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Chumphon (ชุมพร) is a city and a province of the same name on the Central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand. With its transport hub of Chumphon Airport in Pathio District, Chumphon is the gateway to the south and the islands of the Gulf of Thailand.

Chumphon Province is in the upper part of Southern Thailand. It is a gateway to the popular Gulf of Thailand islands of Ko Samui, Ko Phangan, Ko Tao, and Ko Khai.

The province is symbolised by the Banyan tree often referred to as sacred in both Hindu and Buddhist teachings.

The National Museum of Chumphon, +66 77 504105, +66 77 504246. W-Su, 09:00–16:00. Any trip to Chumphon should start at the national museum. Established in 1995 at Khao Samkaew, the museum provides a provincial overview ranging from prehistory through to the present. Even for those who are not overly interested in history, the museum's attractive displays and media resources will fascinate and inform. The museum is divided into a ground floor and the upper floor.
Prince of Chumphon Shrine, Moo 7 Hat Sai Ri (20 km from Chumphon city centre, on Hwy 4119 and 4098. This is a sacred place for the people of Chumphon and nearby provinces. At the shrine stands the monument of Admiral Phra Borommawong Thoe Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak. The shrine is at the north site of Hat Sai Ri facing towards the sea. There is a museum with exhibits about the admiral’s biography and things which he used. A large torpedo-ship named the Royal Chumphon is also here. It is 68 m long and 6.6 m wide. This ship was decommissioned on 26 Nov 1975. The Royal Thai Navy turned the ship over to Chumphon Province in 1979. After that it was placed near this monument for the commemoration of the admiral.
Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. Luang Pho Song Chanthasaro, a famous religious teacher who passed away at the age of nearly 100 years, lived at this temple. His body still remains undecayed. This monk is revered by the people of Chumphon and nearby provinces.
Long Boat Racing Festival. People have been living near the Lang Suan River for a long time. Long boat racing consists of 32 rowers per long boat, and the goal is to get the victory by paddling fast to grab the red flag. The reward is cups from members of the royal family. This festival is happens every year on the first day of the waxing moon on the 11th lunar month or approximately October. There also are activities on the grounds.

The National Museum of Chumphon, +66 77 504105, +66 77 504246. W-Su, 09:00–16:00. Any trip to Chumphon should start at the national museum. Established in 1995 at Khao Samkaew, the museum provides a provincial overview ranging from prehistory through to the present. Even for those who are not overly interested in history, the museum's attractive displays and media resources will fascinate and inform. The museum is divided into a ground floor and the upper floor.

Prince of Chumphon Shrine, Moo 7 Hat Sai Ri (20 km from Chumphon city centre, on Hwy 4119 and 4098. This is a sacred place for the people of Chumphon and nearby provinces. At the shrine stands the monument of Admiral Phra Borommawong Thoe Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak. The shrine is at the north site of Hat Sai Ri facing towards the sea. There is a museum with exhibits about the admiral’s biography and things which he used. A large torpedo-ship named the Royal Chumphon is also here. It is 68 m long and 6.6 m wide. This ship was decommissioned on 26 Nov 1975. The Royal Thai Navy turned the ship over to Chumphon Province in 1979. After that it was placed near this monument for the commemoration of the admiral.

Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. Luang Pho Song Chanthasaro, a famous religious teacher who passed away at the age of nearly 100 years, lived at this temple. His body still remains undecayed. This monk is revered by the people of Chumphon and nearby provinces.

Long Boat Racing Festival. People have been living near the Lang Suan River for a long time. Long boat racing consists of 32 rowers per long boat, and the goal is to get the victory by paddling fast to grab the red flag. The reward is cups from members of the royal family. This festival is happens every year on the first day of the waxing moon on the 11th lunar month or approximately October. There also are activities on the grounds.

