Attractiions in Phangnga Province, Thailand - Surin Islands
This group of five islands close to the marine boundary between Burma
and
Thailand in Khuraburi has so far been little visited because
of its distance from the coast and the absence of any commercial
activity or permanent population other than
Sea Gypsies on the
islands, all of which are a protected area. The shallow
channel between the two principal islands - about two meters
at high tide-has one of the most remarkable panoplies of coral
reef life to be found anywhere. Scuba gear is by no means necessary
to get a good look at the reefs, a mere snorkel and mask is
sufficient, making this a perfect destination for those who
would like to have the experience of diving but have no time
for a scuba course.● Ao Mae Yai:The largest, with still waters and peaceful breezes.
The Singh (or Lion) tribe of Chao Lay ( Sea Gypsies) have a settlement on Koh Surin Tai. These nomadic sea people continue in this modern age a very primitive way of life; time, for example, appears to be a vague concept as none of them knows his own age, nor can count beyond the digits on his fingers. On the other hand, they are quite skilled in their own ways, able to hew an ocean-going boat using only the most basic tools, catch fish by hand, and are famous for their talents as deep divers without benefit of scuba tanks. On the fifteenth night of the third lunar month they perform a religious rite similar to the Thai festival of Loy Krathong, a propitiation ceremony in which small models of the larger Chao lay craft are set adrift on the waves.
can be initiated from several different points:
One
reason why the Surins are still so beautiful is that they are
rather out of the way. There is no regular boat service for
travelers to the islands. Boats leaving from Khuraburi Pier
are suitable for group tours, and cost in the range of 8,000
to 15,000 Baht to rent, depending on various factors. The situation
at Thap Lamu is similar. It is sometimes possible for individuals
to hitch a ride or pay a reasonable fraction of the rental cost
on a boat chartered by a group. This method is by no means certain
and should be an option only for the adventurous who have time
to spare.
Perhaps the best way for individual travelers
to visit the Surins is to join a dive trip out of
Phuket that
includes the islands on the itinerary. This typically lasts
4 or 5 days and includes visits to the
Similans, the Richelieu
Rocks (regarded by some as the very best dive site on Thailand's
west coast), and Koh Ta Chai, a small island south of the Surins
with notably good diving. Price for such a trip is 8,000 Baht
and up, depending on the level of luxury, and includes meals,
accommodations, equipment, and transportation. Contact one of
the many dive shops in Phuket for further details.
The National Park is closed for visitors during the rain season from 16 May - 15 November
basic accommodation are available at a very modest price in the National Park. For details (and information for individual travelers about joining a group to the islands) contact the Visitor's Center (076) 491378. Information about weather conditions and current numbers of
visitors
can sometimes be obtained from the Park Office located on the
islands by calling (076) 419028-9; phone service to these isolated
islands is, however, problematic. Ko Klang or Koh Pachumba has a scenic bay called Ao Mangkon. The bay is teeming with splendid coral reefs and many schools of various kinds of fish.
Koh Khai or Koh Torilla, situated to the south of Koh Surin Tai. On the eastern side of the island there is a long stretch of unspoilt and picturesque coral reef. Snorkelling is the most recommended activity here.
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