Surin Islands from Phuket: Snorkeling & Moken Village Adventure
The Surin Islands are one of Thailand’s final frontiers - remote, wildly beautiful, and blissfully undeveloped compared to the country’s more famous tropical escapes. Sitting in the Andaman Sea near the Myanmar border, this protected archipelago is a place where emerald bays brush against jungle-draped coastlines, sea gypsies still live according to centuries-old traditions, and coral reefs burst with color and life.
If you’re searching for a slice of Thailand that still feels raw, quiet and connected to nature, the Surin Islands will captivate you from the moment you arrive. Getting there isn’t easy though. The travel time alone deters most people, which is one of the reasons the islands remain so pristine. But for those willing to make the journey, the reward is something unforgettable.
In this travel guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about the Surin Islands - what to expect, how to visit, travel tips, the Moken village, and a detailed breakdown of our own full-day experience traveling from Phuket with Love Andaman.
Unique rock formations at the Surin Islands
Untouched shores of the Surin Islands
Moken village
Surin Islands
Overview of the Surin Islands
Where Are the Surin Islands?
The Surin Islands - or Mu Ko Surin National Park - sit roughly 60 km off the coast of Phang Nga Province, far north of the Similan Islands. The archipelago consists of five islands, with the two largest - Ko Surin Nuea and Ko Surin Tai - forming sheltered bays known for incredible coral reefs and calm, crystalline waters.
The islands are closer to Myanmar than they are to Phuket, which is why getting there takes time. This distance, however, is exactly what keeps the Surin Islands so peaceful. There are no luxury resorts, no hints of nightlife, and no infrastructure beyond simple ranger stations and tent areas. Everything is centered around preservation.
Surin Islands
What Do the Surin Islands Offer Visitors?
Beaches
The Surin Islands’ beaches feel almost otherworldly - golden sand without a trace of litter, emerald-green water shimmering in the light, and shorelines framed by untamed forest. Many of the bays arc into gentle crescents, creating a coastline with an effortlessly cinematic feel.
Beaches of the Surin Islands
Beaches of the Surin Islands
Snorkeling & Diving
The Surin Islands are home to some of the healthiest and most colorful coral ecosystems in Thailand, making them exceptional for both snorkeling and diving. Shallow reefs glow with marine life, offering easy access for snorkelers, while deeper drop-offs and coral gardens provide rewarding exploration for divers.
Sea turtles glide through calm bays, reef sharks patrol the sandy edges, and schools of angelfish, parrotfish, and clownfish move in bright, shifting patterns. Many of the bays feel like natural “aquariums,” creating ideal conditions for both beginners and more experienced underwater explorers.
Snorkeling
The Moken Sea Gypsy Village
One of the most fascinating parts of visiting the Surin Islands is the chance to learn about the Moken people, an indigenous sea gypsy group who have lived in the Andaman Sea for generations. Their lifestyle is incredibly unique, shaped by the ocean, the winds, and a deep knowledge of the natural world.
Moken village
Eco-Protections and Restrictions
Because the Surin Islands are a national marine park, strict protections are in place to safeguard their fragile ecosystem. The islands close every year from May to October during the monsoon season, visitor numbers are regulated, and camping is limited to designated areas with no private development permitted. Boats are also prohibited from anchoring on coral, helping to prevent long-term damage.
Snorkelers and divers must follow important guidelines as well - no touching or standing on coral, and no feeding fish. These measures play a vital role in preserving the Surin Islands’ underwater world, which is widely regarded as some of the healthiest and most vibrant remaining in Thailand.
Emerald waters of the Surin Islands
How to Visit the Surin Islands
Day Trips (Most Common)
Day trips are the most common way to visit the Surin Islands, with tours typically departing from either Khao Lak or Phuket. These trips include speedboat transfers, multiple snorkeling stops, a beachside lunch, a visit to the Moken village, and guided insights about the islands’ natural environment. Companies such as Love Andaman, Seastar, and others run well-organized excursions. If you’re starting from Phuket, the journey will be longer, but still entirely doable if you’re prepared for a full day.