Ao Bo Mao Beach, Pathio District (30 km N of Chumphon City; 1 km from Chumphon Airport. A long white sand beach in Pathio near Chumphon Airport. From the beach you can rent boats to nearby the island of Ko Khai or simply relax and enjoy the moment. The beach has small resorts and seafood restaurants, but remains charming, quiet, and unspoiled with views to the headlands of Cape Pathio and Laem Thaen.
Ao Thung Makham, Pathio District. Amazing unspoiled white sand beaches with limestone rock formations separating the curved bays. About 5 km from Chumphon Airport and 35 km from Chumphon City.
Coral Beach, Chumko, Pathio. A crescent-shaped, palm-fringed beach with large rocky headlands, it is one of the most beautiful in Thailand and is part of a giant clam sanctuary. Unknown to most tourists, this beach is quiet and often you may be the only ones there. About 15 minutes by car from Chumphon Airport. A major tourist resort is under construction consisting of 3 condomimiums and 10 pool villas.
Thung Wua Laen, Pathio District (15 km north of Chumphon in Pathio, 10 km from Chumphon Airport. This white sand beach is the Chumphon's key beach destination. Activities include diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kite surfing, beach sports, temple visits. The beach has numerous resorts, restaurants and beach bars but remains charming, quiet, and relatively unspoiled.

Mo Ku Chumphon National Park, towards Hat Sai Ri (Take local bus from near post office or see local travel agent. Take the wooden bus to the fairly new and surprisingly modern visitors centre. Walk the boardwalks through the mangrove forests and over creeks. Ask at centre for other walks available. The actual national park area part of the Chumphon Archipelago in Chumphon Province is huge and takes in islands, reefs, beaches, jungle, mountain, creeks, ocean, and mangroves. You can stay overnight here. There's a camping area, and bungalows on the Pong Pang Viewpoint go for 600 baht per night, and accommodate 2 people. Add 100 baht for each extra person. Dorm beds, with no bedding for 50 baht. There are also two restaurants. A good place to visit to make the best of your stay in Chumphon. 200 baht.
Hat Sai Ri. This long smooth white sand and extensive beach is shaded by majestic pine trees and affords some spectacular views of nearby islands. Colourful boats lie berthed by the beach, which is lined with restaurants selling fresh seafood. For historical interest, a monument commemorating the late Admiral Prince of Chumphon is located nearby, complete with a well-preserved WWII warship. A hillside temple at the site offers a panoramic view of the entire area.
Khao Chao Mueang. The district's highest observation point offering panoramic views of the coast and far out into the distant archipelago. Are rivalled only by the peace and tranquillity offered by the secluded beach located at the base of the mountain, along with the beautiful coral lagoon fronting Ko Maprao.
Khao Phang Forest Park. Khao Phang Forest Park is one of the province’s newest attractions. Within the national park, there are a great variety of tropical trees, making the park a shady and restful sojourn for nature lovers and a must for students of forestry. A hill, covering an area of about one square kilometre, is behind the park providing a commanding view of the entire area.
Ko Samet. Not the better-known Ko Samet off the east gulf coast near Rayong. One of a group of islands in Chumphon National Marine Park. There are beaches at the head, and the middle of this island. It is Chumphon's largest island. This island is crowned with coconut trees making it a suitable place for spending holidays and relaxation.

Mo Ku Chumphon National Park, towards Hat Sai Ri (Take local bus from near post office or see local travel agent. Take the wooden bus to the fairly new and surprisingly modern visitors centre. Walk the boardwalks through the mangrove forests and over creeks. Ask at centre for other walks available. The actual national park area part of the Chumphon Archipelago in Chumphon Province is huge and takes in islands, reefs, beaches, jungle, mountain, creeks, ocean, and mangroves. You can stay overnight here. There's a camping area, and bungalows on the Pong Pang Viewpoint go for 600 baht per night, and accommodate 2 people. Add 100 baht for each extra person. Dorm beds, with no bedding for 50 baht. There are also two restaurants. A good place to visit to make the best of your stay in Chumphon. 200 baht.

