Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
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’s Mother is 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.
Tham Khao Kriap
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.
Ao Bo Mao
Ao Bo Mao From Thung Yo Waterfall, there is a route to Ao Bo Mao, which is a large bay with long beach. The line of pine trees is close to the sea and exudes a quiet atmosphere. Visitors can hire the boat from Ao Bo Mao to a small island called Ko Khai, which is 4 kilometres from the beach. Most of the area is mountainous. To the west of this island is a beautiful beach. Many kinds of coral are found in the north. Around the island is the favorite venue for fishing.
Ao Yai Ai
Ao Yai Ai This bay has the most suitable area for viewing the panoramic atmosphere of the surroundings at almost 25 metres above sea level. Within this bay area are many coral reefs that are nearly 7 kilometres long. Tourists can go diving or snorkeling to view these beautiful corals.
Hat Tham Thong - Bang Boet
Hat Tham Thong - Bang Boet From town, use Phetkasem Road, turn right at the 426-km marker 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 that lies parallel to the pine tree lined road. It is very suitable for casual drive or biking. The beach extends out to Bang Boet in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which is presently the area of H.M. the King‘s project.
Hat Thung Wua Laen
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 a small slope, that is suitable for swimming. Also, it is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Chumphon, offering spectacular views of seaweed, sponge, and sea flowers.
Khao Dinso
Khao Dinso As it is the highest mountain in Amphoe Pathio, it is 20 kilometres from Pathio by Highway No. 3253 (Pathio-Chumphon route). It is most suitable for nature adventurers and requires about two hours to trek to the top of the mountain. At the top of the 400 metres above sea level summit is a large area. From here, it’s easy to view the sea, Hat Thung Wua Laen (in the east), the railroad to Prachuap Khiri Khan, and the fruit orchards (in the west). Any interested visitors who love trekking can contact Mr. Apirak Saksanit at Tel: 0-1476-7760.
Nong Yai
Nong Yai This is a royal project initiated by King Rama IX to solve the flooding problem in Chumphon. Located on the Chumphon-Ao Thung Wua Laen route, turn right at the Chumphon Irrigation Office along Khlong Hua Wang-Phanangtak route. Consisting of an area of 3,000 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai), Nong Yai has a large reservoir and irrigation canals. There are many trees around the reservoir with quiet atmosphere. Inhabited by many birds, the are is suitable for studying the birds’ lifestyle and the wet area ecology.
Tham Khao Phlu Wildlife Conservation Area
Tham Khao Phlu Wildlife Conservation Area Located 3 kilometres away from Pathio along Highway No. 3253, the area is covered with beautifully shaped limestone mountain ranges that are parallel to the road. This is the habitat of 3 flocks of southern langurs that often venture down searching for food in the evenings.
Namtok Heo Lom
Namtok Heo Lom This waterfall is located at Ban Bok Fai, Tambon Pak Song, in Kuan Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. From Amphoe Muang, use Highway No. 4 to Lang Suan Junction, turn right to Highway No. 4006 (Lang Suan-Ratchakrut route), pass Phato to the 11-km marker and, turn left for another 8 kilometres. The most suitable vehicle to be used is 4-wheel drive. From Heo Lome Forest Guard Unit, there is a trek for 500 metres, pass the origin of Phato Canal, and fertile evergreen forest. The waterfall is more than 80 metres high, surrounded by various kinds of trees. It is a venue for relaxation, trekking for natural study, and bird sanctuary.
Phato Canal Rafting
Phato Canal Rafting Forests in Phato is the origin of many canals which are lined with evergreen forests, and fruit orchards. Owing to the various rapids in this area, the adventurous activities have been then organized in Phato canal all year round. Through these types of activities, visitors are able to witness some interesting animals such as: langurs and hornbills. In additon, visits can be made to fruit orchards growing durians, coffee, and mangosteens. For those interested in trekking, visitors can have the choice of camping, or elephant riding. The Festival of Phato Canal rafting is best during February and April.
Chumphon Horicultural Research Center
Chumphon Horicultural Research Center It is the training center for the cultivation of the MAWA coconut plant that was bred from the African and Malaysian species. The Center occupies an area of 1,700 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai). The office and residence are at the front, while at the back is the planting area for pepper, coffee, cocoa and coconuts.
Hat Sai Ri Sawi
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. It is the venue where the very impressive lifestyle of the fishermen can be seen.
