Booking a tent in Koh Surin (page 1 of 2)

Hi, I’m looking for how to book a tent in Koh Surin to stay for several days. Does anyone know the current booking site?

Hi,

It's the national parks service that manages this: http://portal.dnp.go.th/

But the process is pretty tricky because you first have to successfully book on their site (so you need to register) at http://nps.dnp.go.th/ then: http://nps.dnp.go.th/reservation.php

The conditions are clearly explained on their site—but in Thai!

And once you receive the email confirmation, you’ve got a max of 48 hours to pay into a local Thai bank account (so expect bank fees and delays). Otherwise, it’s canceled.

In practice, it’s better to go through a local operator—especially since you’ll also need to sort out the round-trip boat ride.

Thanks for the info. I’m in touch with Sabinatour—they seem to be handling the tent booking and the boat. But I haven’t gotten any confirmation from them yet. They told me to contact them once I’m in Khura Buri. Hope that works out!

After contacting Sabina Tour agency, I also received an invoice to pay through a bank.. Given the bank fees and risks with this kind of transaction, I’m thinking of waiting until I’m on-site to buy directly from this agency. Do you think there will still be spots available without a reservation? How many days can you stay on Koh Surin island? From what I understood on the park’s website, it’s a max of 3 nights. And how many days do you estimate are needed to make the most of the various snorkeling spots? Thanks

Hi, Did you check THIS out: Surin Island 3 days 2 nights in a tent with 7 meals?

Yeah, I checked. This agency organizes all-inclusive tours: 6,500 baht for the boat + 3 nights + meals. Their prices are way too high. I'm looking to rent a tent and book boat seats directly instead. Thanks

Yes, I checked. This agency organizes all-inclusive tours: 6500 THB for boat + 3 nights + meals. Their prices are too high. I’m looking to rent a tent and spots on the boat directly. Thanks

I don’t understand. Sabina offers 3 days and 2 nights for 5900 THB. Green View, which is a hotel in Khuraburi with a very active manager in environmental protection, offers the same thing + meals + insurance for 6000 THB. It’s up to you

Hi there,

Just the boat and the tent—but most importantly, don’t forget to bring a machete to cut open coconuts, and a lighter so you can start a fire on the beach and grill the fish you’ll catch in the lagoon.

youtu.be/SoygPJevn-Q?t=80

OK, thanks for the humor. For meals, I read that you can buy meal tickets on the island (500 baht for 3 meals). For snorkeling trips, I also read that there are organized outings for 100 baht per trip. You who know Thailand well, is this reality or fiction? Thanks

I went there in March 2016. Actually, I went from Koh Payam (but it's expensive) and the guy who runs the Tour made the reservations 2 or 3 days before. I don’t think there’s any need to worry. There were a lot of tents—more than fifty, roughly. I’d recommend renting small mattresses because the first night we slept on the ground—so hard! The tents are right in front of the beach. The facilities are decent. Meals are served at the camp’s only restaurant at set times. The small shop opens at the same hours, meaning not for long. No fruit for sale. Bring some snacks if you want. You can go snorkeling in the morning and again in the afternoon. We stayed for 4 nights and 3 days and did all the excursions. It’s a stunning place with a beautiful beach. But there’s no evening entertainment—you’ll be going to bed early...

Thanks for your reply. We’re planning to do the same thing (4 nights, snorkeling trips, meals, etc.), except we’ll be coming from Kuraburi. You mentioned booking 2 or 3 days in advance—what agency did you use? Is it really necessary to book ahead?

The reservation was made by the boatman from Koh Payam who organizes day trips to Koh Surin. I can't give you any info about Kuraburi. Maybe you can ask at the hotel where you'll be staying. But I found there were loads of tents, and many were unoccupied.

Hi there, Let me pick up this thread since, like JMC39, I’m planning to spend 3 nights at the Ao Mai Ngam campsite at the end of January 2018. I’d love to know if, based on the latest updates, it’s still possible to pitch your own tent. I’m a bit nervous about making the trip only to find out all the tents are already booked. Same question for the Similan Islands... Thanks! 😉

Hi,

Here are the phone numbers for Surin Park in Khuraburi: 076 472 145, and if no answer, 087 267 3236

You can book a park tent 2-3 days in advance for 300 THB per day and a spot on the park boat, which leaves every morning at 09:00 from Khuraburi Pier for 1700 THB round trip (including the bus fare). The bus departs from the bus station at 08:00 to the port (15 km).

You can also come without a reservation and use your own tent for 80 THB per day. The park can provide a mattress for 80 THB per day and a pillow for 60 THB.

If you need any other info 😊

Hi,

Just a heads-up for those interested: entry to Surin Marine Park is free on December 31st and January 1st. Spread the word! 😎

And to add to my previous message, the price for 3 meals a day in the park is 650 THB per day.

Last year, we could also order à la carte without taking the set menus.

Last year, you could also order à la carte without taking the set menus.

Hi Daisy,

Still possible. I gave this info to help build a budget 😉

One new rule: alcohol is now banned in Thailand’s national park sites. So: be discreet and take your “empties” back to the mainland.

Thanks Hmh and Daisyone for your replies—they’re really helping me plan this trip! 🙂

If the bus takes an hour from Khuraburi bus station to its port, is it better to stay in Khuraburi Town or in Khao Lak, which is an hour and a half away by bus? Maybe I’m wrong, but Khao Lak seems like a better home base for exploring the area.

Hello,

The bus doesn’t run for an hour, but that’s the transit and boarding time. A moto-taxi will get you there in 15 minutes. 😎

Departing from Khuraburi—a quiet little town I’ll admit, and one I know well since I have a house there—is the best way to get to Surin. Kao Lak won’t offer you anything extra if you’re not motorized.

A little bonus: the Boon Piya Resort is basic but clean and just a few dozen meters from the bus station, so it’s easily walkable. Worst case, if you’re too loaded down, the owner will drive you there. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g1152716-d2012035-r147662120-Boon_Piya_Resort-Ao_Phang_Nga_National_Park_Phang_Nga_Province.html

Hello, I'm also looking for a hotel to spend the night before heading to the Surin Islands. Unfortunately, the Boon Piya doesn't have any rooms available according to the booking site. Could you also tell me if it's possible to reach Khao Sok Park on the same day when returning from the Surin Islands? I read that the return boat leaves the islands at 2:30 PM to arrive in Khura Buri around 4 PM. Won't it be too late to find a bus or minibus to Khao Sok then? Thanks a lot.