Mu Ko Surin Marine Park
Set in the far northern reaches of Thailand's Andaman Sea, Mu Ko Surin Marine Park covers a pair of islands with healthy reefs in between.
Most of the islands is off-limits to tourists, but the spectacular Mai Ngam Beach is open with soft khaki sand and crystalline water that stays calm thanks to towering headlands. Harmless black-tip reef sharks stop by for a feed at low tide, and sea turtles are commonly spotted.
Tours can be arranged on the mainland or through park staff, but a visitor might prefer to support the Moken boat drivers, indigenous to the islands. Based in a village that can be visited on the marine park's southern island, the Moken are a nomadic tribe of sea dwellers found in both Thailand and Malaysia. Their wooden spirit poles which represent their ancestors, and banana-shaped boats, give the islands the local character that's missing in most Thai marine parks.
Thailand with kids
Everything you need to know about visiting Thailand with the family
Thai people adore kids, often doting over foreign children like celebrities. Visitors to Thailand with kids usually encounter the best of the famed Thai charm. And the country also offers terrific value, quality accommodation for all budgets, a huge selection of destinations and activities, and the travel and tourism infrastructure is well established – all of which means the country is beautiful, welcoming and safe...read more