogen or Chao Le people.
Ao Tao is located east of Koh Surin Tai and a habitat of a large number of sea turtles near the coral reefs. It offers a snorkeling spot to view soft corals and sea fans.
Ao Phak Kat is to the south of Koh Surin Tai and offers a snorkeling spot to view staghorn coral reefs. It’s also a good spot to do scuba diving.
Ao Suthep is to the north of Koh Surin Tai offers a beautiful coral reefs to snorkle.
Koh Pachumba or Koh Klang situates on the north of Koh Surin Tai. It offers clean white powdery beaches and intact coral reefs where Manta rays and other rare fishes including giant lobsters. The bay is called Ao Mang Kohn after the Thai name of lobster, Kung Mang Kohn (Dragon prawn). It is also a spawning site for sea turtles as well.
Koh Kai or Koh Torinla is south of Koh Surin Tai. To the east of the island, there is a very long stretch of coral reefs that are still in perfect condition and ideal for scuba diving.
Accommodation: The Park provides 16 bungalow rooms for 2 persons each at 2,000 Baht per bungalow. A tent for rent is also available at 300 – 450 Baht a night. While those who has their own tents will pay 40 baht fee person for an overnight stay.