This is a rich national maritime park on Thailand’s southern west coast. A quiet and beautiful spot in the Andaman Sea, it edges the Thai-Myanmar nautical border and is under the administration of Khuraburi District, Phang-Nga Province. Lying about 60 km offshore, it covers an area of 135 square kilometers, 76% of which is the sea. Because of the abundance of the untouched flora and fauna both on terrain and underwater, the islands were delegated as the nation’s 29th national marine park on July 9, 1981. This archipelago consists of five islands: Koh Ri, Koh Surin Neua, Koh Surin Tai, Koh Klang (Koh Pachumba) and Koh Kai (Koh Torinla). Koh Surin Neua and Tai are the largest.

Acclaimed as a divers’ paradise, these five islets are host to beautiful shallow coral reefs — a fringing reef type formed by the accumulation of limestone. It has an enormous solid coral foundation, the largest shallow coral reef in Thailand . The reefs are in three sections: the Reef Flat next to the shore, the Reef Edge where the reefs are the most abundant and the Reef Slope, so that both snorkeling and scuba diving are an easily accessed delight. Visibility is a spectacular 20 meters. And thanks to the great diversity of coral and the creatures that call it home, divers stand a good chance of seeing nine rare creatures: Whale Sharks (the world’s largest fish), Manta Rays, Silvertip Sharks, White-Spotted Guitarfish, Humphead Parrotfish, Cockatoo Fish, Seahorse, Ghost Pipefish and Triton Trumpet. Examples of these rare creatures are also on display alongside a load of others at the Exhibition Center at Surin Archipelago National Park Office. It’s worth checking this out on advance of diving, so you get a feel for what you see below the surface.

For those at the beginner level, take a little walk southward from the park office and try snorkelling at Ao Chong Kad, the strait between Koh Surin Neua and Tai, where the water is only 1-3 meters deep. However, the currents can fluctuate, so it’s worth checking before you dive. Here you can see huge schools of tiny Anemone Fish, Pipe Fishes, Parrot Fishes, shells, coral bushes and sponges. Thee more advanced divers can take a long tail boat to Ao Suthep, northwest of Koh Surin Tai, and Ao Jak, northeast of Koh Surin Neua. Reefs at these two bays are a bit further offshore and still untouched by mass diving because because it is only accessible by boat. Ao Suthep is famous for its pristine coral reef that extends as much far 1,200 meters while Ao Jak is attractive for a wide collection of curious but tame colorful fishes and beautiful corals. For advanced divers, Ao Tao and Ao Pak Kad are places to see the soft coral reefs, the rare Hawksbill Turtle, the Yellowmask Angelfish or even sharks.

The truly adventurous can opt for a night dive to see rare night sea hangers like Hingebeak Shrimp, Cleaner Shrimp and Dendronephthya, a kind of sea crab. Others include Moray, Pufferfish, Barracuda and Rock Lobster.

Other bays and islets of the archipelago are preserved areas where diving is not recommended or the coral reefs need to be restored or studied. They are Koh Ri, Koh Pachumba, Koh Kai (Koh Torinla), Hin Pae, Ao Mae Yai, Ao Sai En and Ao Sai Daeng.

Points of interest on these islands are not limited to sea creatures. There are also indigenous Sea Gypsies (the Morgan) who lead a simple way of life, making a living from fishing using centuries-old methods, and living in boats during the rainy season.

Staying on this group of islands requires at least two overnights. Accommodation is very basic with no air-conditioned rooms. There are eight bungalows for 6-8 persons with fans and private restrooms, a row of five rooms for three persons with shared restrooms and campsites. Accommodation must be reserved in advance. Coupons are used instead of the cash on these islands. Fees are 40 baht for adult tourists, 20 baht for children and 200 baht for foreigners. Food can be found at the park office canteen at reasonable prices. Breakfast costs 80 baht, lunch at 90 baht and dinner 180 baht.

The trip there takes four hours by boat from the pier at Khuraburi District. Just remember to respect the environment there as much as possible. Garbage bins on the islands are covered with nets thwart scavenging monkeys and all garbage generated offshore is removed and disposed of on the mainland.

