Destination Guide : Chumphon

Chumphon is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of Thailand. It is the gateway to other southern provinces. Along more than 200 kilometres of Chumphons seashore, there are many beautiful and picturesque beaches. Still maintaining the natural beauty, the province is best for those who seek relaxation in the natural and uniquely quiet atmosphere.





Historical documents state that Chumphon was continuously the locations of many communities since the pre-historic period, especially in the area near Tha Taphao River banks. Chumphon was also one of the leading trading centers of Siam (former name of Thailand).




Due to being the frontier city, the name Chumphon is believed to derive from Chumnumphon, which means the accumulation of forces. Whenever there were movements from the army, the soldiers would gather their forces here at this province.




The other source believed that it should be derived from a local plant named Maduea Chumphon due to its richness in this area. Therefore, naturally, this plant has become a symbol of the logo of Chumphon Province.








Boundary
North Amphur Bang Saphan Noi of Prachuap Khiri Khan.
South Amphur Tha Chana of Surat Thani.
East Gulf of Thailand.
West Ranong and Andaman Sea.

Chumphon is administratively divided into 8 Amphoe: Mueang Chumphon, Lang Suan, Sawi, Tha Sae, Lamae, Phato, Pathio, and Thung Tako.

Attraction

Khlong Phrao National Park
Being the origin of rivers and canals in Chumphon, this Park covers the area in Amphoe Thung Tako, and Amphoe Mueang. Use highway no.41 to Lang Suan Crossroad, turn right for 15 kilometres. In rainy season, the best vehicle to use is 4-wheel drive.

There are many natural attractions such as Namtok Thap Chang, a 2-level, middle sized waterfall which is the most beautiful in the Park. The Parks area is suitable for overnight, bird watching, and trekking for nature study. For further details, please contact the Natural Resource Conservation Bureau, Forestry Department, at Tel: 0 2579 7223.


Suan Nai Dum
Situated on Hwy 41, 54 km from the town of Amphoe Thung Tako, the orchard produces good quality fruits such as tangerine, papaya, dragon fruit, and Mayong Chit (marrian plum).

The orchard is a perfect highway stop, ideal for taking a break from a long drive. A restaurant, coffee shop and souvenir shop are located in a beautiful lush green area. Remarkably, the orchard offers a unique toilet.

The toilet at Nai Dum’s Fruit Orchard won the award from the Nation’s annual toilet competition in 2006. In addition, it had been proclaimed by the Ministry of Public Health to be a Thai public toilet learning centre, which is regularly visited by students and organizations.

Mr Dum, the orchard owner, had the intention to develop this public toilet to be a pleasant place for visitors. Therefore, his idyllic and hygienic toilet is surrounded by nature; with flowers, trees and miniature waterfalls.

Contact Nai Dum Fruit Orchard, call 0 7753 6338-9. www.suannaidum.com

Hat Tawan Chai
This is a large long beach parallel to the line of coconut palms. It is the most beautiful beach in this district suitable for relaxation. This beach is in Mu 3, Tambon Lamae. Tourists can get there by car, from Phetkasem Road via Lamae District intersection, then turn left into a brick road and go on for about 7 kilometers.

Hat Sai Ri
This scenic and popular beach is about 20 kilometres from Chumphon by highways no.4119 and 4098. There are bus services from town to the beach. It is a large and curved beach and it is one of the favorites amongst Chumphon people for their relaxation. There are some accommodations and restaurants available along the beach

Thung Wua Laen Beach (Hat Thung Wua Laen)
A beautiful and well-known beach of Pathio, it is most popular among Thai and foreign tourists. Being situated in Tambon Saphli, it is 16 kilometres from Chumphon along Chumphon Hat Thung Wua Laen route.

The beach has white, fine sand, with small slope, which is suitable for swimming. Also it is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Chumphon, with the view of seaweed, sponge, and sea flowers.

Ko Tao
Even though it is a small island far off in the sea but it is well-known in its beauty of beaches and coral reefs. Although this island is in Surat Thani, visitors can travel by speed boat or regular boat from Chumphon.

Travelling to Ko Tao:

Tourists can use the following boat service as follows:

Tha Yang Pier - Tourists can hire pick-up car from Chumphon to Tha Yang Pier which is about 7 kilometres away. The boat leaves from Ban Mae Hat to Ko Tao every night at midnight and arrive at Ko Tao at 6 a.m. of the next day. On the return trip, the boat leaves from Ko Tao at 10 a.m. and arrive at Tha Yang at 3 p.m. The round-trip fare is 200 baht. For more details, contact Tel: 0 7755 3052 - 4.

Songserm Rungrueang Co. , Ltd. - The boat leaves from the pier at 7 a.m. and arrive at Ko Tao at 10 a.m. On the return trip, the boat leaves from Ko Tao at 3 p.m. and arrive at Chumphon at 5.30 p.m. The round-trip fare is 400 baht. For more details, contact Tel: 0 7750 3735.