Hat Sai Ri. This long smooth white sand and extensive beach is shaded by majestic pine trees and affords some spectacular views of nearby islands. Colourful boats lie berthed by the beach, which is lined with restaurants selling fresh seafood. For historical interest, a monument commemorating the late Admiral Prince of Chumphon is located nearby, complete with a well-preserved WWII warship. A hillside temple at the site offers a panoramic view of the entire area.

Khao Chao Mueang. The district's highest observation point offering panoramic views of the coast and far out into the distant archipelago. Are rivalled only by the peace and tranquillity offered by the secluded beach located at the base of the mountain, along with the beautiful coral lagoon fronting Ko Maprao.

Khao Phang Forest Park. Khao Phang Forest Park is one of the province’s newest attractions. Within the national park, there are a great variety of tropical trees, making the park a shady and restful sojourn for nature lovers and a must for students of forestry. A hill, covering an area of about one square kilometre, is behind the park providing a commanding view of the entire area.

Ko Samet. Not the better-known Ko Samet off the east gulf coast near Rayong. One of a group of islands in Chumphon National Marine Park. There are beaches at the head, and the middle of this island. It is Chumphon's largest island. This island is crowned with coconut trees making it a suitable place for spending holidays and relaxation.

Ao Bo Mao Beach, Pathio District (30 km N of Chumphon City; 1 km from Chumphon Airport. A long white sand beach in Pathio near Chumphon Airport. From the beach you can rent boats to nearby the island of Ko Khai or simply relax and enjoy the moment. The beach has small resorts and seafood restaurants, but remains charming, quiet, and unspoiled with views to the headlands of Cape Pathio and Laem Thaen.

Ao Thung Makham, Pathio District. Amazing unspoiled white sand beaches with limestone rock formations separating the curved bays. About 5 km from Chumphon Airport and 35 km from Chumphon City.

Coral Beach, Chumko, Pathio. A crescent-shaped, palm-fringed beach with large rocky headlands, it is one of the most beautiful in Thailand and is part of a giant clam sanctuary. Unknown to most tourists, this beach is quiet and often you may be the only ones there. About 15 minutes by car from Chumphon Airport. A major tourist resort is under construction consisting of 3 condomimiums and 10 pool villas.

Thung Wua Laen, Pathio District (15 km north of Chumphon in Pathio, 10 km from Chumphon Airport. This white sand beach is the Chumphon's key beach destination. Activities include diving, snorkelling, kayaking, kite surfing, beach sports, temple visits. The beach has numerous resorts, restaurants and beach bars but remains charming, quiet, and relatively unspoiled.

Tesco Lotus Express, Tha Taphao (city center. open 24 hours aday.

Tesco Lotus Express, Tha Taphao (city center. open 24 hours aday.

Pathio Beaches (Near Chumphon Airport)

Krua Lung Pod, +66 77 512065. Thai seafood restaurant on the beach. Sit in open sala facing Ko Khai. Extensive range of food with English menu.

Chumphon Town

Day and early evening market, Thatapao Rd (From Farang Bar turn right, it's maybe 100 m. Good selection of lunches, fruit, and other produce. In the evening the locals come here for a snack and for takeaways. Some local desserts available too, look for the durian pieces in soy milk. Delicious!
Farang Bar, 69/36 Thatapao Rd, +66 77 501003. English owned. Good for Western food great Thai food too. Farang Bar is also a basic guest house with 250 baht rooms, shared baths, and free Wi-Fi. The bar and restaurant get a steady stream of local expats as well as plenty of tourists on their way to the islands. The staff speak a fair amount of English. The offerings include extremely cold beer and amazing cocktails, excellent Western and Thai food. Ivor (the farang) can also provide advice regarding Ko Tao and arrange bookings for you if needed (i.e., he calls and reserves. He does not sell you tickets, unless you want him to).
Morning Market, Pracha Uthit Rd through to Poramin Manka Rd. Bustling early morning market, also has curry stalls and local prices are usually asked. There are often light trucks outside on Pracha Uthit Rd piled high with seasonal fruits such as pineapple, rambutan, and durian.
Night Market, Krom Luang Rd (Walk straight out from the rail station, past the vintage rail locomotives, and cross the intersection. The locals flock here in the evening to show off their pet dogs in the front basket of their motorcycles, to eat, and to collect takeaways. Massive selection of foods to choose from in a compact area. More expensive than the other markets but also more fun. Stalls with seasonal durian (whole or ready-to-eat) are on the right-hand side furthest from the rail station.

