"Discover the Hidden Gem: Chumphon - A Nature Lover's Paradise"
Chumphon is often called the gateway to the south. Often it is just a thoroughfare to the popular travel destinations in southern Thailand. The area is fairly unknown and rarely visited. But it is precisely for this reason that the region is highly recommended. Nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet will be amazed by the pristine and natural beauty.
The province is located on the southwestern Gulf of Thailand and offers 200 kilometers of coastline with numerous secluded beaches. There is also a multitude of activities and sights. There are large mangrove forests between the long beaches. There are several secluded islands in Chumphon Marine National Park and two other biodiverse national parks to explore. In the west of the province there are mountains covered with dense jungle that are home to many magnificent waterfalls. A stay in Chumphon can be easily combined with the popular diving sites of Koh Tao and the dream beaches of Koh Samui.
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Koh Tao Thailand
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Koh Phangan Thailand
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Koh Phangan
Thailand Chumphon
The city of Chumphon is over 1,000 years old, making it one of the oldest cities in Thailand. In ancient times it was a strategically strategic key point and an important center of the population at that time.
The capital of the Chumphon province of the same name is 470 kilometers from Bangkok and has a population of around 30,000. The province lies on the isthmus of Kra. This is an isthmus that connects the Malay Peninsula with the Asian continent. The northwestern mountain range of Tenasserim borders southern Burma. The southwest mountains stretch towards Phuket. Towards the east, towards the Gulf of Thailand, the country flattens out. The local population lives mainly from agriculture and fishing, which is also reflected in the landscape.
The beaches of Chumphon
Chumphon has over 200 kilometers of coastline with many secluded and fascinating beaches and bays.
Hat Sairee
The long curvilinear beach is about 20 kilometers from the city center. It's a popular getaway spot for the locals who relax on the beach under the pine trees. At the southern end of the beach is the Prince Chumphon Monument. Adjacent is the mountain Khao Chao Muang. This offers a wonderful view of the offshore islands Koh Ma Prao, Koh Lak Raed and Koh Mattra. There are some bungalow accommodations and restaurants along the beach promenade.
Has Thung Wua Laen
The beach in the Pathio district is one of the most famous and about 16 kilometers from Chumphon. The white, seemingly endless and wide sandy beach delights early risers with a wonderful sunrise. At the southern end is the small mountain Khao Pho Bae and the well-known Chumphon Cabana Resort. The bathing conditions are excellent. The underwater world off the coast is also impressive. It has a great variety of reef fish and hard corals. Thung Wua Laen Beach is very much appreciated due to its good infrastructure. There are nice resorts, restaurants, cocktail bars, supermarkets and internet cafes. Day tours to the islands of Koh Ngam Noi and Koh Ngam Yai can be booked at the resorts. These house some very nice fishermen's huts, which are built on large rocks. There are also interesting diving spots around the islands.
Ao Thung Makham
The bay, 25 kilometers from Chumphon, is divided into two sections by rocks and stones. The crescent-shaped bays are known as Ao Thung Makham Noi and Ao Thung Makham Yai. The calm and clear water is ideal for swimming. In addition, the fishermen can be observed with their boats as they leave and come in. In total, both bays offer over 4 kilometers of beach. The Ao Thung Makham Noi is smaller, but much better developed. From this bay, speedboats go to Koh Tao Island in just one hour. South of the bays is the temple complex of Wat Suwan Khuha Khiri Wong. From here tours to the offshore islands are offered.
Paradornparb Beach
The 3 kilometer long beach is about 12 kilometers from the city center. The sunrise with the island of Koh Samed in the background is a dream. The white beach is ideal for swimming even at low tide. You can relax wonderfully under the shade of palm trees. The romantics will enjoy the evening stroll on the beach with all their hearts.
Has Arunothai
The very quiet and beautiful stretch of beach is 60 kilometers south of Chumphon, north of the Tako River. The white sand and crystal clear water invite you to relax and swim. Not far from the beach is an interesting fishing village. Boat tours to the islands of Koh Pitak, Koh Krok and Koh Ma Prao can be booked. A few simple restaurants pamper tourists along the beach promenade. Not far away is the famous Langsuan fruit market.