Tham Thip Prida
Tham Thip Prida This cave is at Moo 2, Tambon Khao Khai. Tourists can use Khao Pip - Khao Thalu route for 16 kilometres, turn left for 4 kilometres to Hua Kaeo junction, and turn left for another 6 kilometres. The total distance from Chumphon is about 70 kilometres. There are about 40 beautiful caves with ponds inside. Also, the surrounding area is composed of various mountains with beautiful caves.
Wat Phrathat Sawi
Wat Phrathat Sawi The temple is located on the bank of Sawi River. The Chedi of this temple contains the relics of the Lord Buddha. The legend of this Chedi goes back to the Ayutthaya period. The Phra Suea Muang Shrine is situated in front of the Chedi, near the bank of the river.
Wat Phrathat Tham Khwan Muang
Wat Phrathat Tham Khwan Muang This temple is at Moo 4, Tambon Napho, two kilometres from from Sawi and 48 kilometres from Chumphon, on Chumphon-Lang Suan route. At the 37-km marker, turn right for 500 metres. The temple’s shady area is surrounded by many plants. The highlight attraction is the Chedi on the top of the hill which contains the Lord Buddha’s relics. At its base is a large area which is ideal for viewing the panoramic surroundings.
Namtok Kapo Forest Park
Namtok Kapo Forest Park Located in Tambon Salui, this waterfall is 13 kilometres from Tha Sae, along Phetkasem Road, between the 466–468-km markers, or from Pathom Porn Crossroad, by Petkasem Road for about 30 kilometres. The park has an area of 7,010 Rai of shaded forests and small waterfalls, suitable for relaxation.
Phota Hin Chang Shrine
Phota Hin Chang Shrine This shrine is located at Moo 2, Tambon Salui, at the foot of the hill, along the 453–454-km markers of Phetkasem Road. Featured at the shrine is the elephant-shaped rock that is highly worshipped by the Chumphon people. To emphasize this belief, passengers will always blow their horns to pay respect to this site. Also in the vicinity are stalls selling fruits and souvenirs.
Wat Thep Charoen
Wat Thep Charoen Situated in Tambon Tha Kham, this temple is 4 kilometres from Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) at the 490-km marker. The temple is located at the foot of Rap Ro Hill that used to be a port area in the ancient time. There are many interesting attractions around this temple. Many Buddha images are located in Tham Phra. The meditation area at Tham Ai Te has a reclining Buddha fresco painting on the wall. Tham Sai has beautiful stalactites and stalacmites. Moreover, the temple houses the Buddha’s footprint and the undecayed body of Luang Pu Sai, a revered monk. Nearby is a local museum with collections of ancient materials found on the temple’s site. Another highlight is the leather carving of the shadow puppet show done by the local artisans.
Hat Arunothai
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 Chumphon’s 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
Khlong Phrao National Park Being the origin of rivers and canals in Chumphon, this Park covers the area in Amphoe Thung Tako, and Amphoe Muang. 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, mid-sized waterfall which is the most beautiful in the Park. The park’s 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.
Distances from Chumphon to Nieghbouring Provinces :
Prachuap Khiri Khan 183 kilometres
Ranong 117 kilometres
Surat Thani 193 kilometres
Car
From Bangkok, use Highway No. 4, or Highway No. 35 (Thon Buri-Pak Tho) and join Highway No.4, pass Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, to Chumphon junction, then turn left along Highway No. 4001 for 8 kilometres to town.
Bus
Buses regularly depart from the Southern Bus Terminal to Chumphon on a daily basis. For more details, contact the Southern Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 2434 5557 - 8, 0 2435 1199. For the round-trip, buses leave from Chumphon Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 7750 2725, 0 7751 1094.
For air-conditioned buses, contact:
Chok-anan Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435-5027 - 9, 0 2435 7429 or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1480, 0 7751 1757.
Suwannathi Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435 5026, or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1422.
Within Chumphon province, buses servicing the Chumphon-Sawi-Lang Suan route leaves the terminal in front of Chumphon Market, Thanon Tha Taphao from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. daily.
The taxi queue is behind old market, opposite to Chumphon Bus Terminal. Taxis can be hired to Lang Suan, Ranong and Surat Thani.
Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong)
There are both rapid and express trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact 1690, 0 2 223 7010, 0 2223 7020 at Hua Lamphong or at Chumphon Station Tel: 0 7751 1103.
From Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi)
There are fast trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 0 2411 3102.
Air
Air Andaman provides flight services from Bangkok to Chumphon 4 times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2996-9119 or view their website at www.airandaman.com.
