Sea how wandering sea gypsies settled down at Koh Siray

Sea Gypsies are people who live in the sea. They have moved from place to place for a thousand years. You will find sea gypsies in the Andaman Sea, including the areas near Phuket and Phang Nga. Some of them decided to settle down in some locations in Thailand, including Surin Island National Park and Phang Nga Town.

 

In Phuket, the sea gypsy community is on Koh Siray in the northeast part of the island. The community is called ‘Urak Lawoi’. In the past between 150 and 300 years ago, they were formerly nomadic in the sea, before they eventually settled in Phuket.

 

Nowadays, they still live very simply, just like their ancestors. Most of the sea gypsy people here still do fishing as their main occupation. You can also witness how the local people make their own fishnets from scratch!

 

When you arrive here, it is better to walk around the village which is next to the beach. With the sea breeze, it is very pleasant to walk slowly and talk to local people. Some of them can speak English as they have welcomed international guests for some time.

 

They have seafood fresh from the sea for sale, so if you want to try, please buy from them to cook at your hotel or your place in Phuket. It will be a great experience.

 

Tip: You can go to Koh Siray by yourself or join a walking tour, e.g. Phuket Heritage Trails. You can book the tour operator online in advance.