Hua Hin Beach
The name Hua Hin – ‘rocky head’ in Thai – is derived from the rocks that can be seen on the beach in front of the Sofitel Central Hotel. It has a 5-kilometer beach lined with a variety of private beach houses and 5 star resorts. The beach stretches some 7 kilometres from the hill in the south called Khao Takiap, where the famous temple Wat Khao Takiap is located. The beach is wide and long with white sand and scattering rocks in some area. Some parts of the beach can be tranquil but activities such as horse riding, kite boarding, and water sports can also be found

Cha-am Beach
Known as a twin city of Hua Hin but more popular among Thai tourists, Cha-am beach is about 28 kilometers north of Hua Hin. Cha-am is less developed than Hua Hin but it’s picking up its pace to attract more foreign tourists. It is very quiet and relaxing during the week and gets busy at weekends. There are several fun activities on the offer such as Jet Ski, banana boat and bicycle riding. Plenty of seafood restaurants are also available here.

Suan Son Pradiphat Beach
Protected by the Army Welfare Office, Suan Son Pradiphat is some 10 kilometers south of Hua Hin. This is a serene and relaxing place to visit with various restaurants and accommodations – many local guesthouses and self-catering bungalows. Open to the public everyday.

Khao Tao Beach
This small secluded beach at the foot of Khao Tao Hill lies about 20 kilometers south of Hua Hin. The beach is fringed with pine trees and more peaceful than Hua Hin beach. Perhaps the landmark of this beach is a large Buddha statue that is looking out to the sea. Bungalows and small local restaurants are available by the beach.

Khao Takiab Beach
Khao Takiab ‘chopstick hill’ beach is 7 kilometers south of Hua Hin. The hill is famous for its hilltop temple and monkeys that live near temples. The best spot of this beach is located behind the hill where there are big expanses of beach and calm shallow waters ideal for children. You can take motorcycle taxi or local bus to Khao Takiab from Hua Hin ‘chopstick hill’ beach

Pranburi beach: a haven of boutique resorts
Pranburi is some 30 kilometres south of Hua Hin. The beach itself may not be spectacular but its peaceful environment infuses a sense of privacy and exclusivity. It was never a popular weekend destination among travelers. In the past, holidaymakers preferred to stay in Hua Hin and drive to Pranburi for a one day trip.

However, this is not the case, today, since it becomes a popular getaway among travelers from Bangkok who seek to relax in style. That contributes to the increase in the number of chic and boutique resorts. The trend started in 2002 when Soneva hotelier group opened its first boutique resort in Pranburi. The resort was a huge success, luring local and foreign investors to follow its footstep. Yet it maintains its serenity. Some resorts in Pranburi offer a shuttle van service for their customers who want to go to Hua Hin for a night out. Nowadays, Pranburi is a tourist attraction by its own.

An interesting attraction nearby Pranburi is the Pranburi Forest Park, which occupies a large area with a 1-kilometre pine-fringed beach and mangrove nature trails.

The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and
a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.

Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.

It is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.

Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect.

Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.

Social Norms : Thais don’t normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.

Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude.

Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.

Although almost all year round in Thailand has a hot weather, walking shirtless on the street, especially in Bangkok, is generally regarded as impolite – tank tops are acceptable

Traveling with children need not be difficult. Thais adore infants, and those with blond hair receive special attention – this is sometimes overwhelming, but remember that people are just being friendly. Despite the language barrier, Thai children quickly make friends with their foreign peers.

Footpaths (especially Bangkok) are not pedestrian friendly. If not in disrepair, something or somebody obstructs them: forget baby strollers and bring back-or-chest-mounted baby carriers. When traveling around, backpacks free your hands for your kids, and harnesses keep young wanderers away from harm. Children should never approach dogs, monkeys, or any animal rabies is still a risk in Thailand.

The tropical sun is intense, so sun block and hats are important. Frequent hand washing is also a must, as infants who suck their fingers can easily pick up stomach bugs. Still, unless you visit remote mountain regions, a clinic is never far away