Close to the border of Myanmar lie the Surin Islands, an unspoiled group of 5 islands that acts as a refuge for fishing boats during storms and host to two small communities of Chao Lay. The Surin Islands are situated a few miles south from the Myanmar border and 55 miles north of the Similan islands.
The islands have largely retained their beauty and pristine condition. The rainforest is abundant with wildlife, and small patches of mangrove forests and seagrass beds are present. This biodiversity makes the Surin Islands an important ecological site. Recognizing the unique tourism and research potential of these islands, as well as their natural beauty, the Royal Forest Department designated the Surin Islands a national park in 1981.