Surin Beach still has a small village atmosphere, but this is gradually changing as more and more major housing developments and hotel projects get underway. The beach itself has clear water and beautiful white sand, and is lined with tall casuarina trees and small Thai style restaurants. While one of the quieter beaches in Phuket, hawkers can still be a minor nuisance, although most are just content to walk about without actively getting in your face. Surin is sometimes called 'millionaire's row' because of the high end villas on hills overlooking the bay, and film stars or VIPs like to stay there, as they can get away from the crowds. There are just a few restaurants and shops nearby.