Liveaboard Adventures
Multi-day boat tours offer a deeper, slower way to experience the Surin Islands, often combined with other nearby destinations such as the Similan Islands on 4 - 5 night liveaboard itineraries. These trips allow you to snorkel and dive at sunrise and sunset, explore remote bays that day trippers never reach, and spend your nights beneath a sky full of stars.
With ample time to discover hidden coves, untouched reefs, and quiet beaches at a relaxed pace, liveaboards create a far more immersive experience. Most trips depart from Khao Lak and are ideal for photographers, underwater enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a richer connection with the Andaman Sea.
Camping in the Surin Islands
Camping in the Surin Islands is one of the most memorable ways to experience their natural beauty, with national park tents and simple bungalows available on Ko Surin Nuea. While it’s possible to arrange everything independently, the easiest option by far is to book through a travel company, which can organise your transfers, permits, and accommodation in one package. Facilities are basic, but waking up to waves rolling into a quiet, empty bay is an experience that’s hard to beat.
Our Day Trip to the Surin Islands
We visited the Surin Islands on a day tour from Phuket with Love Andaman, a company we’ve used several times in Phuket. Their tours are well-organized, environmentally conscious, and known for amazing staff, so it was the obvious choice for this adventure.
Early Morning Pickup
Our day started early. A shuttle van picked us up from our Phuket hotel before sunrise, beginning a 1.5-hour transfer to Taplamu Pier in Phang Nga. It was still dark outside as we drove north, the kind of soft, sleepy morning that sets the tone for a big day ahead.
When we arrived at the pier, Love Andaman staff guided us to the check-in area. They provided a light breakfast, tea and coffee, and a detailed briefing about the day: snorkeling rules, island etiquette, and what to expect from the long journey ahead.
The Long Speedboat Journey (2 Hours Each Way)
After boarding the speedboat, we settled into the 2-hour journey across open sea. The ride is long - longer than most other island trips near Phuket. If you’ve been to the Similan Islands, you’ll know that the ride is just over an hour. The Surin Islands boat ride is nearly double that.
The reason becomes obvious once you look at a map: the Surin Islands are isolated, sitting on the edge of the Thai–Myanmar maritime boundary. That isolation is part of their magic though.
Snorkeling at Nemo Gulf
Our first stop was Nemo Gulf, a bay known for its schools of clownfish, bright coral layers, and gentle, clear waters. The snorkeling here was spectacular - some of the healthiest coral we’ve seen in Thailand recently. Swirls of fish danced around us as the sunlight filtered through the turquoise water.
Snorkeling at the Surin Islands
Relaxing at Twin Beach
We continued to Twin Beach, a place straight out of a dream. Two crescent-shaped beaches curve toward each other, joined by a narrow sandbar that feels surreal to walk across. Rock formations frame the shoreline, creating natural viewpoints and adding to the rugged feel of the island. This is the sort of beach you imagine when planning a trip to Thailand - raw, untouched, ridiculously photogenic.
Twin Beach
Relaxing at Twin Beach
The Moken Sea Gypsy Village
Next, we visited the Moken village, one of the most fascinating cultural experiences we’ve had in Thailand. The Moken people have lived in these waters for generations, moving between islands in handmade boats, harvesting what they need from the sea, and relying on an encyclopedic knowledge of tides, currents, and winds.
Walking through the village, we met friendly locals, admired their handmade crafts, and bought small pieces of jewelry. Everything is simple - stilted wooden huts, sandy pathways, drying fishing nets. Yet the sense of heritage is powerful.
Buying local crafts at the Moken village
Moken village
Beachside Buffet Lunch
Around midday, we stopped for lunch: a buffet picnic on the beach. Fresh fruit, rice, curries, stir-fries, fried chicken - the full spread. Sitting under the shade of trees while looking out at water the color of liquid gemstone felt like the perfect break before the afternoon snorkeling session.
Mae Yai Gulf & Tao Gulf Snorkeling
In the afternoon, we snorkeled at Mae Yai Gulf and Tao Gulf, both known for vibrant coral and high visibility. We drifted above gardens of branching coral, spotted parrotfish munching algae off rocks, and watched schools of tiny fish pulse and shimmer beneath us. These spots felt even more untouched than the morning sites.
