Chumphon province is located in the most upper part of the southern region. It is known as the gateway to the southern border towns. The province is administratively divided into 8 Amphoes (districts) : Mueang Chumphon, Lamae, Lang Suan, Pathio, Phato, Sawi, Tha Sae and Thung Tako. Chumphon has been able to maintain plenty of natural resources for tourism which have been untouched by the tourists and unspoiled by the time. Chumphon is an elongated province with 220 kilometers (137 mi) of coastline offering many fine-sand beaches and attractive offshore islands. There are plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming, yachting, paragliding, diving and snorkeling.
From Bangkok, take either Phutthamonthon-Nakhon Pathom-Phetchaburi route or Thonburi-Pak Tho route (Highway 35) then turn onto Highway 4 (Phetkasem) at Amphoe Pak Tho passing through Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces before arriving at Pathom Phon Intersection. Take the left turn to go into Mueang Chumphon by Highway 4001 for another 8 kilometers.
The State Railway of Thailand provides daily rapid and express train services departing from Bangkok_fs Hualamphong Railway Station. Further information, please call Tel. 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4444 or Chumphon Railway Station at Tel 0 7751 1103. For the Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi), there are ordinary and rapid trains leaving for Chumphon daily. Further information, please call tel 0 2411 3102, 0 2621 8701 Ext. 8285106 or www.railway.co.th
The Transport Co.Ltd. provides air conditioned buses from Bangkok_fs Southern Bus Terminal, Borom Ratchonni road to Chumphon daily. For detailed information please call Tel. 0 2435 5605, 0 2435 1199. For Chumphon_fs Bus Terminal, Tha Taphao Road, please contact Tel. 0 7750 2725, 0 7751 1099 or at www.transport.co.th
Air-Conditioned buses from private sectors provided are : # Chok Anant Tour Co.,Ltd. Tel. 0 2435 5027, 0 2435 7429 (Bangkok), and Tel. 0 7751 1480, 0 7751 1757 (Chumphon) # Suwannathi Tour Co.,Ltd. Tel. 0 2435 5021, 02435 5026, 0 2435 5030 (Bangkok), and Tel. 0 7751 1422, 0 7750 1535, 0 7751 1244 (Chumphon)
'''Tham Khao Ngoen (??????????)'''
This cave is in the same area as the park. Somdej Phra Chulachomklao Chaoyuhua, (King Rama V) graciously had a pagoda built in front of it to commemorate his first visit to Lang Suan in 1889. The cave_fs interior looks like a big hall or tent. There is a chimney going through the top. The cave_fs wall is also inscribed with his Majesty_fs initial Chor.Por.Ror.
'''Tham Khao Kriab (????????????)'''
This is a famous cave and is accessible by car. It is about 80 kilometers (50 mi) from the city center along Chumphon-Lang Suan Route or 10 km. from Amphoe Lang Suan. There are many stalagmites inside. There is a monk residence at the foot of the hill from which 370 steps leading to the cave begin.
'''Ko Phithak (???????????)'''
This island is in Tambon Bang Nam Chuet and is one kilometer from the shore. The island has beautiful rocks and many fishing villages. When the tide is low you can walk from the shore to the island.
'''Namtok Thap Chang (????????????)'''
This is the most beautiful waterfall in Khlong Phrao National Park, situated at Mu 5, Tambon Tako. Amphoe Thung Tako. It is surrounded with various varieties of trees, and many different types of animals live here. To get there, travel along highway 41 until you come to a police booth at Sammai, Lang Suan cross-road. Then turn right into a brick road and go on for another 15 kilometers (9 mi) The waterfall is about 65 kilometers (40 mi)the city center.
'''Hat Arunothai (???????????)'''
Arunothai beach on the Tako river estuary is a scenic area. To get there from the Phetchakasem highway, turn left to Highway 4096 for 6 kilometers (4 mi). The serene beach, is lined with pine trees affording shady resting places. There is also a shrine-memorial to Prince Chumphon erected here. From Arunothai beach, boats can be hired to visit many off-shore islands. The fishing village at Ban Ao Mamuang is located further on about 14 kilometers (8 mi). The typical fishing community has a quiet and relaxing ambience. The lines of coconut trees forming the backdrop add color and life to the scene.
'''Tham Rap Ro (Wat Thep Charoen) ????????? (???????????)'''
