Andaman Community Explorer

Combine a visit to the magnificent Surin Islands with an immersive cultural experience at a remote Andaman coastal community, home to the Moken Sea Gypsies—a semi-nomadic people renowned for their deep connection to the ocean and warm hospitality. After exploring the pristine beaches and coral reefs of Surin, you’ll be welcomed into the Moken village, where few tourists ever venture. Here, you’ll learn about their unique maritime traditions, boat-building techniques, and sustainable way of life shaped by the tides. This rare encounter offers a glimpse into a disappearing culture and a chance to witness a part of Thailand that remains truly untouched.

Begin your journey with a pickup from Phuket or Surat Thani, followed by a scenic transfer to the coastal community of Ban Talae Nok, nestled along the Andaman Sea. Upon arrival, meet your welcoming homestay family and set out on a walking tour of the village to learn about its history and the community’s resilience following the 2004 tsunami.

Dive into local traditions by learning the art of Batik dyeing, where wax-drawn designs transform plain fabric into vibrant, handcrafted textiles. You’ll also get to weave Nypa palm leaves into traditional wall panels—a skill passed down through generations. As the day winds down, enjoy a spectacular Andaman sunset paired with a delicious barbecue dinner on the beach, sharing stories and laughter with your hosts. Overnight at the homestay, surrounded by the warmth of community and the rhythm of the sea.

After breakfast, set off on a tranquil boat journey through the mangrove forest, where local villagers will share how they actively protect this vital ecosystem—essential to both biodiversity and their daily livelihood. Learn about traditional fishing techniques passed down through generations, and gain insight into the delicate balance between nature and community.

Later, head to the beach for snorkelling in clear coastal waters, followed by a relaxed picnic lunch under the shade of palms. In the afternoon, join a handicraft workshop led by village women, where you’ll learn how to make natural soaps using local ingredients and age-old methods. As the day winds down, choose to unwind on the beach and watch the sunset, or dive into a hands-on introduction to Thai cooking, learning basic techniques and flavors.

Dinner is served at your homestay, where you’ll spend the night surrounded by the warmth of local hospitality and the gentle sounds of the sea.

After breakfast, visit the local school, perched on a gentle rise that offers a panoramic view of the village and its surrounding landscapes. It’s a chance to connect with the community and appreciate the setting from a new perspective. Afterwards, join a hands-on session to learn how to prepare traditional local desserts, using regional ingredients and time-honored techniques passed down through generations.

Following lunch, it’s time to bid farewell to your host family, whose warmth and hospitality have made your stay unforgettable. Transfer to Kuraburi, a quiet town nestled between forested hills and the Andaman coast, and check into a comfortable local resort. In the evening, head out to explore the local market, where vibrant stalls offer fresh produce, handmade goods and street food favorites. Enjoy a truly authentic dinner, rich in southern Thai flavors, before returning to the resort for a restful night.

After breakfast at the market, transfer by speedboat to the pristine Surin Islands, a protected marine sanctuary known for its vibrant coral reefs and rich cultural heritage. Upon arrival, check in to your National Park bungalow, nestled in a quiet bay surrounded by turquoise waters and tropical forest.

Later, take a short boat ride to the Moken village, home to the indigenous Moken Sea Gypsies, whose deep connection to the ocean shapes every aspect of their daily life. Explore the community on foot and learn about their sustainable lifestyle, traditional boat-building, and the crafting of bracelets from Pandanus leaves, a skill passed down through generations.

Enjoy a picnic lunch in a shaded coastal spot before heading into the forest for a guided walk. Discover the local plants used as spices, medicines, and materials for building houses and boats, gaining insight into the Moken’s intimate knowledge of their environment. In the afternoon, go snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, where countless colorful fish and coral gardens await beneath the surface.

Return to the park for dinner and spend the night in your bungalow, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the gentle rhythm of the sea.

After breakfast, enjoy a leisurely morning in the Moken village, connecting further with the community or simply soaking in the peaceful rhythm of island life. Alternatively, head out for another round of snorkelling in the vibrant waters surrounding the Surin Islands, where coral gardens and tropical fish await beneath the surface.

As you explore the area, keep an eye out for elusive wildlife—if you're lucky, you might spot flying lemurs gliding between the trees or macaques foraging along the forest edge. These rare encounters add a touch of magic to your final day in this pristine marine sanctuary. Return to the park for dinner, and spend your last night in the National Park bungalows, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle and the gentle lull of the sea.

After breakfast, immerse yourself in the maritime traditions of the Moken Sea Gypsies by trying your hand at rowing a traditional Moken boat, crafted for navigating shallow coastal waters. You’ll also learn the basics of their time-honored spear fishing techniques, a skill rooted in generations of ocean knowledge and survival.

After this hands-on experience, return to the National Park bungalows to check out and enjoy a final lunch on the island. In the afternoon, transfer by boat back to the mainland, where your onward journey continues—whether you're heading to Phuket, Surat Thani, or one of the nearby beach destinations to round off your southern Thailand adventure.

• Accommodation in guesthouse and homestay as mentioned in the programme
• Activities as specified in the programme
• Local  English-speaking guide
• Meals as mentioned in the programme
• All entrance fees for visits included in the programme

• Additional soft drinks/alcohol
• Personal expenses
• Tips for guide and driver
• Domestic and international flights
• Travel insurance

For our confidential prices or additional information about any of our services,

please contact us at:  info@nutty-adventures.com 

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