Early morning, join the speed boat for an exhilarating journey over to the Surin National Park. The ‘Robinson Crusoe’ feeling soon becomes reality as the jungle-clad hills of the islands appear on the horizon. Ao Mae Yai is one of the larger bays and the first stop of the day. Don a mask and flippers (provided by us) and jump into the luminous waters to discover extraordinary marine life, or just take a gentle stroll along the powder-soft sands.

A visit to a village inhabited by the Moken sea gypsies is an absolute must on this trip. Semi-nomadic by nature, the seafaring community used to spend a lot of their time travelling, however they have now permanently moored their wooden boats off Surin Tai Island where many live in stilted wooden houses with thatched roofs. Also known as Chao Leh, they have their own language and culture and are known for their exceptional underwater swimming and fishing skills. The chance to meet with the villagers and watch them as they go about their daily life gives an insight into a way of life dictated by the waves of the ocean. There’s time for relaxing on Surin Beach, along with a leisurely Thai lunch in the fresh sea air at the National Park centre.