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.
Accommodations at the National Park are
spartan, but the modest inconvenience of roughing
it will be amply rewarded by the experience
supplied. The five islands of Surin National Park
are Ko Surin Neua, Ko Surin Tai, Ko Ri, Ko Kai,
and Ko Klang.
The two large islands, Surin Nua and Surin Tai
(which mean, respectively, north and south) have
ten bays in which coral gardens are found. The
best known are: |
are some impressive corals. The
Singh (or Lion) tribe of Chao Lay (Sea Gipsies)
have a settlement on Ko Surin Tai.
Travel to Surin can be initiated from
several different points: