Mu Ko Surin National Park

The Mu Ko Surin National Park comprises some beautiful protected islands 60 km (37 mi) west of the Northern Andaman Coast.

Mu Ko Surin National Park is in the Andaman Sea approximately 60 km from the coast of Phang Nga Province in the southern peninsula region. The park covers an area of approximately 135 km. Of the protected area 102 km or 76% is sea. The park comprises 5 main islands; Ko Surin Nua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ree (Ko Stok), Ko Pachumba, and Ko Kai (Ko Torinla). A few kilometers to the north of the park is the Myanmar border and about 100 km to the south are the Similan Islands.

These stunningly beautiful islands are open to visitors from 16 Nov-15 May each year. The picture postcard beaches and excellent snorkelling are a big draw. The main activity enjoyed by visitors is snorkelling, closely followed by scuba diving. Accommodation is the form of bungalows and tents. There are two campsites on Ko Surin Nua.

The islands were declared a national park on the 9 Jul 1981 in recognition of the islands unique beauty and to protect the fragile marine habitat. Green and hawksbill turtles are frequent visitors to the islands. They come to nest on the island's beaches. In the 1990s some rare Olive Ridley turtles were also laying their eggs here. Diving is not allowed in certain areas of the park where conservation initiatives are taking place.

Access to Surin Islands Marine National Park is easiest from either Khao Lak, Khuraburi, or Ko Phra Thong on the mainland Phang Nga Province. The park is closed during the rainy season, 1 May-31 October every year. The mainland office of the park is in Ngan Yong, just north of Khuraburi. Dive operators in Khao Lak offer liveaboard diving trips and day trips via speedboat. Ferry tickets to the islands can be bought in Khuraburi as well. All boat operators in Khuraburi provide free land transfer to the ferry pier, which is a 10-minute ride from the town centre.