The Exhausting Journey Back
After a full day in the sun, we began the long trip back to Taplamu Pier, arriving near sunset. Another 1.5-hour van ride returned us to Phuket, and by the time we reached our hotel, it was around 10 p.m. - a massive day of travel and adventure.
Was It Worth It? Absolutely
Yes, it’s a long, demanding day if you start from Phuket. But the combination of untouched beaches, incredible snorkeling, and the cultural experience of visiting the Moken village makes it an unforgettable trip.
If you want a similar experience with shorter travel times, the Similan Islands are a great alternative (roughly half the journey by speedboat). But if you crave something more remote and culturally unique, the Surin Islands remain unmatched.
Relaxing on the boat
Beach swims at the Surin Islands
The Highlight of the Surin Islands: Visiting the Moken Village
The Moken people are one of the most fascinating aspects of the Surin Islands. Traditionally known as “sea nomads,” they lived primarily on their kabang boats, migrating with the seasons, reading the water like a map, and relying on a deep connection with nature. Their history is rich:
They’ve lived in the Andaman Sea for centuries.
They possess incredible free-diving abilities and traditional maritime knowledge.
Their culture is shaped around animism, the ocean, and seasonal rhythms.
After the 2004 tsunami, their natural knowledge saved many lives - they recognised unusual water behaviour and moved to higher ground before the waves hit.
Visiting the Moken village offers a respectful window into a way of life that few outsiders ever witness. Stilt houses, open-air kitchens, fishing nets drying on wooden racks, hand-carved boats, and children laughing barefoot in the sand - it all feels authentic and humbling.
Moken village
Moken village
Moken village
Tips for Visiting the Surin Islands
1. Book With a Reputable Company
For day trips from Phuket, we highly recommend Love Andaman. Their tours are well-organised, environmentally conscious, and have friendly crews who genuinely care about conservation and the guest experience.
Love Andaman crew
2. Try a Liveboard Trip if you’re Feeling Adventurous
If you want to explore more secluded beaches and reefs, multi-day packages or liveaboards are ideal. These trips allow access to sunrise bays, remote snorkeling sites, and quieter corners of the marine park.
3. Base Yourself in Khao Lak for Easier Access
Base yourself in Khao Lak if you want the easiest access to the Surin Islands. Most tours depart from Taplamu Pier, and staying in Khao Lak cuts the travel time dramatically. Phuket is still an option, but it turns the journey into a much longer day - we returned around 10 p.m. - so only choose it if you’re prepared for the extra hours on the road.
4. Visit Between December - April
The Surin Islands are only open to visitors from mid-October to early May, but the ideal time to experience them is between December and April, when the seas are calm, the weather is reliable, and underwater visibility is at its best.
Surin Islands in February
5. Pack a Day Bag with the Essentials
Pack a small day bag with the essentials: reef-safe sunscreen, light clothing, plenty of water, a hat and sunglasses, and a waterproof bag to protect your electronic devices. If you plan to capture the underwater scenery, bring a GoPro or snorkel-friendly camera, and carry some cash if you’d like to support the Moken villagers by purchasing their handmade crafts. If you’re prone to seasickness, motion sickness tablets are also a good idea for the long speedboat journey.
6. Be Eco-Friendly
Do your part to keep the Surin Islands pristine by traveling as eco-consciously as possible. Use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid stepping on or touching coral, and never feed the fish, as it disrupts the natural ecosystem. Most importantly, take all rubbish with you and leave the islands exactly as you found them.
7. Respect the Moken Community
When visiting the Moken community, approach the village with kindness and respect. A warm smile or simple greeting goes a long way, and it’s important to move through the area thoughtfully, remembering that this is their home, not a tourist attraction. Always ask before taking photos, and consider buying small handmade souvenirs to support the community directly.
Moken village
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Surin Islands
The Surin Islands are one of the rare places in Thailand that still feel untouched - where culture and nature come together in a way that feels authentic and beautifully raw. It’s a long journey, especially from Phuket, but reaching the edge of the Andaman Sea and stepping into a world shaped by coral, rainforest, and sea gypsy traditions is something you won’t forget.
If you’re looking for an island experience that goes beyond beaches - a journey that includes culture, conservation, and some of the best snorkeling in Thailand - the Surin Islands deserve a place at the very top of your list.
Emerald waters of the Surin Islands