Located in Tambon Tha Kham about 15 kilometers (9 mi). from the Pathomphon intersection. This foothill temple cave actually consists of two adjacent caves, Ai Tay and Sai, which are both, according to legend, purported to contain hidden treasure, The Ai Tay Cave houses an old Buddha image known affectionately as Luang Pho Lak Mueang, or the town god_fs revered grandfather. The caves are further adorned with stunning stalagmites and stalactites. More information, please call at tel 0 7754 7056, 0 1892 5623
'''Hin Chang Spirit House (???????????????????)'''
Between kilometers 453 and 454 on the Phetchakasem highway in Mu. 2 Tambon Salui, a spirit house was installed for the revered god of the stone elephant image.
'''Wat Tha Kwan Mueang (??????????????)'''
Located about 2 km. from the District office of Sawi or about 48 km. from the provincial town of Chumphon along the Highway No. 41. It is a fascinating temple perched on top of a limestone hill. Besides possessing a commanding view amid tranquil surrounding, the temple_fs stupas house revered Buddha_fs relics.
'''Wat Phra Thart Sawi (?????????????)'''
This temple is near Sawi River. It is 47 km from the city center along Highway No.41, Chumphon-Lang Suan route. According to legend, Phra Chao Si Thamma Sokarat and his army took a rest in Sawi District where they had strange experience. Albino crows and other types of crows flocked together above the debris of a ruined structure. His Majesty, therefore, issued an order to remove the debris. After removing it, they found a large pagoda. When they dug the ground deeper, they found a jar containing the Buddha_fs relics. So, His Majesty had his men build a new pagoda over the old one. The construction could have taken place in the Ayutthaya Era. In 1916 a repair was done. A new structure was made over the old one. At the front of the temple next to Sawi River stands a shrine where a human-size effigy is kept. People in Sawi District call this shrine _gSan Phra Suea Mueang_h
'''Hat Sai Ri Sawi (????????? ???)'''
It is the most beautiful in the district. It is in Mu 8, Tambon Tha Hin. It is a large sand beach parallel to a long line of many coconut trees. This beach is good for relaxation and enjoying the atmosphere of fishermen_fs lives. Tourists can get there easily by car, traveling along Highway 41, Chumphon-Sawi Route. turn left into an asphalt road, Sawi-Bor Kha Route and go on for about 6 kilometers, then, turn right into a brick road, and go on for 6 more kilometers.
'''Tham Thip Prida (?????????????)'''
This area is a rocky mountain with a stream flowing past the front. This mountain has about 40 beautiful caves, some of which contain pools. These caves are in Mu 2, Tambon Khao Khai. Tourists can easily get there through Chumphon- Sawi Route up to Khao Beep intersection, Thung Tako District. Then, go along Khao Beep- Khao Thalu Route for about 16 kilometers, turn left into a brick road and travel for 4 kilometers more until you arrive at Huai Kaew intersection. Then, turn left into a village road and travel for 6 kilometers more, you will be at ThamThip Prida. The total distance from the city center is 70 kilometers.
'''Ko Khai ( ???????)'''
A small, mountainous island with the distance of 4 km from Hat Bo Mao, Ko Khai is surrounded with many short, attractive beaches. The island_fs beauty, however, lies below the surface of the crystal clear water. It is encircled by colorful coral reefs teeming with fish and other marine life. It is counted as one of the best fishing place in the district.
'''Ao Yai Ai (??????????)'''
A 25 meters above sea-level viewpoint located just near the bay welcomes visitors with a panoramic view of the coast. The Sheltered water of the bay front hosts a great variety of coral which stretches for a distance of about 7 km. It attracts tourists for skin diving at all times.
'''Hat Thung Wua Laen (??????????????)'''
Located in Pathio District in Tambon Sa Pli, some 16 kilometers from the town_fs center along Chumphon-Hat Thung Wua Laen Road, Thung Wua Laen is perhaps Chumphon_fs most popular beach. Both native swimmers and experts will enjoy this beach as its fine white sands slope gently into the sea. The southern end of the beach adjoins the foot of the Mountain. One of Chumphon_fs premium dive sites. Sea fans, marine flowers sponges and a tremendous variety of reef fish make the scenery below the surface of the water every bit as spectacular as the beach itself.
'''Ko Chorakhe( ??????????)'''
Although _gChorakhe_h means _gcrocodile_h in Thai, visitors to this charming, respite some 11 kilometers offshore from Ao Thung Wua Laen, need not worry as the island gets its namesake from its shape, not its inhabitants. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the island by boat, but visitors will be rewarded for their efforts with peace and quiet, two small beaches to choose from, and excellent snorkeling conditions. Offshore fishing is also reported to be good.
