Chumphon is located about 480 kilometers from Bangkok on the Isthmus of Kra, the narrow landbridge connecting the Malay Peninsula with the mainland of Thailand. To the west are the hills of the Phuket mountain range and its northern continuation, the Tenasserim chain, while the east is the more flat land at the coat to the Gulf of Thailand. The main river is the Lang Suan, which originates in Phato district.

Chumphon is the first southern province to be reached from every other part of the country, and is regarded as a gateway through which southbound visitors pass before continuing on their routes to the western or eastern coasts. Chumphon various attractions includes beaches, islands, forests and caves. It is also famed for its abundant seafood and succulent fruits.

Chumphon province covers a total area of 6,009 square kilometers with a long coast stretching for 222 kilometers and 47 islands. Its boundary reaches Prachuap Khiri Khan in the North. The Gulf of Thailand in the East. Surat Thani and Ranong in the south with Myanmar to the West.

The province is divided into 8 districts (Amphoe). Mueang Chumphon, Tha Sae, Pathio, Lang Suan, Lamae, Phato, Sawi and Thung Tako. These are further divided into subdistricts (tambon) and villages (muban).

Tham Khao Kriap Caves, are some of the most beautiful caves in the area, located 85 kilometers south of Chumphon along Highway No 4. The cave is full of Stalactites and Stalagmites, steps from the Temple situated on Khao Kriap Hill leads to the mouth of the cave.

Namtok Heo Lom Waterfall in the Pha To district is situated along the Pha To - Ratchakrut route. The huge waterfall consists of two levels, the stream flows into a rocky pool before winding through Pha To to the Lang Suan River, rafting to Kaeng Bok Fai (rapids) is possible from November to February.

Pak Nam Chumphon, on the mouth of the Tha Taphao River is a large fishing village 13 kilometers from town. On the river bank you will find landings where boats depart regularly to Chumphons offshore islands.

The National Museum of Chumphon was established in 1995 at Khao Samkaew. The museum provides an overview of Chumphon province, ranging from prehistory through to the present.

Tham Khao Plu Hot Spring has 3 hot spas 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 different species of birds can be seen  arround the area.

Hat Sai Ri Chumphons Scenic Beach is located 15 kilometers southeast of the town. To the north of the beach is the memorial site of H.R.H. Prince Chumphon, Father of the Royal Thai Navy, revered by all seamen.

The compound houses a shrine, a huge torpedo boat named the Royal Chumphon and herbal garden, located 6 kilometers, beyond Hat Sai Ri. Ao Thung Makham, the scenic bay, looks like a line of 2 semi circles is full of coconut plantations.

Hat Thung Wau Laen a long and sandy beach with a slight slope is located 16 kilometers north of the town. The beach offers many watersports, diving facilities  and boat tours to the islands. There are plenty of comfortable hotels, resort bungalows, shops and restaurants.

Hat Arunothai is a long palm fringed beach in Amphoe Thung Tako located 60 kilometers, from Chumphon, along highway No 4. On the beach is the Shrine of H.R.H. Prince Chumphon, the Father of the Royal Thai Navy. There is a resort where visitors can hire boats to explore the islands.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park covers a total area of 317 square kilometers, over 40 islands and 70 kilometers of coastline, that includes sandy beaches and mud flats. The park is located 30 kilometers from Chumphon town in Hat Sai Ri.

Khao Phang Forest Park within the national park, the great variety of tropical trees. Provide plenty of shade for interesting trekking adventures.

National Parks Thailand

Koh Mattra is a large island with a sandy beach with spectacular rock formations are on the the west and south of the island. The coral reef on the west coast is where rare crabs can be seen, called Pu Kai, they can climb up trees and cry like a chicken.

Koh Thalu a picturesque stone island measuring 100 meters long has two large holes through which one can swim from one side to the other. The area is full of coral and varieties of marine flowers is idea for scuba diving. Other coral islands include Koh Rat and Koh Thonglang, located to the south of Chumphon.

Koh Chorakhe a small island with a stony beach and a coral reef. Its located 11 kilometers from Ao Thung Wua Lan.

Koh Maphrao is a small island full of swallow nests located just 1 kilometer offshore from Hat Sai Ri. The island can be clearly seen from the shore.

Koh Samet has the same name as the famous island in Rayong. The small island  can be reached within 30 minutes from the Chumphon estuary.

National Parks Thailand

VIP Air Conditioned, air conditioned and regular buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal Bangkok for Chumphon daily from 09:30 am. to 22:00 pm. The journey takes about 7 hours.

Rapid and express depart from Hua Lamphong Station Bangkok daily, The journey takes about 8 hours. For more information, time tables and fairs see Thansport Services.

By car, taxi or minibus, the journey normally takes about 6-7 hours from Bangkok, there is a daily minibus service available from Kao Sarn Road. Groups of three plus a taxi or chauffeur driven private minibus is a viable alternative.

The drivers will pick you up from your hotel or meet you at the airport and is probably going to be the most economic. Bangkok has a good road link to Chumphon and there are plenty of small restaurants to stop on route.

Air Rail and Bus Time Tables

Chumphon is the gateway to southern Thailand. The province has many interesting attractions with plenty of leisure and sporting activities. Such as spa massage good golf, watersports, rafting adventures, trekking and scuba diving.

The long coastline of Chomphon has many hotel and bungulow resorts and offers plenty of accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Luxury Spa beach resorts with leisure, fitness facilities and international cuisine. Country clubs with golf courses, small guesthouses located in the town and around the beaches.