Surin Islands: Season, Park Fees and How to Get There

The Surin Islands are open for the 2026-27 season, which began on 15 October and runs until around 15 May 2027, making late November one of the best times to plan a trip from Phuket. This remote marine park in the far north of the Andaman Sea rewards the long journey with shallow reefs that are ideal for snorkelling, quiet white-sand bays and the chance to learn about the Moken, a sea-going community whose village sits inside the park.

Where are the Surin Islands?

Mu Ko Surin National Park lies in Khura Buri district of Phang Nga province, close to the sea border with Myanmar and roughly 55 to 60 kilometres off the mainland coast. The park is made up of five main islands: Ko Surin Nuea (North Surin), Ko Surin Tai (South Surin), Ko Khai, Ko Klang and Ko Ri. It was declared a national park in 1981, and the famous dive pinnacle of Richelieu Rock was added to it in 2007.

Compared with Phi Phi or even the Similans, the archipelago sees far fewer visitors, mostly because it takes effort to reach. That is exactly what draws many travellers: once the day boats leave in the afternoon, the bays become very calm and quiet.

When is the best time to visit?

The Department of National Parks opens the park every year from 15 October to 15 May and closes it for the southwest monsoon. Being open does not guarantee flat water, though. Early in the season and in the final weeks before closing, swell can still cancel or shorten trips, and the park can shut individual sites or camping areas at short notice when the weather turns.

For a first visit, December to April is usually the most reliable window, with calmer seas and clearer water. November is already inside the season and is a good choice if you are flexible, but keep a spare day in your plans. Our guide to Phuket weather in November explains what the sea is typically doing at this time of year.

How do you get to the Surin Islands from Phuket?

You do not sail directly from Phuket. Boats to the park leave from the mainland near Khura Buri, a small town north of Khao Lak on the road to Ranong, and the speedboat crossing takes about an hour in calm conditions. Some operators also run from Ban Nam Khem, which is closer to Khao Lak. Phuket International Airport is the nearest large airport, so most visitors fly in, then travel north by road.

• Organised day trip: many tours include a hotel pickup in Khao Lak or Phuket, a road transfer to the pier, the speedboat, snorkelling stops and lunch. From Phuket it is a very long day that starts before dawn.
• Self-drive or transfer: rent a car or book a transfer to Khura Buri, stay the night nearby and join a boat the next morning. Our car rental in Phuket guide covers what to check before driving north.
• Overnight in the park: book park accommodation separately, then arrange a boat seat out and back with an operator.

The park's daily visiting hours are reported as 08:30 to 16:30, which is why boats leave the coast early in the morning and head back in the afternoon before the wind picks up. If you are arriving by air, sort your Phuket airport transfer in advance so you are not rushing on the first day.

How much is the park fee?

Mu Ko Surin is in the highest fee category used by Thai national parks, alongside the Similans. Foreign adults pay 500 baht and children aged 3 to 14 pay 250 baht, while children under three enter free. Most day trip operators either include the fee in the tour price or collect it on the boat, so ask which applies before you pay. The park uses electronic tickets registered with your passport number, so give your operator your details exactly as printed in your passport.

Bring cash. There are no ATMs inside the park and card payments are not accepted there.

Day trip or overnight stay?

A day trip is the simplest option and covers the main snorkelling bays and the Moken village. Staying overnight changes the experience completely, because you can snorkel early in the morning before the day boats arrive. The park has offered bungalows and campsites on Ko Surin Nuea, with Ao Chong Khad and Ao Mai Ngam used for camping at different points in the season. Facilities are simple, so think of it as camping rather than a beach resort, and confirm prices and availability with the Department of National Parks before you travel.

What is snorkelling like at the Surin Islands?

The Surin Islands are a snorkelling destination first and a diving one second. The fringing reefs lie close to the surface in sheltered bays, which suits swimmers who are not confident in deep water. That same shallowness makes the coral easy to damage, so follow a few simple rules:

• Wear a life jacket or buoyancy vest so you can float without standing on the reef.
• Never touch, stand on or collect coral, shells or marine animals.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen; several chemical filters are banned in Thai marine parks.
• Take all rubbish back to the mainland.

Divers usually reach Richelieu Rock on a liveaboard that also visits the Similan Islands. If you are weighing the two parks, see our guide to the Similan Islands from Phuket, and read our diving in Phuket guide for local training options before you go.

How should you visit the Moken village?

The Moken village stands at Ao Bon on Ko Surin Tai, near the park headquarters. The park presents it as a place to learn about the Moken way of life, including stilt houses and traditional handicrafts. Remember that it is a home, not a show. Stay in the visitor area, ask before taking photos of anyone, and buy crafts rather than handing out money or sweets to children. Avoid the old label "sea gypsies", which many people find disrespectful.

Surin Islands quick facts

Item	Details
Season	15 October 2026 to around 15 May 2027
Departure point	Khura Buri area, about 1 hour by speedboat
Park fee (foreigners)	500 baht adult, 250 baht child aged 3 to 14
Best for	Snorkelling, camping, the Moken village
Money	Cash only inside the park

For official notices on opening dates, closures and accommodation, check the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation before booking.

FAQ

Are the Surin Islands open in November?

Yes. The park opened for the season on 15 October 2026, although boats can be cancelled on days when the sea is too rough to cross safely.

Can I do a day trip from Phuket?

Yes, but it is long. Tours pick up in Phuket, drive north to the pier near Khura Buri and then cross by speedboat, so expect a very early start and a late return.

Is the park fee included in tours?

Often, but not always. Ask your operator in writing whether the 500 baht fee is included so you are not charged twice.

Can children go snorkelling there?

The sheltered, shallow bays suit families. Children should wear a life jacket, and parents should check that the operator carries the right sizes.

Photo: The Cosmonaut / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.5