'''Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi (???????????????????????????)'''
This pair of adjacent islands is located 17 kilometers off the southern part of Thung Wua Laen Bay. It is known among locals for the swallows_f nests which are harvested there for export. Visitors, on the other hand are drawn to the islands because of their fascinating rock formations, underwater caves, and spectacular coral reefs excellent for scuba diving.
'''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_fs 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_fs entrance.)
'''Khlong Ruea Homestay (????????????????????)'''
It is located in Mu 9 Tambon Paksong, Phato. The home stay surrounded by rainforest. Learn to the way of life the villager and nature. Travel from highway No.41 until km.63 (Wang Thako T-junction, Amphoe Lang Suan) turn right to route 4006. The entrance of village at km.14. The village far from the main road about 14 km. For more information, please call to 08 7895 0501, 08 6088 1362 or visit website: www.klongrua.com ''' Por Ta Chongdong Summit (?????????????????)'''
Por Ta Chongdong Summit is about 1,000 meters high from the sea and cover with the very old ancestors. This summit is the natural place for study the biology and ecology of the rainforest, and good point to see Mos, Fern, and sunset viewpoint of Andaman sea. Traveler can stay over night in tents on the top of the mountain. For more information of stay, please contact Phato Watershed Management and Conservative Unit Tel : 0 7752 0055 and Phato Rainforest Ecotourism Club Tel : 0 7752 0075.
'''Por Ta Mangkre Summit (?????????????????)'''
970 meters in height from sea. The Pho Ta Mangkre Summit cover with the green filed, wide life animals and the beautiful Mangkre flower. For more information, please contact Phato Watershed Management and Conservative Unit Tel : 0 7752 0055 and Phato Rainforest Ecotourism Club Tel : 0 7752 0075.
'''Khao Thung-Klong Pi waterfall (???????-???????????)'''
Khao Thung is cover 3 provinces of Chumphon-Ranong-Surat Thani, this large mountain is the main waterway of Lang Suan river. Almost area still be the fully rainforest, and enjoy the beautiful view point 50 meters in height of Khlong Pi waterfall. For more information, please contact Phato Watershed Management and Conservative Unit Tel : 0 7752 0055 and Phato Rainforest Ecotourism Club Tel : 0 7752 0075.
'''Haew Ta Jan-Haew Phlu Nang waterfall (????????????????-???????????????)'''
A walking trip to see the fresh atmosphere, natural, and gully. Start at Ban Khlong Ruea to Heo Ta Jan waterfall and then walking down to Heo Phlu Nang waterfall. For more information, please Tel : 08 7895 0501, 08 6088 1362 or www.klongrua.com
'''Watershed forest mountain (????????????)'''
Hiking trail to the top of mountain in the forest of Phato. Overview looking to the both side of Andaman sea and Ao Thai (Gulf of Thailand). Amazing with beautiful sunset and mist cover the mountain. There are 3 summits are Pho Ta Mangkre summit, Pho Ta Chong Dong summit and Khao Thung summit. For more information , please contact to Phato Rainforest Ecotourism Club Tel : 0 7752 0055 E-mail : phato_eco@yahoo.com
'''Exciting Rafting (????????)''' In Phato river that run through to Amphoe Langsuan. Start the exciting trip with rafting in rapids: Bok Fire, Heo Bua Thong, Heo Ta Won, Heo Ta Aon, Khuen Nam Woen, Hua Ka Loke and Hin Chang, more information, please contact to 0 7752 0055, 0 7752 0077.
'''Tham Khao Plu Hot Spring (???????????????????)'''
This place is one of the most popular tourists spots in Lamae District. It is in Mu 2, Tambon Suan Taeng, 7 kilometers away from the district center along Highway 41. There are 3 hot spas here at the foot of the mountain slope. In the vicinity, there are also 4 caves with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites. Wildlife such as squirrels, pig-tailed monkeys and birds of different species are scattered around the area. Available are the private cabin to relaxing in the hot spring bathtub and pool area in the shade of trees. For more information, please contact to Tambon Suan Taeng Administration office Tel : 0 7752 0136.
'''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.
