loader image

The Moken People in Surin Islands

The Moken People in Surin Islands

TJL Teaser
TJL Teaser

Any diving holiday with The Junk Liveaboards is an amazing adventure in itself, with spectacular diving, breathtaking sunsets, newly formed friendships and memories to treasure.

For our guests on board The Junk and The Phinisi we always go the extra mile on every trip, aiming to offer an opportunity to step on land for an island visit.

Up in the Surin Islands and Southern Myanmar, we aim to take you ashore to visit a Moken village. The Moken people are a remarkable group of sea gypsies who have taken up permanent residence in this area of the Andaman Sea.  They are nomadic sea people who used to live and travel between the islands of Western Thailand and Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago. Traditionally, the Moken lived on their Kabang houseboats in the dry months and lived on land in temporary villages during the monsoon.

Moken Village Surin Island

Moken Village Surin Island

What makes the Moken unique?

Armed with extensive knowledge of the sea, the tides, and the reefs, the Moken have managed to develop exceptional underwater skills, such as free diving and spear fishing.

There is no written Moken language; their history is passed down verbally through folklore from generation to generation. Family connections are strong and dependable.

Another interesting tidbit is that the Moken language knows no words for individual possession, which clearly demonstrates a culture of sharing and giving.

By the early 1990’s, they started to settle permanently in their formerly seasonal monsoon settlements, particularly on one Surin Island called Surin Tai. The group now comprises around 300 Moken people. A visit to their village provides a great way to find out more about the Moken history, as well as their interesting way of life. They happily welcome tourists and are proud to show you around their bamboo homes on stilts. The village also hosts a health center, a school, a few souvenir stalls, and an information center.

Before the infamous tsunami happened in December 2004, there were two Moken villages located in ‘Sai End’ and ‘Ao Bon Lek’, counting about 20 households in each village.

On December 26th of that year, the Moken, as experts of the sea, noticed the extraordinary change in the water pattern and realized immediately that something was amiss. They all swiftly packed up and fled in to the surrounding hills. Their quick reading of the ocean ensured all Moken came out of the tsunami unscathed.

Guests in Moken Village

Our chef on board always prepares delicious food to distribute to the villagers. You are more than welcome to support their community by purchasing the beautiful home-made handicrafts as souvenirs.

Interested in reading more about the Moken? Find all the info here.

Meeting the Moken people is a great addition to your liveaboard holiday experience and at the same time benefits them through sustainable community tourism.

Book your dive holiday with The Junk Liveaboards for an unforgettable liveaboard experience with a little extra. Get in touch today 🙂

Diving in Thailand in April: Best Spots, Marine Life & Conditions

Diving in Thailand in April: Best Spots, Marine Life & Conditions

Diving in Thailand in April presents an incredible opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of the Andaman Sea. This month marks the end of the prime diving season, ensuring calm waters, excellent visibility, and encounters with fascinating sea creatures. The...

Best Diving in Thailand: 7 Reasons Why the Andaman Sea Stands Out

Best Diving in Thailand: 7 Reasons Why the Andaman Sea Stands Out

The best diving in Thailand can be found in the Andaman Sea, a sparkling gem along the country's western coastline. Its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes make it a top destination for divers of all levels. Here are seven...

Thailand Diving in June: Discover the Best Underwater Adventures

Thailand Diving in June: Discover the Best Underwater Adventures

Thailand is a dream destination for divers, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable experiences. While the country is renowned for its year-round diving opportunities, Thailand diving in June presents unique advantages. From the colorful...

Diving in Thailand in April: Best Spots, Marine Life & Conditions

Diving in Thailand in April: Best Spots, Marine Life & Conditions

Diving in Thailand in April presents an incredible opportunity to explore the vibrant marine life of the Andaman Sea. This month marks the end of the prime diving season, ensuring calm waters, excellent visibility, and encounters with fascinating sea creatures. The...

Best Diving in Thailand: 7 Reasons Why the Andaman Sea Stands Out

Best Diving in Thailand: 7 Reasons Why the Andaman Sea Stands Out

The best diving in Thailand can be found in the Andaman Sea, a sparkling gem along the country's western coastline. Its crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life, and stunning underwater landscapes make it a top destination for divers of all levels. Here are seven...

Thailand Diving in June: Discover the Best Underwater Adventures

Thailand Diving in June: Discover the Best Underwater Adventures

Thailand is a dream destination for divers, offering crystal-clear waters, vibrant marine life, and unforgettable experiences. While the country is renowned for its year-round diving opportunities, Thailand diving in June presents unique advantages. From the colorful...

Koh Haa Diving: Dive Site Spotlight

Koh Haa Diving: Dive Site Spotlight

Koh Haa, an archipelago of five uninhabited limestone islands, is a top diving destination in Thailand's Andaman Sea. Located 16 kilometers west of Koh Lanta within Koh Mu National Park, Koh Haa diving promises crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and...

Get in Touch
close slider