About Kuraburi
Kuraburi is a small town on the northern Andaman coast in Phang Nga province, and mostly known as the departure point for boat trips to the Surin Islands. The pier lies just outside town. Mu Ko Surin National Park is one of the best diving and snorkelling areas in Thailand and is open only in the dry season, roughly November to April. In the surroundings lie mangroves, fishing villages and community projects offering sustainable tourism. Kuraburi itself is simple, with a market and small guesthouses. It is a good place for those seeking peace and nature and wanting to avoid the crowds of Phuket. Rain is heavy here between May and October, and the sea is then rough. Kuraburi lies on Highway 4, the main road between Phuket and Ranong, so buses pass through regularly. It is best to book your boat trip to the islands in advance.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April. Ranong is one of the wettest places in Thailand (August about 772 mm), so from May to October there is a lot of rain and island trips are limited. Mu Ko Surin National Park is open only in the dry season, roughly November to April. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Phuket by bus or car (about 3 hours, roughly 150 km); from Khao Lak about 1.5 hours. Your own transport helps for the pier. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Kuraburi
- Boat trips to the Surin Islands Trips to Mu Ko Surin National Park leave from the pier.
- Snorkelling and diving The park has clear waters and coral, open only in the dry season.
- Mangroves and fishing villages Quiet coastal areas with local communities.
- Sustainable tourism Community projects offer tours and homestays.