Ekkawin Tour - The boat leaves from Tha Yang pier at 7.30 a.m. and arrive at Ko Tao at 9.30 a.m. On the return trip, the boat leaves from Ko Tao at 10.30 a.m. and arrive at Chumphon at 12.30 p.m. The round-trip fare is 400 baht.

For more details, contact Tel: 0 7750 1821, 0 7758 0273 - 4. There is also a boat service leaving from Ekkawin Pier or Lom Lak Pier at 7 a.m. and arrive at Ko Tao at 9.30 a.m. On the return trip, the boat leaves from Ko Tao at 10 a.m. and arrive at Ekkawin Pier at 3 p.m. The round-trip fare is 400 baht.

Tham Thong - Bang Boet Beach (Hat Tham Thong - Bang Boet)
From town, use Phetkasem Road, turn right at the 426th kilometre for 21 kilometres The beautiful beach in Tambon Pak Khlong is more than 5 kilometres long.

The highlights of the area consist of different-shaped limestones and seaside villages, parallel to the road and pine tree line, suitable for easy driving or biking. The beach is extended to Bang Boet in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which is presently the area of H.M.the King's project.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Having been announced in 1989, this National Park covers the total area of beaches and islands of 198,125 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai).

The Parks Office is 21 kilometres from town. Using highway no.4001, turn right to Hat Sai Ri, then turn right again for 8 kilometres. The Tourist Information Center is connected with the wooden-bridge walkways for nature study of plant and animals. Visitors can travel by boat or can stay overnight in their tents near the office.

The beautiful beaches in the park include Hat Thung Makham and Hat Sai Ri in Amphoe Mueang, Hat Arunothai in Amphoe Thung Tako, Hat Tong Khrok in Amphoe Lang Suan.

In the sea are more than 40 islands such as Ko Chorakhe, Ko Ngam, Ko Samet, Ko Maphrao, Ko Mattra, Ko Thong Lang, Ko Langka Chio and few islands in Amphoe Thung Tako. On some islands, there are diving sites, fine white sand beaches and corals; such as Chorakhe Island in the northern part of the park.

Ngam and Lanka Chio Islands have many sea sparrow's nests. Around Ngam Island, there are perfect coral reefs which are the interesting sites for diving. Thong Lang Island has white and beautiful beach. Tourists can hire boats to travel along these islands at the appropriate price. Contact at Tel: 0 7755 8144.

Chumphon National Museum
Located in Chumphon Governmental Center on Phetkasem Road at km.484 before approaching Pathomphon Junction, the museum displays historical and important ancient materials of Chumphon.

The displays are divided into the following parts: History of Chumphon; Chumphon during World War II; Chumphon and the Typhoon; Nature and Outstanding Heritage of Chumphon by means of pictures and movies.

The museum is open for the public from Wednesday to Sunday, except official holidays, during 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The fee is 30 Baht per person. For more details, contact at Tel: 0 77504105, 504246.

Khao Chao Mueang
This mountain is next to Hat Sai Ri along the coast for 2.5 kilometres. On top of this mountain, there is a pavilion for view watching. And further from this area around one kilometre, there is an open area where a panoramic view of the various islands in the sea can be viewed.

Hat Pharadonphap
This beach is 12 kilometres from Chumphon by highway Nos. 4119 and 4098. This is a large beach, parallel to the road, which is shaded by coconut trees.

Ao Thung Makham
This scenic bay area consists of Thung Makham Nok and Thung Makham Nai Bays. Using highway no.4119 and 4098, for 27, and 31 kilometres to Thung Makham Nok and Thung Makham Nai Bays, respectively. They are half-circle beaches, adjacent to each other, separated by the line of rocks.

With long line of coconut trees and quiet surroundings, these beaches have very fine sand. By the south end, Wat Suwan Khuha Khiri Wong or Wat Pong Pang is located under the shade of the coconut trees. At the back of the Wat facing the sea, is a long cliff of more than 80 metres.

Namtok Heo Lom
Located at Ban Bok Fai, Mu 3, Tambon Pak Song, about 16 kilometers from the District Office of Phato along the Lang Suan-Ratchakrud Highway (Highway 4006) : These scenic falls are a perfect fresh water adjunct to Chumphon’s beaches and islands.

From the bottom of the falls, two-hour rafting tours down the scenic Bok Rai River can be arranged between November and April. For additional information contact the Phato District Office at 0 7753 9040. (To reach the waterfall turn left off Highway 4006 at Km. 11 , and continue for another 8 kilometers until reaching the fall’s entrance.)

Tourism Authority of Thailand : http://www.tourismthailand.org