Surin Islands in Phang Nga Province is a paradise island for snorkeling enthusiasts. The best time to visit with the highest chance of good weather, clear water, beautiful coral reefs, and abundant fish is between February and March each year. We have chosen this period consistently and have never been disappointed by the island's beauty. Regardless of your photography skills, even a simple camera can capture stunning images. Most importantly, don't forget to bring an underwater camera, or you'll regret missing the opportunity to capture the breathtaking underwater scenery.
This time, we stayed at BED HOSTEL in Phuket Town because we had arranged to meet friends and younger siblings. The hostel offers affordable rates between 800 and 1000 baht per night and can be booked through www.facebook.com/bedhostelphuket. Most guests are foreigners, and the hostel provides both backpacker and private rooms with minimal price differences per person.
Carrying a small backpack, I entered and found the check-in counter, ready to receive the key.
This area is secure from outsiders because it has an additional layer of security in the form of a door that requires a key card for access.
The entrance evokes a distinctly American vibe, reminiscent of a prison movie.
The rooms are lined up along the path, with a variety of options including single beds, double beds, and rooms with four beds. However, most of the rooms are occupied.
The room booked is a double bed room with a private bathroom.
My favorite part is the bedding. It's so fluffy and inviting, I had to resist the urge to jump right in before taking a picture for you.
The room is neither small nor large, but it does not feel cramped.
The bathroom is spacious and clean.
In the evenings, guests can relax in the lobby, where young international travelers share their travel experiences or play games (mostly card games) while enjoying a casual beer.
Some are bars where people can sit and relax.
The cool graphic on the wall really enhances the look of this room.
After spending some time chatting, relaxing, and having drinks, we returned to our room to prepare for our trip to the Surin Islands the next day. We planned to drive ourselves and set off around 5:30 AM to allow plenty of time in case of traffic in Phuket.
Remember to charge your mobile phone, camera, and underwater camera batteries. Don't miss this, or you'll regret it.
The travel time from BED HOSTEL to WOW Andaman Pier is approximately 2 hours.
We departed at 5:30 a.m. sharp, fearing traffic congestion and the need to refuel. We soon left Phuket Island and entered Phang Nga Province as the sun began to rise. The early morning atmosphere along the way to the pier was breathtaking, with a light mist and an orange glow throughout. We couldn't resist stopping the car and running out to capture the ambiance of this once-a-year morning awakening.
We arrived at the WOW Andaman pier at precisely 7:30 AM, becoming the first tourist group to arrive.
We have plenty of time to check in, have breakfast, and take pictures around the pier.
Check in!
Ready to apply for life insurance.
Eat breakfast !!
Staple foods include stir-fried noodles and chicken rice porridge.
For those who enjoy tea or coffee in the morning, there are also breads and local snacks available.
We laughed at our friend who lagged behind because they were busy buying things at 7-Eleven, even though the pier has everything they need.
We have ample time to take playful photos at the pier with the morning light before other tourists begin to check in.
Check-in, eat, take photos, and then let's go!
After departing from the pier, it takes approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the Moken village on South Surin Island, which is the first stop on our journey.
The Moken, or sea gypsies, are an indigenous people who have lived in harmony with the sea for centuries. Traditionally, they lived a nomadic life on boats, moving from place to place. Today, they build houses from nipa palm leaves, raised on stilts to protect them from the tides. The houses are a beautiful sight, with their brown roofs contrasting against the blue sky, the green of the forest, and the azure of the sea.
The Moken are one of three groups of seafaring people in Thailand. On the Surin Islands, they are known as the Moken, while on Railay Beach, they are called the Urak Lawoi. Another group, encountered in Ban Nam Khem, Phang Nga Province, is called the Moklen. The Urak Lawoi and Moklen have settled on the mainland and have largely integrated into modern society, becoming part of the "New Thai" group. However, on the Surin Islands, the Moken remain a distinct and traditional group. They were granted the surname "Klatalay" ("Sea Brave") by the Queen Mother in the reign of King Rama IX.
This woman is not Megan, but a Malay woman who acts like a Thai hipster.
Morgan stopped selling coral from the sea and switched to selling souvenirs.
The wooden boat, "Ka Bang Kaman," powered by wind and oars, was an unsinkable vessel used by the Moken people in the past. It has become a souvenir and a lucky charm, symbolizing the hope that our businesses will continue to thrive and never sink.
This is the check-in point of the Moken village, not the "Lobo" or spirit poles of the ancestors, both male (Abba) and female (Ebu). It is a symbol. The Moken have an important annual ceremony called "Nia Neng Lobo", or the celebration of the ancestral spirit poles. When you go, please respect their ancestors, don't take selfies.
Having explored the rich content, let's now take a tour of the Moken village and appreciate its charm.
We spent about 30-40 minutes at this point, and our stomachs were ready for lunch. Within minutes, the boat brought us to North Surin Island.
As mentioned earlier, the weather has been excellent recently, and the water is crystal clear. Additionally, the staghorn ferns along the beach have begun to change color to orange, yellow, and red, adding vibrant hues to the landscape of Surin Island.
The waves gently lapped against the sandy shore.
Amidst the uncrowded beaches, a sense of tranquility washes over you, while the gentle murmur of the waves serenades your ears. As the sun reaches its zenith, a symphony of flavors awaits, tantalizing your taste buds and beckoning you to indulge in a culinary adventure.
Food is sourced from the park and served in the park's restaurant.
The park's management is excellent, and it appears clean and tidy.
The WOW Andaman water and snack booth was set up in another corner, under the shade of the trees.
We savored the delicious food, taking only enough to satisfy our hunger, as many exciting activities awaited us in the afternoon.
Ao Luek Bay is located a short distance from the dining area. We have almost an hour to relax and swim at this spot.
The Crocodile's Mouth Rock, aptly named for its resemblance to the gaping maw of a crocodile, emerged from the receding water, offering a unique platform for the young women to strike poses for their photographs.
Similan Islands are famous for its Sail Rock, while Surin Islands are known for its landmark, Hen Rock.
The water here is crystal clear and incredibly inviting.
If you don't swim in this ocean, where else would you swim?
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The water is so clear that we had to use our underwater Gopro cameras.
After playing in the water to their heart's content, they had several minutes to relax on the beach.
Hey, hey, hey, they told us to relax. Relax means to rest. So what are you guys doing?
Unwind and embrace the tranquility of nature. Observe the beauty of seashells, crabs, the vast ocean, and lush greenery.
After leaving the northern Surin Islands, it's time for some land-based diving.
There are 3 dive sites here, each lasting about 40 minutes: Ao Chongkhad, Ao Maeyai, and Ao Sapparot.
At the first site, we'll spend about 10 minutes at the bow of the boat so the girls can take some cool hipster photos.
Among the islands in the Andaman Sea, Phang Nga - Phuket, Surin Island truly stands out for its snorkeling opportunities. In addition to its stunning beauty, the service provided by the guide team, who point out diving spots and explain the flow of the current, makes for an effortless experience.
Thank you
WOW Andaman
www.facebook.com/Wow-andaman-320335971424814
for the special trip price and supporting tourism in Phang Nga
Thank you Phuket.Guru & The Gang
www.facebook.com/phukettravelguru
for traveling together
Thank you Ammata's Eyes Photography
www.facebook.com/ammataeyes
http://ammata-eyes.com/
for the review photos
If you are not from Phang Nga but want to visit Phang Nga
Follow me at
www.facebook.com/hellophangnga
Hello Phang-Nga
Friday, October 4, 2024 3:15 PM