Overnight Camping on Surin Islands: Budget Stays, Snorkeling & Tips

Camping at The Surin Islands, why you really should spend the night

If you really want to experience the magic of the Surin Islands, staying overnight is a must. When the last boats leave in the afternoon and the beaches empty, a calm serenity settles over the island. You’ll feel like you’ve got your own private piece of paradise. Overnight stays in the national park are only allowed on one island, Koh Surin Nuea, the the northern and largest island of the surin Islands

Budget-friendly camping and snorkeling on the islands: what to expect

Accommodation on the islands is basic. You can sleep in tents or simple bungalows. Camping is the most budget-friendly option, with tents costing 300 baht per night p.p. They come with two clean and fresh sleeping bags, thin mats, and pillows. Expect a less comfortable night’s sleep or bring an air mattress, as the mattresses—if you can call them that—are very thin! But since we only “slept” there for two nights, it was manageable.

The surroundings more than make up for it! If you’re lucky, like we were, you sleep right in the front row, just steps from the sea. Otherwise, it’s still only a short walk to the beach. The surrounding bays offer excellent snorkeling right from the shore..

Tents and facilities

There are plenty of tents available, and they were certainly not all occupied, so booking in advance is not necessary. We also saw one luxury family tent with real beds where you could stand upright; as we understood, it even had power at certain times and aircondition.

We personally didn’t miss having a fan because we were there in January, and the nights weren’t too warm, especially if you close the tent using only the mesh section. Speaking of closing up: when you reserve a tent, you also get a small lock. This isn’t so much because of theft by fellow travelers, but because of the monkeys that often go on raids. An open tent with food is just asking for trouble! There are also lockers available to rent for any valuable items you might have.

Not far from the tents, there’s a toilet and shower building that’s kept clean and tidy. You might still come across a few flying insects though. The showers only have cold water.

Bungalows and facilities

Bungalows offer a bit more comfort, with private bathrooms and cold showers. Most are set slightly back from the beach, and some have balconies with partial sea views. The air conditioning runs from 18:00 to 08:00, and prices start around 2,000 baht per night. Because there are fewer bungalows than tents, it’s a good idea to book in advance if you want one. We personally prefer the tents since they’re right on the beach. Although we saw some basic bungalows at Mai Ngam Beach, there were more—and nicer ones—at Chong Khad Bay.

Mai Ngam Beach versus Chong Khad Bay

Our tent was set up on Mai Ngam Beach, a beautiful and peaceful bay. Later, we noticed there were also bungalows and tents at Chong Khad Bay near the tourist information center. In our opinion, Chong Khad Bay is much more touristy than Mai Ngam Beach. In the afternoon, it got very busy with people coming to eat during snorkeling tours, while at “our” bay on the same island, only guests staying there were around. So, it was much quieter.

What, where, and when to eat on the Surin Islands

Meals are served at fixed times in a central restaurant located near the reception area, within a short walking distance from the camping area. The restaurant is partly covered and also features picnic tables set in the sand. All meals are served here, so you need to be mindful of the times.

Breakfast is available from 07:30 to 09:00, lunch from 12:00 to 14:00, and dinner from 18:30 to 20:00. If you’re late, well, then you’re really late. Set menus cost between 120 and 300 baht (prices for 2025), depending on the meal. The food is exclusively Thai cuisine, except for the toasted bread with jam from the BBQ, so don’t expect burgers or fries. However, we actually found everything quite tasty. If you’re picky, it’s a good idea to bring some food from the mainland.

There’s also a small store selling drinks, snacks, and basic items, and hot water is available for free. The prices are reasonable for such a remote location. For example, a can of cola or instant noodles costs about 40 baht.

What to do on the Surin Islands?

1. Snorkeling on your own

The Surin Islands are ideal for relaxing, snorkeling, and exploring nature. The bay of Ao Mai Ngam is perfect for beginners and children because of its shallow, calm waters. You can rent snorkeling gear for just 50 baht per day and explore the coral reefs directly from the beach. If you’re lucky, you might spot baby sharks in the mangroves.