'''Scuba diving'''
Although the beaches are very nice, uncrowded and interesting, there isn't much shore diving around Chumphon. The prime diving destinations lie around local islands and rock outcrops that range from 30 minutes to 3 hours away by speedboat: Ko Ngam Noi (famous as a source of prized birds' nests), Ko Ngam Yai, Hin Lak Ngam and Hin Pae. A number of other islands also offer diving attactions: Ko Samet, Ko Thalu, Ko Rat, and Ko Thonglang.
Fish and nudibranches are plentiful in this area, although large pelagics are less common; sea turtles can be found regularly at a few dive spots.
The striking rock outcrops visible above water are even more spectacular under the surface, where they're covered with colorful hard and soft coral formations, and there are many narrow 'swim-throughs' and small caves to explore.
Visibility varies substantially due to tide and wind conditions; it ranges from better than 18m on a good day to 8-10m under less favorable conditions.
'''WARNING:''' Lionfish and Devil Scorpionfish are plentiful in some locales, and Trigger fish are not uncommon. ''Be careful with your buoyancy, stay off the bottom (also to avoid stirring up the loose sediment), and don't touch anything you don't absolutely have to!''
'''Raptor Watch Festival (???????????????????)'''
In the southern coastline of Chumphon, especially in October every year, the raptors flew pass Thailand to Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia or to Australia. Specifically, Chumphon, Thailand. Therefore, invited many bird watcher come to watch these raptors. Raptor Species: Black Baza, Oriental Honey-Buzzard, Grey-faced Buzzard, Japanese Sparrow hawk, Chinese Sparrow hawk, and the Booted Eagle. Watching point: Baan Ao Thapao, Nangsang bridge, Nongyai King_fs Project, The youth soldier statue. For more information, please contact to Tambon Natung Administration office Tel : 0 7750 6574.
'''Visit Fruits Garden (????????????????)'''
A variety of tropical fruit gardens, which offer from fruits for visitors, Such as orange (Cho-gun), Papaya, Mangoesteen, Durian, Dragon fruits, and orchid flower garden. The recommend garden good for visit : Suan Nai Dum (Tel : 0 7753 6338-9), Monthip Agro-Tourism and Fish Park (Tel : 0 7755 5100) , Meedee Orchid Garden (Tel : 08 1476 5779, 0 7751 1233), and Suan Thip (Tel : 08 1347 6042, 0 7752 1975-6) ''' Snorkeling and Diving (??????????????)'''
There are 44 islands located of coral reef range, Amazing with beautiful sea-world in Gulf of Thailand (Ao Thai). Interesting diving site: Scuba Diving at Ko Ngam Yai, Ko Ngam Noi, Ko Hinpae, Ko Hin Lak ngam, Ko Thalu, Ko Kalok, Ko Lak Raed and Ko Ran Ped-Ran Kai (dept. 50-100 feet), Snokeling-Ko Mattra, Ko Tonglang, Ko Raed, Ko Sark, Ko Khai and Ko Chorake. Dive operator center : Chumphon Cabana Tel : 0 7756 0245-7, Easy Diver Chumphon Tel : 0 7757 0085
'''Hiking trail and white water rafting in Phato (???????????????? ???????????)'''
In the rainforest of Phato. It is the beginning of river. Which runs trough pass the mountain, fruits gardens, to Lang Suan river. Exciting with the bamboo rafting in the river of white water rafting in rapids. Hiking trail up to the summit of mountains, such as Por Ta Chong Dong summit, Por Ta Mangkre summit and Khoa Thung summit. Which covered of beautiful fauna and flora, Misty fog and beautiful sunset are highlight of the day. For more information, please contact : Phato Watershed Management and Conservation Unit/Phato Rainforest Ecotourism Club. Tel : 0 7752 0055, 0 7752 0075, Malin Sevice Tel : 0 7753 9053, Phato Resort Tel : 0 7753 9023, and Phunamsai Palm Hill Resort Tel : 0 7750 9010, 08 1693 3275, 08 1895 4978, Kasorn Travel Tel : 0 7753 9185, 08 1797 3386.
'''Fireflies Sightseeing (??????????????????)'''
The both side of Thatapao river. When the sundown from the day. This river covered with the fireflies stayed on Lamphu tree and other trees along the river. It seems to be a great magic light from these bugs. More information please contact : Khun Thipparat Tel : 0 7752 1975-6, Chumphon Cabana Resort Tel : 0 7756 0245-7, Kiat Travel Tel : 0 7750 2127.
'''Bird Watching (????)'''
