Mu Ko Surin National Park, Phang Nga

Located in the Ko Phra Thong Subdv istrict, 60 km. from the Khura Buri pier, this island was discovered by Phraya Surinratcha (Nokyoong Wisetkul), who was governor of Phuket at the time, during one of his ocean surveys and it was he who named the archipelago. The cluster of five islands includes Ko Surin Nuea, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri (Ko Stock), Ko Khai (Ko Torinla) and Ko Klang (Ko Pajumba). Later, in 2007, Kon Hin Richriew was also added, making a total of 88,282 rai (141.25 square km.) The Ko Surin National Park features stretches of coral reef in shallow waters, the most pristine and abundant in the whole of Thailand, surrounding islands dotted in the ocean which protect the reefs, especially around Surin Nuea and Surin Thai islands. During low tide, visitors are easily able to walk to the 200 metres or so between the two islands through a channel the locals refer to as ‘Ao Chong Khad’ The tide rises and falls 4 times during the day, with a 3-metre difference in level between high and low tide. These constant tidal movements and the impact of the current against the rocks have led to a diverse marine ecosystem forming here, with 4 species of sea turtle and the occasional whale shark as well as countless shoals of colourful fish that call the reef home. Ao Mae Yai, Ao Mai Ngam and Ao Suthep are peaceful bays with beauty to be found both on the sandy beaches and under the sea’s surface. The three remaining small islands. Ko Ri, Ko Khai and Ko Klang are rocky land masses covered with trees and shrubbery and are home to a range of wildlife, particularly smaller land animals, and around 80 bird species, including the rare Nicobar Dove. The most interesting thing to do while visiting the islands is to study the lifestyles of the local Moken people, a group of ethnic islanders or ‘sea gipsies’ who live here in a 200 strong community. This community is the last of its kind and they take pride in retaining the traditional lifestyles of their ancestors. A row of Moken huts an