Things to do & see in Chumphon
Around the provincial capital there is a large selection of natural wonders and religious sights to marvel at. Off the Gulf coast of the province of Chumphon there are over 40 islands, all of which offer a very species-rich underwater world.
Koh Ngam Noi & Koh Ngam Yai
The islands of Koh Ngam Noi and Koh Ngam Yai, 17 kilometers (one hour drive) from the mainland, are recommended for diving enthusiasts. There are several interesting underwater caves.
The small islands rise steeply out of the sea and are actually uninhabitable. However, some fishing families have built their wooden houses on the steep cliffs. They manage to live there in an amazing way. In addition to fishing, they collect swallow nests from the surrounding caves and sell them as a delicacy. Tours to these islands are available from Chumphon Cabana Resort.
Koh Khai
From Bo Mao Bay it is only 6 kilometers to Koh Khai Island. With the longtail boat, the journey takes just 25 minutes. The white sand beach and clear water are ideal for swimming. The underwater world is very diverse and particularly suitable for snorkeling and diving in the dry season (December - May). Since the island is uninhabited, there are no accommodations or food stalls here.
Koh Samed
Koh Samed, not to be confused with the much larger island in Rayong Province, is part of the Chumphon Marine National Park. The island is only 8 kilometers from the town of Chumphon and can be reached in around 20 minutes by longtail boat. Koh Samed is mostly hilly and covered with coconut trees. The Chumphon Samet Island Resort is the only resort and is located on the west side, which has good bathing conditions.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
The Mu Ko Chumphon Marine National Park is over 300 square kilometers. It encloses more than 70 kilometers of coast and over 40 limestone islands. There are large mangrove forests, several caves and waterfalls. The national park is home to many animal species such as sea birds, lizards and manatees. The underwater world is home to many colorful fish and a large number of hard corals. There are two other interesting parks in the area, Khao Phang Forest Park and Sadet Nykrom Maluang Wildlife Park.
Koh Tao
From Chumphon there are ferry connections to Koh Tao and its famous underwater world.
You can find detailed information about the island here: Koh Tao
Koh Phangan
From Koh Tao it is about an hour by ferry to Koh Phangan.
You can find more information about Koh Phangan here: Koh Phangan
Koh Samui
Koh Samui is then only a stone's throw away. The three islands of the Gulf Coast can be ideally and comfortably combined with Chumphon for a beach holiday.
All information about Koh Samui can be found here: Koh Samui
Tham Khao Plu & hot springs
About 7 kilometers from Chumphon are 3 hot springs at the base of a mountain.Many monkeys and a large number of bird species can be seen. The surrounding area invites you to relax with the shady trees.
Wat Tham Kwan Muang
The fascinating temple is built on the top of a limestone rock. The stupa located in the complex houses holy Buddha relics. The view of the peaceful surrounding landscape is fantastic.
Khao Chao Mueang
The highest vantage point in the region offers a wonderful view of the coast and far out onto the islands.
At the foot of the mountain is the lonely and idyllic stretch of beach of Hat Sai Ri. The mountain is about 12 kilometers from the town of Chumphon.
Arrival & transportation in Chumphon
Thanks to its location as a traffic junction between central and southern Thailand, there is a good connection with numerous transport options.
The nearest airport is in Surat Thani, 170 km south. The flight from Bangkok to Chumphon takes just over an hour. However, the airfares are relatively expensive. There is a bus service from the airport to Chumphon.
Traveling by train is the cheaper, but slower option. Several express and express trains run daily to Chumphon from Hua Lamphong Central Station in Bangkok. The journey takes about 8 hours.
Another transport connection is with the air-conditioned buses. These drive from the southern bus terminal in Bangkok in the direction of Chumphon. The journey time is also approx. 8 hours.
There is a small bus line system on site that connects the surrounding towns with Chumphon. There are also songthaews that can be rented and taxis.
Climate & travel time for Chumphon
As in the whole region, the best travel time is from December to June. During this time there is little rainfall. The second peak season in Chumphon is in September.
Between October and November it can rain several days in a row with sometimes strong gusts of wind. April and May are the warmest months with daily highs of up to 40 ° C. However, the average daytime temperature is 26-29 ° C.