2. Daily snorkeling and diving trips

Daily snorkeling trips are also available from the reception area. These cost 100/200 baht per person and usually visit one or two different reefs. They go to various locations and depart in the morning at 7:30 and in the afternoon at 14:00. The marine life is impressive, with clownfish, pufferfish, reef sharks, and even the occasional sea turtle or manta ray. For diving enthusiasts, Richelieu Rock is one of Thailand’s top dive sites, offering a chance to see whale sharks among its colorful coral gardens. These dive trips are typically organized as multi-day liveaboard tours from places like Khao Lak, Krabi, or Phuket.

Koh Torinla, Koh Pachumba & Koh Ree

These smaller islets are encircled by vibrant coral reefs and are common stops on snorkeling and diving tours in the Surin National Park. Expect underwater gardens, clownfish, reef sharks, and the occasional sea turtle or manta ray.

3. The jungle trail

Another activity is the jungle trail that connects Ao Chong Khad and Ao Mai Ngam. This 1,5-kilometer trail leads through untouched forest and past deserted coves. Along the way, you might spot monitor lizards, pig-tailed macaques, and even flying lemurs. The path is open daily from 08:00 to 17:00, and maps are available at the island headquarters.

We did this hike with a guide, but although the route was sometimes challenging due to damaged structures, it was well marked. Along the trail, there are also signs with photos and information about the local flora and fauna. A guide is not strictly necessary and might even be more enjoyable without one, as along the way you reach some of the most beautiful spots where you might want to spend more time.

4. Moken Village

A visit to the Moken Village on Koh Surin Tai is also highly recommended. The Moken people have lived in this region for generations and still follow a semi-nomadic lifestyle based on the sea. Their wooden stilt houses stand on a gorgeous stretch of beach. For more information, read our post about Mokum Village.

Frequently Asked Questions

Best Time to visit the Surin Islands

The Surin Islands are open to visitors from November through April. The best months to go are December, January, and February when the weather is dry, the skies are clear, and the sea is calm. From May 1 to October 31, the islands are closed for conservation and safety reasons due to rough seas during the monsoon season. The exact dates can vary depending on the weather. For more weather-related tips, check our weather and climate posts.

What makes the Surin Islands in Thailand so special?

The marine life is incredible, with over 100 species of fish and beautiful coral gardens that make snorkeling and diving here some of the best in Thailand. On land, you’ll find quiet, superb white beaches, crystal-clear seas, dense jungle, and even a small indigenous community.

Is there electricity at the campsite?

There is electricity in the restaurant, where you can also charge your phone using one of the power outlets. At night, it’s not completely dark either—there are lights along the paths here and there.

What clothes and gear should I bring for a trip to the Surin Islands?

Basically, you don’t really need camping gear, but if you care about a good night’s sleep, a simple plastic air mattress might be nice. Long pants are a good idea to keep mosquitoes away, and some DEET is recommended too. Don’t forget sunscreen and your personal care products. A flashlight can come in handy, but your phone’s flashlight will probably be enough.

Curious about our comprehensive, personalized packing list? Check out our Thailand travel checklist.

How long should I stay on the Surin Islands?

We recommend staying 2 or 3 nights. Some people stayed for 5 nights. You can stay for up to 7 nights. We’d only recommend just one night if you truly have no other option. It’s a bit of a shame, given all the time and money spent getting there, and you might only get to do one or two snorkeling trips.

How do I get to the Surin Islands from Bangkok, Phuket, or Krabi?

The Surin Islands are a group of five islands located on the west coast of Thailand. They are easily accessible from Khura Buri (if you’re coming from Khao Sok) and Khao Lak. In Khao Lak, you can find tickets for tours to both the Surin and Similan Islands everywhere.

If you want, you can book right away. Once in Khao Lak, you can book tours anywhere; unfortunately, losse tickets are not available. If you don’t want to join a tour and want to camp on the Surin Islands, your best option is to go to Khuraburi.

Costs and entrance fees Surin National Park

Since the Surin Islands are part of a protected national park, visitors must pay an entrance fee of 500 baht, valid for five days. A return speedboat ticket from Khura Buri costs 1,700 baht. So, at a minimum, you’ll spend 2,200 baht just to reach the islands. Booking a snorkel tour from Khao Lak typically costs 3,200 baht and includes transport, lunch, gear, and the park fee. Multi-day tours start at around 5,200 baht and include everything from accommodation to meals and guided snorkeling.

More to see and do Surin National Park

Diving Richelieu Rock

Surin Islands

Moken Village Koh Surin Tai

Surin Islands