Magical Thailand Holidays 2011

60 kilometres off the west coast of Thailand lies Mu Koh Surin National Park. Dotted in the warm emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, this stunning marine park is comprised of the Surin Islands, an archipelago of five tranquil islands.



Less crowded than the nearby Similans, the Surins boast astounding natural beauty and are a haven to wildlife including over 91 species of birds such as the elusive beach thick-knee. Relax on remote beaches of sugar white sand or explore the jungle and watch monitor lizards scuttle through the undergrowth in the day and Malayan flying lemurs glide between the trees at night.



The islands are among the best diving sites in Thailand and the dazzling underwater world of pristine coral gardens and diverse marine life ranging from giant clams to whale sharks is a diver’s dream. Underwater visibility is up to 30 metres and you can explore the beautiful coral in search of parrot fish, manta rays and sea turtles. The shallow waters are also ideal for snorkelling and equipment can be hired daily. Why not join an organised tour or hire your own boat.

In keeping with the tranquillity of the national park, accommodation on the islands is limited. Koh Surin Nuea, the largest island, hosts two campsites equipped with showers and a restaurant. One is for tents only and the other offers tents and basic bungalow accommodation. Booking ahead is strongly recommended as tourist numbers are restricted, and December to April is the best time to visit as the National Park is closed from May 16th until November 15th during the wet season. It takes approximately an hour by speedboat or over three hours by larger boat to get to the islands from Kuraburi. Alternatively, overnight dive trips and liveaboard excursions can be arranged.



The only inhabitants of the islands are park rangers and the nomadic tribe of Moken Sea Gypsies. This indigenous community reside on Koh Surin Tai in long-stilted huts in the village of Large Bon Bay. They have dwelled in the region for hundreds of years and travel around the coast of Thailand and Burma on a ‘kabang’, a wooden boat that is their home for many months until they settle during the monsoon season. The village is well worth a visit and you can help support this remarkable community by purchasing beautiful handicrafts including hand-woven baskets. The Moken are highly skilled hunters and gatherers with a special knowledge of the ocean that has been garnered from years of living at sea. They have developed superior underwater vision and diving skills and are so attuned to nature that village elders foresaw disaster in 2004 and led their people to higher ground before the devastating tsunami hit their village. Follow the Chok Madah Nature/Culture Trail and discover how the Moken use natural resources to sustain their traditional way of life.



For Thailand holidays 2011 is sure to be a great year to visit, so whether you are staying in the sleepy resort of Khao Lak or the Phuket party town of Patong, a visit to the enchanting Surin Islands is a must.