Ban Moken on east Ko Surin Tai welcomes visitors. Post-tsunami, the Moken (from the Sea Gypsy ethnic group) have re-settled in this sheltered bay, where a major ancestral worship ceremony, Loi Reua takes place each April. The colourfully carved labong poles dotted around embody Moken ancestors. This population experienced no casualties during the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that wiped out the village, because they understood nature's signs and evacuated to the hilltop.
The Surin Islands Marine National Park runs two-hour trips from Ko Surin Neua to Ban Moken (per person 150B, minimum five people). You’ll stroll through the stilted village, where you can ask permission/guidance for hiking the 800m Chok Madah trail over the jungled hills to an empty beach. Handicrafts for sale help support the local economy and clothing donations are accepted. Please refrain from bringing along alcohol and sweets; alcoholism is a growing problem among Moken.
