"For those seeking a beachfront haven, where the gentle caress of the sea breeze and the rhythmic symphony of waves lull you into a state of serenity, where island life unfolds amidst pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, where a myriad of diving adventures await, from the very shores of your accommodation, then look no further than the Surin Islands, the ancestral home of the Moken people, a paradise for those who yearn for the embrace of the ocean."
This trip was born out of boredom at home after leaving my job. It was both hot and tedious, so I decided to take a trip to liven things up. In this hot weather, I had to go sleep in a tent by the sea... to make it even hotter, haha! At least I got to go diving.
With my bags packed, I embarked on another solo adventure. Though I traveled alone, I never felt lonely. Along the way, I made countless new friends.
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This trip, we will depart from Lopburi to Bangkok and board a bus at the Southern Bus Terminal. If we take the bus, we will need to get off at Kuraburi Bus Terminal, where buses from Liknite Co. and the Transport Co. depart from Bangkok at 7:00 PM and 8:00 PM, respectively, arriving in Kuraburi early the next morning.
Round-trip ferry tickets to Surin Islands cost 1700 baht. Travel with Sabina Tour, which provides transportation from Kuraburi Bus Terminal to the pier and to the island.
Sabina's car, which provides transportation between Kuraburi Bus Terminal and the pier.
The boat departs at 9:00 AM and takes approximately 1 hour to reach the Surin Islands.
We have arrived at the Surin Islands. There are two beaches where you can pitch your tent: Mai Ngam Beach and Ao Chong Khad. The speedboat will drop you off at Ao Chong Khad. If you want to go to Mai Ngam Beach, you can take a long-tail boat for about 15 minutes. Let's go!
After disembarking, walk 200 meters to the other side, where you will find the accommodation, office, and restaurant.
The view from the tent is like this. It's right on the beach, so you can fall asleep listening to the waves at night. It's a little hot, but it's bearable.
The park offers tent rentals for 300 baht for a small tent without bedding, with bedding available for an additional 50 baht. Large tents are available for 400 baht. Sabina tents are available for 350 baht and include bedding for two people. Large Sabina tents are available for 450 baht.
Food on the island is sold at designated times and requires the use of coupons. Both set meals and individual dishes are available. Ordering a set meal can be more economical for groups. It is important to check the opening hours for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
The left side of Mai Khao Beach is home to a mangrove forest. During high tide, blacktip reef sharks can be seen swimming in this area.
If we approach the swimming baby sharks quietly and avoid making loud noises, we have a good chance of encountering them up close.
High tide period
Evening view of the beautiful Mai Khao Beach.
**Scuba diving:** The park provides local boats for scuba diving twice a day, in the morning and afternoon. Each day, there will be a list of diving locations. The diving fee is 150 baht per round. You need to register your name. Equipment can be rented from the park: snorkel 50 baht, life jacket 50 baht per day.
Surin Island boasts numerous diving spots, including Ao Pak Kad, Ao Chong Khad, Ao Mai Ngam, Ao Jak, Ao Tao, Ao Su Thep, Ao Mae Yai, Ao Sapparot, Laem Sai Ri, and Hin Kong. Each location features unique coral reefs and diverse marine life, offering a breathtaking underwater experience. The park authorities determine the diving locations based on weather conditions and tidal patterns, ensuring an optimal diving experience.
Encountered local fishing boats on the way out to dive. The water was crystal clear and the sun was shining brightly.
Underwater photos are of varying clarity. I just bought an action camera the day before the trip and went straight into the water.
At Crown of Thorns, you can find a wide variety of marine life. In addition to clownfish, there are many different types of fish. I wouldn't get too close to the moray eels, though. They tend to be aggressive.
Returning to the mainland, we visited the Ngam Koo viewpoint, which was closed due to the approaching island closure. As a result, we spent the night at the equally stunning Channel Crack.
In front of Khlong Khad Beach
After diving, I spent my time relaxing on the beach, walking and napping. It was a truly wonderful and rejuvenating experience.
Remains of an old shipwreck in front of the office beach
In the blink of an eye, 3 days and 2 nights have passed. Is it really time to go back? I feel like I've fallen in love with this place without even realizing it. I've been living on an island, sometimes without a signal, and it's been so peaceful to just be with nature. Even though I came here alone, I'm leaving with many new friends. When the island reopens next year, I'll definitely be back to relax, swim, and explore again. If anyone is going next year, let's meet up!
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Tuesday, October 8, 2024 10:28 AM