The Surin Islands are the home of the Moken, an ancient sea-faring people who have sailed the Andaman Sea for generations. They are descendants of the Bajau people from Indonesia and arrived in Thailand hundreds of years ago. Traditionally, the Moken spent their lives on their beautiful Kabang houseboats in the dry months and banded together in temporary villages during the monsoon. With a rich knowledge of the oceans, the Moken have exceptional underwater skills. They are expert at free diving and spear fishing. More recently, the traditionally nomadic Moken have responded to growing socio-economic pressures by settling permanently in their formerly seasonal monsoon settlements.
The Surin Islands are located in the Andaman Sea, 60 kilometers from the Thai mainland. Snorkeling is very popular here and The Mega Tour knows all the best spots – whales and whale sharks are known to frequent the area, and the islands are also a nesting site for three different species of sea-turtle. Mu Koh Surin National Park includes the islands of Surin Nua (North), Surin Tai (South), and the islets of Stok, Torinla and Mankorn. For a long time, the islands have been home to the Moken Sea Gyspies. Their village is located on Koh Surin Tai, while the National Park headquarters and two camp sites are located on Koh Surin Nua. The Surin Island Tour with The Mega Tour visits all of these locations and gives visitors a chance to meet the Moken people.
“Thanks for the perfect tour of the beautiful island! The guide was very knowledgeable, and professional. Excellent service, very organized, fantastic trip, and very friendly. Will definitely recommend this tour company.”
The colourful marine life never ceases to amaze snorkelers. The reefs around the island are shallow enough to explore the underwater life without scuba-diving equipment. The Mega Tour guides know where to look for clownfish, sea turtles, sharks, barracudas, diverse soft and hard corals, lobsters, sea cucumbers, and many other underwater species.
Explore the Surin Islands National Marine Park with The Mega Tour. Let us introduce you to The gentle Moken People.
