Chumphon Thailand Travel Information Guide and Hotels

Chumphon, covering approximately 6,010 sq. km., is a tiny province with the important title of “Gateway to the South” of Thailand.

Near the provincial capital, the southbound road splits into two, one following the south Gulf coast and the other branching over to the Andaman coast. Chumphon’s port at Pak Nam is a convenient place to take a boat to Ko Tao, which is in Surat Thani but easier to approach from here. Yet visitors should not be too hasty to leave Chumphon’s pretty coastline, as there are fine beaches and coral-ringed offshore islands both north and south of town.

Situated almost 500 km. south of Bangkok and nearly 200 km. north of Surat Thani, Chumphon, covering approximately 6,010 sq. km., is a tiny province with the important title of“Gateway to the South” of Thailand.

Hat Thung Wua Laen
Easy to reach and situated 16 km. north of town, this sandy beach is backed by lush hills and is a good place for relaxing or setting off on diving and snorkelling trips to nearby coral reefs. There are several resorts and bungalows right on the beach, making this a tempting place to stay. The Chumphon Cabana Resort rents out diving equipment, offers instruction and arranges boat trips to dive sites.

Hat Sai Ri
It is also possible to go diving or snorkelling around the islands of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park near Hat Sai Ri, which is 20 km. south of Chumphon. The beach is another long stretch of enticing sand with lodgings.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
This small park, covering 317 sq. km., has its headquarters 21 km. south of town near Hat Sai Ri. Visitors may camp here and walk along trails that lead off from the Tourist Information Centre. The park includes beaches like Thung Makham and Arunothai, as well as over 40 small offshore islands. Several of them, like Ko Chorakhe and Ko Ngam, are surrounded by beautiful coral reefs, while Ko Thong Lang has a long white sandy beach.

Chumphon National Museum
Open on Wednesday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., this museum includes displays on the province’s history with titles such as, Chumphon during World War II, Chumphon and Typhoons, plus Nature and Outstanding Heritage of Chumphon. It is located in the Chumphon Governmental Centre, Khao Sam Kaeo, Tambon Nacha-ang, Amphoe Mueang on Phetchakasem Road at the 484-km. marker before approaching Pathomphon junction.

Chumphon Night Market
After dark, stalls are set up along Krom Luang Chumphon Road creating a lively night market, just near the train station, which is a good place to explore on foot. Try a new Thai snack, pick up a pizza or enjoy a coffee at one of the many shops and street outlets.

Chumphon Marine Festival

Each March or April, the town helds a Marine Festival, which includes cultural and folk art exhibits, a fishing competition, and seafood festival, as well as a mini-marathon and a windsurfing competition at Hat Sai Ri.