Chumphon
Chumphon General Information
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Historical documents state that Chumphon was continuously the locations of many communities since the pre-historic period, especially in the area near Tha Taphao River banks.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.
Chumphon Festival Information
- Festival of Chumphon Sea World
This festival is held in mid-March to April every year at Hat Sai Ri. The objective of this festival is for tourism promotion and nature conservation of Chumphon. The activities consist of fishing competition, photography contest of tourist attractions, tourist attraction exhibition, and mini-marathon competition.
- Lang Suan Festival of Buddha Floating Procession, Boat Competition
This event has been the old tradition of Lang Suan for more than 100 years. Normally held in October of every year, the highlights of this festival are decorated Buddha Floating Procession from many temples. In the afternoon, the long boat competition is held.
- Lang Suan Fruit Fair
Annually held in August, the activities of this event are fruit contest, fruit market, preserved-fruit products, and competition for queen of the fruit contest.
Chumphon Attactions Information
- Hat Arunothai
From highway no.4, turn left to highway no.4096 for 6 kilometres. This beach is situated 60 kilometres from Chumphon. Visitors can observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen on this quiet beach. Near the beach, there is the Prince Chumphons Shrine. Nearby is Paknam Thung Tako- the site where fishermen of Thung Tako depart for their voyage to the sea. The view of these fishermen daily routine is very colourful and impressive.
- 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.
- Namtok Kapo Forest Park
Located in Tambon Salui, this waterfall is 13 kilometres from Tha Sae, along Phetkasem Road, between 466th 468th kilometre, or from Pathomphon Crossroad, by Petkasem Road for about 30 kilometres. The park has the area of 7,010 Rai of shaded forests and small waterfalls, suitable for relaxation.
- Phitak Island (Koh Phitak)
Situated in Tambon Bang Nam Chuet, this small island has beautiful rocks and is surrounded by fishermen villages. There is a small beach in the east, which can be reached by fishermen's boat from Paknam Tako.
- Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
Located at Moo 7, this venue is 65 kilometres from Chumphon by turning right at Lang Suan crossroad for another three kilometres. This garden is beautifully decorated with flowers and the statue of the Princess' Mother, the highlight of this garden. Not far is Tham Khao Ngoen, of which there is the inscription of King Rama V's initials. Another inscription on the wall is No.108 which was the Ratanakosin Era when he visited the Malaya Peninsula in 1889. Also, there is a Chedi in front of the cave.
- Thung Makham Bay (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.
- Khao Phang Forest Park
Situated at the border of Amphoe Mueang and Tha Sae, this park is 12 kilometres from Chumphon along highway no.4 (Chumphon - Tha Sae route). In the park, there are many kinds of plants. At the front, are the parks gate and Prince Chumphons Shrine. The top of the mountain is both the cut-edge cliff suitable for hangliders and the view-point for Chumphon town.
- Ko Samet
With some areas as part of the National Park, this island has white beach and clear water. It takes only half an hour to get to this island.
- 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.
- Ko Thalu
Being a small limestone island with two big caves, around the island, there are viewing points for corals and sea flowers.
- Prince Chumphons Monument
The venue is located by the foot of the hill in Hat Sai Ri area. Prince Chumphon was one of the King Rama Vs sons. Being the founder of the modern Navy of Thailand, the Prince was proclaimed as the Father of Thai Navy. He was respected by the navy, fishermen, and other people. His picture has been established in most of the houses in Chumphon.
The Monument consists of Prince Chumphon's Shrine for visitors to pay respect. Chumphon Warship is an old big torpedo warship, with the size of 68 x 6.55 metres. This warship was out of order in 1975 and was moved to Hat Sai Ri in 1979.
Herbal Garden is at the foot of the hill along the seacoast. This is the project of the Ministry of Public Health to conserve the valued herbs, in order to continue the concept of Prince Chumphon, who was also interested in using the traditional medicine to cure people.
- Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi
Located on Chumphon Ao Thung Wua Laen route, tourists can reach this temple by turning left for 6 kilometres, before reaching Chumphon Irrigation Office. This old Wat is worshipped among the Chumphon people through the strong faith in Luang Pu Song. (A most revered monk whose body has been believed to be in an undelaying condition after his death. A big Sala tree is inside the Wat with orange flowers and strange looking shape stem. (Lord Buddha was born under Sala tree).
- 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.
- 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.
- Tham Khao Phlu Wildlife Conservation Area
Being away from Pathio for 3 kilometres along highway no.3253, the area is covered with limestone mountain range in beautiful shape, parallel to the road. This is the habitat of 3 flocks of southern langurs. They will come down to find food in the evening.
- Hat Arunothai
From highway no.4, turn left to highway no.4096 for 6 kilometres. This beach is situated 60 kilometres from Chumphon. Visitors can observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen on this quiet beach. Near the beach, there is the Prince Chumphons Shrine. Nearby is Paknam Thung Tako- the site where fishermen of Thung Tako depart for their voyage to the sea. The view of these fishermen daily routine is very colourful and impressive.
- Hat Sai Ri Sawi
This beautiful beach is located in Tambon Tha Hin. To visit the beach, use Highway no.41 (Chumphon- Sawi route), turn left to Sawi - Bo Kha route for 12 kilometres. This large beach is parallel to the coconut line, suitable for relaxation and it is the venue where the lifestyle of the fishermen is very impressive.
- Khao Kriap Cave (Tham Khao Kriap)
This is one of the most beautiful caves in the south. It is 85 kilometres from Chumphon along highway no.4 (Chumphon - Lang Suan), and turn right for another two kilometres. There is a Buddhist temple at the foot of the Khao Kriap hill. Inside the cave, there is also a Buddha image besides the stalactites and stalagmites.
**Information Reference : tourismthailand.org
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