Chumphon is one of the southern provinces of Thailand, at the shore of the Gulf of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are (from north clockwise) Prachuap Khiri Khan, Surat Thani and Ranong. To the west it also borders the Burmese province of Tanintharyi. Chumphon is located on the Isthmus of Kra, the narrow land bridge 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 coast to the Gulf of Thailand. The main river is the Lang Suan , which originates in Phato district.

The southern part of the province was originally a separate province named Lang Suan. It was incorporated into Chumphon in 1932. In November 1989 the typhoon Gay  hit the province hard - 529 people were killed, 160,000 became homeless, 7,130 km 2 (2,753 sq mi) of farm land was destroyed. Gay is the only tropical storm on record which reached Thailand with typhoon wind strength.

Tourism

Attractions include:

Prince of Chumphon Shrine At the shrine stands the monument of Admiral Phra Borommawong Thoe Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak. 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.

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. For historical interest, a monument commemorating Admiral Prince of Chumphon is located nearby.

Khao Chao Mueang The district's highest observation point offering panoramic views of the coast and far out into the distant archipelago are rivaled only by the peace and tranquility offered by the secluded beach located at the base of the mountain.

Ao Thung Makham The bays look like a line of 2 semicircles. Roughly in the middle lies a peninsula where rocks, large and small, are scattered surround in a mysterious fashion. This peninsula serves as the bays divider.

Ko Samet One of the group of islands which belongs to the Chumphon's National Marine Park.This island is at Mu 1 Tambon Pak Nam, about 8 km (5 mi) from Chumphon city.

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

Khao Phang Forest Park 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.

Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi At this temple lived Luang Pho Song Chanthasaro, a famous religious teacher who died at the age of nearly 100 years and his body still remains undecayed.

Ko Tao- there is a Ko Tao near to Chumphon town but this not to be confused with the larger inhabited Ko Tao, in the Samui-Phangngan group, which is in Surat Thani province and famous for being a former political prison and now water sports haven.

Somdech Phra Srinagarindra Park The park consists of a hill by the rivers. Flowers and plants decorate the area at the foot of the hill. There is also a monument to the present King's mother.

Tham Khao Ngoen The cave's interior looks like a big hall or tent. There is a chimney going through the top. The cave's wall is also inscribed with his Majesty's initial Chor.Por.Ror.

Tham Khao Kriab 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.

Namtok Thap Chang This is the most beautiful waterfall in Khlong Phrao National Park. The waterfall is about 65 km (40 mi) from the city center. It is surrounded with various varieties of trees, and many different types of animals live here.

Hat Arunothai The serene beach, is lined with pine trees affording shady resting places. There is also a shrine-memorial to Prince Chumphon erected here.

Tham Rap Ro (Wat Thep Charoen) 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's revered grandfather.

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 It is a fascinating temple perched on top of a limestone hill. Besides possessing a commanding view amid tranquil surrounding, the temple's stupas house revered Buddha's relics.

Wat Phra Thart Sawi 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 “San Phra Suea Mueang”

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.

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.

Ko Khai The island's 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.

Hat Thung Wua Laen is perhaps Chumphon's most popular beach. Both native swimmers and experts will enjoy this beach as its fine white sands slope gently into the sea. 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 “Chorakhe” means “crocodile” in Thai.

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' nests which are harvested there for export.

Namtok Heo Lom These scenic falls are a perfect fresh water adjunct to Chumphon's beaches and islands.

Khlong Ruea Homestay The home stay surrounded by rainforest. Learn to the way of life of the villagers and nature.

Por Ta Chongdong Summit is about 1,000 meters high from the sea. This summit is the best natural place to study the biology and ecology of the rainforest, and good place to see mosses, ferns, and sunset viewpoint of Andaman sea.

Por Ta Mangkre Summit is covered with green field, wide life animals and the beautiful Mangkre flower.

Khao Thung-Klong Pi waterfall This large mountain is the main waterway of Lang Suan river.

Haew Ta Jan-Haew Phlu Nang waterfall A walking trip to see the fresh atmosphere, natural, and gully.

Watershed forest mountain Hiking trail to the top of mountain in the forest of Phato. Overview looking to both sides of Andaman sea and Ao Thai (Gulf of Thailand).

Tham Khao Plu Hot Spring 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.

Hat Tawan Chai This is a large long beach parallel to the line of coconut palms.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chumphon_Province