Mu Ko Surin National Park
Mu Ko Surin is a national park of Thailand, washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea, 60 km from the coast of Phang Nga Province, which is located on the southern side of the peninsula. The entire territory of the reserve is 141 km2, 108 of which is the water part. This area was declared a national park in 1981, in order to preserve the unusual beauty and diversity of the underwater world, and of course the main wealth that is present here – marine reefs.
The Surin Islands form such islands as Koh Surin Nua, Koh Surin Thai, which are the largest, as well as Koh Glang, Koh Ri, and Koh Khai. The two largest islands are located very close to each other and during low tides, you can freely cross the distance between them on foot. The three remaining islands are covered with rocks overgrown with dwarf trees. Previously, this area was a group of untouched islands and served as a place to shelter fishing vessels from natural adversity, as well as housing sea gypsies. On the main island of Koh Surin Nua, the settled nomads, Moken or "sea gypsies", who number about 150 people, feel great. They call their community the "Lions" tribe. These people are not at all adapted to modern life, civilization and all progress have bypassed them. They don't know how old they are or how to count their fingers, but they can go out to sea with only primitive equipment and a means of navigation. They can easily dive to depths without using scuba gear, while holding their breath for a long time. This tribe spends most of its life on boats, the so-called kabangs, but they do not fish, but collect shells, snails and other mollusks near the shores, which they put up for sale. Mokens also have certain religious rituals. The greatest harm to this territory is caused by fishermen for commercial purposes.
The second equally popular island of Koh Surin Thai, with its main bay, Ao Tao, also attracts travelers. Here, travelers enjoy diving into the underwater expanses and enjoying their indescribable beauty. The islands of Koh Ri, Koh Khai and Koh Glang are also very popular among tourists. The main natural attraction of this area is the famous Riccelli Rock clam, which is a coral-locked turret, it is a bait for whale sharks, but the reasons for this are not yet unknown.
The climate of Mu Ko Surin National Park varies at different times. It is dry here from February to May, but it rains from May to October. A fairly large part of the reserve, the ridge-mountain part of it, is covered with a tropical forest. Moisture-loving plants have their place in this area. Exotic flowers, cerberus and various trees grow on the beach areas. In Mae Yai Bay, mangrove forests have their place, which are not fruitful, but there are still tangerine trees. The fauna of the islands is represented by a large variety of birds – about 90. It is also home to mammals, which include bats of approximately 12 species. This area is home to six species of reptiles. The rich aquatic world is teeming with fish, turtles, which you can even swim with. Every year more and more tourists come here to explore the unspoiled nature. In addition, this area is in great demand among researchers.