Chumphon province connected conastline, Therefore many kinds of bird are living in the mangrove forest are and also flying pass this coastline from Thailand to Malaysia, Indonesia or Singapore. For more information, please contact to Muko Chumphon Marine National Park Tel : 0 7758 1445, Tambon Thayang administration Tel : 0 7752 0075.
'''IPSC Shooting Sport (????????????????)'''
Extremely sport, shooting game in Chumphon. It provide the shooting stadium (outdoor-indoor), restaurant, swimming pool, fitness center and the professional trainer. Located Arparkorn Rd. (Mueang Chumphon-Hat Thungwaulaen, Pathio), 2 km from the Government center of Chumphon. Please contact : 99 Mu 7 TambonNacha-ang, Mueang Chumphon Tel : 0 7750 6007, 0 7750 3111 or website : www.chumphontour.com (*IPSC = International Practical Shooting Confederation)
'''Health & Spa in Chumphon (????????????)''' After exercise yourself with many activities. In Chumphon offers a health activity. Massaging to rejuvenated self with varieties massage, such as body massage, foot massage, oil massage, Thai traditional massage etc. Suggested Spa and Massage : Sense spa : Tel : 0 7751 1628, 08 1536 1177 and Foot massage and Thai traditional Massage house Tel : 08 1569 9743.
'''Fresh Fruits and Fruit Products:'''
Nai Dam Orange Orchard, Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 0 7753 6338-9; Khun Salai Shop, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7754 7223-4; Num Sao Shop, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7752 1889; Khun Jintana Shop, Amphoe Tha Sae Tel : 08 1893 3704; OTOP Shop at Amphoe Tha Sae Tel : 0 7751 1980; OTOP and Souvenir Shop at Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 08 1539 3441
'''Coffee bean:'''
Nai Dam Orange Orchard, Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 0 7753 6338-9; Khun Salai Shop, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7754 7223-4; Num Sao Shop, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7752 1889; Chumphon_fs OTOP Shop Tel : 0 7751 1980; OTOP and Souvenir Shop at Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 08 1539 3441.
'''Seafood:'''
Nai Dam Orange Orchard, Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 0 7753 6338-9; Khun Salai Shop, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7754 7223-4; Lui Restaurant, Amphoe Mueang Tel : 0 7752 1132; Chumphon_fs OTOP Shop Tel : 0 7751 1980; OTOP and Souvenir Shop at Amphoe Thung Tako Tel : 08 1539 3441
'''Dried Spa:'''
Aroma and Herb Products at 327/4 Prachauthit Rd., Tel : 0 7750 6773 and 08 9725 1765
'''Cashew Nut Bakery:'''
Yuphin Bakery 351/30 Prachauthit Rd., Tel : 0 7750 3117
'''Artificial Flowers:'''
The famous OTOP products of Chumphon made by clay in Suksamoe Community at 25/5 Suksamoe Rd., Tel : 08 6596 1390.
'''Phato Rafting (?????????????????????)'''
Held during February to April. Highlights include competitions_f mini-marathon race and rafting.
'''Lang Suan_fs Fruits Fair (???????????????????????)'''
This fair is organized annually around August. The fruit market here exhibits a variety of fruits and there is a fruits contest. Products converted from fruits are also available.
'''Traditional Boats Procession and Boat Race (????????????????????????)'''
Originally, this event began in King Rama III_fs period around 1844. The festival, commencing annually in October, comprises boats beautifully decorated and carrying Buddha images from various temples. Besides this, the boat-paddle race in the Lang Suan River always attracts most of the spectators.
'''Celebration in Honoring Prince of Chumphon Shrine (????????????????? ??????????????????????????)'''
Held annually during December 19th-25th, honors the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, whose life and work has been exhibited in this fair. Moreover you can enjoy watching different kinds of theatrical plays as well as many southern local entertainments.
'''Chumphon Sea-World Fair (???????????????????)'''
The Fair is to promote local incomes and tourism as well as to conserve the natural resources of Chumphon. It is annually held in March at Hat Sai Ri. The activities include a fishing competition, exhibition and contest of pictures of related interesting places as well as mini marathon racing contest etc.
'''Chumphon King_fs and Princess_fcups boats race (??????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????)'''
Held annually on August at the Khlong Hua Wang-Phanang Tak, Tambon Na Cha-ang around Nong-Yai area. Boats competing the race for the King_fs and the Princess_fs cups are beautifully decorated and are from different parts of the country.
Examples of Tour Programs
'''Program 1:'''
'''Program 2:'''