Krua Lung Pod, +66 77 512065. Thai seafood restaurant on the beach. Sit in open sala facing Ko Khai. Extensive range of food with English menu.

Day and early evening market, Thatapao Rd (From Farang Bar turn right, it's maybe 100 m. Good selection of lunches, fruit, and other produce. In the evening the locals come here for a snack and for takeaways. Some local desserts available too, look for the durian pieces in soy milk. Delicious!

Farang Bar, 69/36 Thatapao Rd, +66 77 501003. English owned. Good for Western food great Thai food too. Farang Bar is also a basic guest house with 250 baht rooms, shared baths, and free Wi-Fi. The bar and restaurant get a steady stream of local expats as well as plenty of tourists on their way to the islands. The staff speak a fair amount of English. The offerings include extremely cold beer and amazing cocktails, excellent Western and Thai food. Ivor (the farang) can also provide advice regarding Ko Tao and arrange bookings for you if needed (i.e., he calls and reserves. He does not sell you tickets, unless you want him to).

Morning Market, Pracha Uthit Rd through to Poramin Manka Rd. Bustling early morning market, also has curry stalls and local prices are usually asked. There are often light trucks outside on Pracha Uthit Rd piled high with seasonal fruits such as pineapple, rambutan, and durian.

Night Market, Krom Luang Rd (Walk straight out from the rail station, past the vintage rail locomotives, and cross the intersection. The locals flock here in the evening to show off their pet dogs in the front basket of their motorcycles, to eat, and to collect takeaways. Massive selection of foods to choose from in a compact area. More expensive than the other markets but also more fun. Stalls with seasonal durian (whole or ready-to-eat) are on the right-hand side furthest from the rail station.

Papa's Night Club. 21:30-01:30. Good bands, DJ, and dancers. No cover charges. Can take your own spirits. 200 baht plus mixers.

Papa's Night Club. 21:30-01:30. Good bands, DJ, and dancers. No cover charges. Can take your own spirits. 200 baht plus mixers.

Ko Tao - Known as the best diving site in the Gulf of Thailand, its turquoise water is crystalline, coconut plantations cover much of the landscape, and many beaches are easily accessible by paved road.

There are several transportation options from Chumphon:

* Ko Charoen Car Ferry - Boat leaves from Tha Yang Pier M-W-F at 23:00 and arrives Ko Tao at 5:00. From Ko Tao, a boat departs for Chumphon on Tu-Th-Sa. It arrives Tha Yang Pier at 5:00. The fare is 250 baht. For information, contact tel. +66 77 580030, +66 81 7970276.

* Lomphraya Ferry - Boat leaves from Ao Thung Makham Noi Pier at 7:00 and 13:00 and arrives Ko Tao at 8:45 and 14:45. From Ko Tao boat departs for Ao Thung Makham Noi Pier at 22:00 and 15:00. It arrives at 23:30 and 16:30.

* Songserm Ferry - Boat leaves from Tha Yang Pier daily at 7:00 and arrives Ko Tao at 9:45. From Ko Tao, the departure time for Chumphon is 14:30 and arrival is at 17:30. For information, contact Tel. +66 2 2807897, +66 77 456274.

[[Ko Tao]] - Known as the best diving site in the Gulf of Thailand, its turquoise water is crystalline, coconut plantations cover much of the landscape, and many beaches are easily accessible by paved road.