The Surin Islands are a marine national park in the Andaman Sea, off the northern coast of Phang Nga. They are far from the mainland, so they stay quiet, and they are home to the Moken, the “sea nomads” of the Andaman. This guide covers what you need to know before you book.
At a glance
- Open: 15 October 2026 – 15 May 2027 (the whole park is closed the rest of the year)
- Departure pier: not Phuket, but the northern Phang Nga coast. Sea Star tours leave from Ban Nam Khem Pier, the Sawanu tour from Thap Lamu Pier. It is about 2 hours by road from Phuket Town, so hotel pickups are early. Staying in Khao Lak makes it much shorter.
- Boat ride: close to 2 hours — which is why Surin is quieter than the Similans.
- Park fee: included in all five Surin tours on TripRAON.
- Overnight: possible, in national park tents or bungalows at Mai Ngam, North Surin (2D1N and 3D2N tours).
How do you get there?
There is no public ferry to Surin, so almost everyone goes on a tour boat: a road transfer from your hotel to the pier, then a speedboat or speed catamaran.
What you’ll see
Surin is mainly two islands, North Surin and South Surin, separated by a shallow channel (Chong Khat). A typical day looks like this:
- Snorkelling: Chong Khat Channel, Bon Bay or Mae Yai Bay, Pineapple Bay or Turtle Bay. The exact spot depends on the day’s waves and tide. With luck you’ll see sea turtles.
- Moken village: a village of the Moken people, who traditionally lived on boats. You’ll see stilt houses and traditional boats.
- Lunch: at the national park beach restaurant (included).
Visiting the Moken village respectfully
The Moken village is not an attraction — people live there.
- Don’t look into homes or take close-up photos of people (especially children) without asking.
- Rather than handing out sweets or money, buying the bracelets and wood carvings sold in the village is a better way to support the community.
Which tour should you choose?
TripRAON offers five Surin tours. All include return hotel transfer, park fee, meals, snorkel gear and insurance.
| Sea Star Surin & Moken Village (day) | Sea Star Surin Secret (day) | Sea Star Overnight 2D1N | Sea Star Overnight 3D2N | Sawanu Surin & Moken Village (day) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pier | Ban Nam Khem | Ban Nam Khem | Ban Nam Khem | Ban Nam Khem | Thap Lamu |
| Departs | 09:30 (check-in 08:30) | 09:30 (check-in 08:30) | 09:30 | 09:30 | 08:00 (hotel pickup approx. 06:00) |
| Runs | In season (see dates in the booking form) | Mon · Wed · Fri, 4 Nov – 1 May | In season | In season | In season |
| Snorkelling | 3 stops | 3 hidden reefs | 1 on day 1 + 2 on day 2 | 1 on day 1 + 2 longtail-boat spots on day 2 + 2 on day 3 | 3 stops |
| Moken village | ✔ | ✘ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Best for | First-timers who want reef and culture | Repeat visitors, snorkel-focused | Sunset and an empty morning beach | Travellers here for the snorkelling | Those who prefer Thap Lamu Pier (same as the Similans) |
TripRAON tips
- First time? The Moken Village day trip gives the most balanced look at Surin.
- Day trips leave the islands around 4 pm. For sunset and an empty beach in the morning, stay one night — but remember it’s a national park tent, not a hotel.
- Russian- and German-speaking guides join on certain tours and days (see “Guide language” on each tour page). Mention it when you book if you’d like one.
Staying overnight
You’ll stay at the national park facilities at Mai Ngam, North Surin. A standard tent is included; you can upgrade to an air-conditioned tent or a bungalow in the booking form.
- The upgrade is paid to the national park as soon as your booking is confirmed, so it is non-refundable if you cancel after confirmation. If the operator cancels (weather, too few guests, park closure), it is refunded in full.
- On the 3D2N trip, day 2 goes by longtail boat to Pak Kad Bay and Ko Stork, spots the speedboats don’t reach.
Before you go
- Don’t touch or stand on coral, and don’t take shells or coral pieces.
- Don’t feed fish or chase turtles.
- Sunscreen: products containing oxybenzone, octinoxate, 4-MBC or butylparaben are banned in Thailand’s marine national parks. A rash guard is the safest choice.
- Try not to bring single-use plastic.
- Reef condition: in summer 2026 warmer water caused some coral bleaching in a few bays; the August survey showed it recovering. If the park closes a spot, the tour switches to another one.
- If fewer than 10 guests book, the operator may cancel the tour — you’ll get a full refund.
- Pregnant women and babies under 1 year cannot join.
FAQ
Surin or the Similans?
Both parks are open only from 15 October to 15 May. The Similans are known for white granite islands and the viewpoint; Surin for quiet water, reefs and the Moken village. If you have one day and want fewer people, choose Surin.
Can I do it as a day trip from Phuket?
Yes, but the pier is about 2 hours by road, so you leave early and return in the evening. Staying in Khao Lak makes it much easier.
I can’t swim. Can I still go?
Yes — life jackets are included, so you can float while snorkelling. If you’re worried about waves, tell the guide before you get in.
Related tours
Photos: Sea Star Andaman