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Introducing Surin – A Millionaire’s Row

Surin is known as Phuket’s “Millionaire’s Row” due to a huge range of upscale resorts and villas perched on dramatic clifftops. Catering to a more mature clientele, Surin is a serene coastal town ideal for a tropical holiday surrounded by natural splendour.

Ministry

Surin Overview

Surin is a small beachside town located on the West coast of Phuket island. This marvellous village exudes tranquillity and seduces visitors with jaw-dropping white sand beaches, crystal clear waters and swaying palms dotting the shoreline.

In 2016, following a decree by the Thai king, all beachside restaurants and bars were removed from Surin Beach, returning the area to its natural state. Surin is a rather popular coastal retreat, but it never gets as crowded as the neighbouring areas. There are several great restaurants spread around the village as well as a few shops, but overall Surin is not as build up as the rest of western Phuket.

Accommodation in Surin ranges from standard rooms in small family owned hotels to upmarket villas and resorts, which sit high on hilltops overlooking the Andaman Sea. Not surprisingly, Surin attracts celebrities from all over the world to take in the incredible vistas and frolic on the awe-inspiring beaches before retreating into the secluded high-end villa properties.

What We Love

  • Splendid hilltop villa properties

  • Fabulous deserted beach

  • Tranquil atmosphere all around

  • Favourite retreat among celebrities

  • Breathtaking vistas of Andaman Sea

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Things to See & Do in Surin

Shopping

Surin is a home to a large shopping centre located right in the heart of the village. The two-storey Plaza Surin includes twelve distinctive stores selling Thai furnishing, natural spa products, silk garments and artworks.

Vendors in the plaza claim that their items are one-of-a-kind, so you can bring back home some truly unique and exotic gift. There are more fashion stores at both sides of Plaza Surin along the main road.

Local brand shops dotting the main street offer a wide selection of T-shirts, bikinis, sandals, beach accessories and spa products. With all this variety of shops, malls and plazas, you can be sure you won’t leave Phuket empty-handed.

Relaxation

Surin beach is arguably the most beautiful beach in Phuket, inviting visitors enjoy the crystal clear waters, lay around on the powdery white sand and soak up the tropical sun.

Usually, there are no pesky hawkers on Surin beach and the only thing to bother you is the light breeze blowing in from the sea. If you are an active traveller, try your hand at surfing if the conditions permit. Though Phuket is not a surfers destination, sometimes the swell hits Surin shores, making it possible to ride some fun waves.

Snorkelling is another way to relax and unwind while admiring the area’s fascinating tropical marine life. Since there are no rental shops on the beach, it is recommended to bring snorkelling gear with you or buy it at one of the shops in the town centre. Surin exudes a laid-back and tranquil ambience, offering simple yet fantastic ways to relax and unwind.

Phuket Surin Beach With Sara
Phuket Surin Dining At Beach
Island Bliss Shop Surin Phuket Thailand
Villa Napalai Billiard Table and Spa Room | Surin, Phuket
Melisanaa Shop Surin Phuket Thailand
Villa Baan Phu Prana Spa Bed with Bathtub | Surin, Phuket
Ministry

Eating & Drinking in Surin

Restaurants

Since all beachfront restaurants in Surin were demolished in 2016, the dining scene in Surin has become significantly thinner. There are a few local Thai and international venues set along the road, where most of visitors have dinner.

If you are staying at one of the Ministry Villas, you can take advantage of a private chef, who will amaze you with scrumptious Thai, Western and vegetarian dishes.

Those after a sophisticated dining experience out on the town can head to nearby Kamala, an area dotted with a few upscale establishments. The breathtaking views, delicious food and classy cocktails will complete your exquisite dinner experience.

Nightlife

Surin is an excellent place to immerse yourself in tranquillity and enjoy long romantic strolls down the beach, where you can also witness mesmerising sunsets.

After 2016, beach bars and clubs have vanished, giving way to an immense stretch of the white sand and calm waters. Most tourists head to the beach to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea and then head to dinner at one of the dining venues scattered around the village.

Surin is a 20-minute drive away from frantic Patong, which is the party capital of Phuket, packed full of beer bars, nightclubs and cabarets. You can spend a rowdy night out out in Patong and then return to your serene Surin villa.

Blue Marlin Restaurant Surin Phuket Thailand
Beach Restaurant by The Surin Phuket Thailand
Phuket Surin Team Dinner
Phuket Surin Dinner
Ayara Surin Breakfast Bar | Phuket, Thailand
The 9th Glass Wine Bar Surin Phuket Thailand
Ministry

Surin Neighbourhoods

Surin is situated south of Phuket International Airport, on the west coast of Phuket island. Surin is the ideal place to have most of the splendid beach to yourself.

Surin & Surrounds

Kamala

With the wide stretch of quiet and well-maintained white beach, Kamala is a paradise retreat for those wanting to get away from the noise and lights of Patong.

KAMALA GUIDE

Patong

Patong beach is the heart of the action of Phuket island and arguably the happening party centre of Asia where the streets are lined with bars and restaurants.

PATONG GUIDE

Layan

Layan shares the same coastline with Bang Tao village set on the western coast of the island.

LAYAN GUIDE
Ministry

Surin Villas

There are more than 10 Ministry Approved villas in Surin. As Surin is a preferred destination among VIPs and celebrities, villa prices in Surin tend to be higher than in other parts of Phuket. Surin villas range from USD $475 per night for a three-bedroom villa resorts to over USD $1,400 per night for an eleven-bedroom luxury villa.

Most of our villas have dedicated staff, including butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”

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Practical Information

Getting There

Although it is possible to get to Surin, Phuket over land or water, the best way is to fly.

AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS

It can take anywhere between 1 hour to 1,5 hours to reach Surin from Phuket International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.

AIRPORT TAXI

Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi.

Getting Around

There are several options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:

PRIVATE CAR

Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private vehicle with a driver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.

ON FOOT

As Surin is a rather small village the area can be easily covered on foot. The multitude roads and paths lead from Surin beach to the nearby Bang Tao and other splendid shorelines.

TAXI

Finding a taxi down the street in Surin might be tricky. There is one cab stand near the beach offering taxi services at a fixed price. You can always request a pickup by phone or ask your villa manager to arrange a taxi for you. It is recommended to use metered taxis for longer distances as travelling by minivans not equipped with meters can be significantly more expensive.

TUK-TUK

There are a few tuk-tuks cruising along the roads of Surin. Tuk-tuk is an easy and fast way to get around the area and explore the nearby beaches, however, as with taxi, it might be challenging to find the one down the street. Take into account that there are no fixed prices for tuk-tuk services so you can always try your hand at bargaining for a better deal.

RENTAL SCOOTER

Surin has a few motorbike rental shops and it’s a preferred way to move around the area, but a certain level of experience is required due to the rather chaotic traffic. Take into account that you must have an international drivers license on your person at all times, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.

MOTORBIKE TAXI RIDE

Entrepreneurial locals may offer to give you a lift you on the back of their motorcycle. Depending on the length of the distance the price ranges significantly. It is an affordable way to move around Surin, however, it is not recommended to use a motorbike taxi if you are travelling to longer distances due to reasons of comfort and safety.

Ministry

Surin Travelogue