Ao
Thung Makham
This scenic bay area consists of Thung Makham Nok and
Thung Makham Nai Bays. Using highway nos.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.
Chumphon
National Museum
Located in Chumphon Governmental Center on Phetkasem
Road at km.484 before approaching Pathomphon Junction,
the museum displays historical and important ancient
materials of Chumphon. The displays are divided into
the following parts: History of Chumphon; Chumphon during
World War II; Chumphon and the Typhoon; Nature and Outstanding
Heritage of Chumphon by means of pictures and movies.
The museum is open for the public from Wednesday to
Sunday, except official holidays, during 9 a.m.-4 p.m..
The fee for foreigners are 30 Baht per person. For more
details, contact at Tel: 0 77504105, 504246.
Hat
Pha Daeng
Being 14 kilometres from town by the same route to Hat
Sai Ri or 2 kilometres from Hat Pharadon- Phap, this
beach has a10-metre red cliff which has been eroded
by wind and rain and has turned to the shape of a curved
bridge. It is also one of the best sites to view the
sea and is suitable for relaxation.
Hat
Pharadonphap
This beach is 12 kilometres from Chumphon by highway
Nos. 4119 and 4098. This is a large beach, parallel
to the road, which is shaded by coconut trees.
Hat
Sai Ri
This scenic and popular beach is about 20 kilometres
from Chumphon by highways no.4119 and 4098. There are
bus services from town to the beach. It is a large and
curved beach and is favorite among the Chumphon people
for their relaxation. There are some accommodations
and restaurants available along the beach.
Khao
Chao Mueang
This mountain is next to Hat Sai Ri along the coast
for 2.5 kilometres. On top of this mountain, there is
a pavilion for view watching. And further from this
area around one kilometre, there is an open area where
a panoramic view of the various islands in the sea can
be viewed.
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 park’s
gate and Prince Chumphon’s Shrine. The top of the mountain
is both the cut-edge cliff suitable for hangliders and
the view-point for Chumphon town.
Ko
Maphrao
This is a small island with 50-metre long, beautiful
beach, including the coral reef in the west. Visitors
who wish to visit this island should obtain permission
from the Provincial Office 15 days in advance because
of the monopoly of the business in the sparrow’s nests
of the island.
Ko
Mattra
This is a big island which is only 45 minutes away.
In front of the beach, there are many rocks. Visitors
can spend their time snorkelling to see the corals around
the island. On the island, there are facilities such
as accommodations, restaurants, and fresh-water bathing
services. This island is in the area of Chumphon Islands
National Park.
Ko
Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi
Being in the south of Ao Thung Wua Laen, seventeen kilometres
from the shore, there are coral reefs, rocks, and underwater
caves. These venues are considered to be one of the
best diving spots. For further information, please contact
Chumphon Cabana Resort at Tel: 0 7756 0245 - 7 or 0
2472 1825.
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.
Military
Youth Monument
Being 5 kilometres from Chumphon on the left-hand side
of highway No.4119 (Chumphon - Paknam route), this monument
is built to commemorate the bravery of Chumphon’s heroes
for their fight against the Japanese troop invasion
in 1941 during World War II.
Mu
Ko Chumphon National Park
Having been announced in 1989, this National Park covers
the total area of beaches and islands of 198,125 rai
(1 acre = 2.5 rai).
The Park’s Office is 21 kilometres from town. Using
highway no.4001, turn right to Hat Sai Ri, then turn
right again for 8 kilometres. The Tourist Information
Center is connected with the wooden-bridge walkways
for nature study of plant and animals. Visitors can
travel by boats or can stay overnight in their tents
near the office.
The
beautiful beaches in the Park’s area are Thung Makaham
Beach, Hat Sai Ri Amphoe Mueang, Arunothai Beach in
Amphoe Thung Tako, Tong Khrok Beach in Amphoe Lang Suan,
and more than 40 islands in Chumphon Sea such as Chorakhe,
Ngam, Samet, Maphrao, Mattra, Thong Lang, Langka Chio
Islands, including islands in Amphoe Sawi, Thung Tako.
On some islands, there are diving sites, fine white
sand beaches and corals; such as Chorakhe Island in
the northern part of the park. Ngam and Lanka Chio Islands
have many sea sparrow’s nests. Around Ngam Island, there
are perfect coral reefs which are the interesting sites
for diving. Thong Lang Island has white and beautiful
beach. Tourists can hire boats to travel along these
islands at the appropriate price. Contact at Tel: 0
7755 8144.
Prince
Chumphon’s Monument
The venue is located by the foot of the hill in Hat
Sai Ri area. Prince Chumphon was one of the King Rama
V’s 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).
Wat
Pradoem
This temple is the archeological site in old Chumphon,
at Tambon Tak Daet. It is on the left-hand side of highway
no.41 (Chumphon - Surat Thani), after passing Tambon
Wang Phai and across Saeng Daet Canal. Some archeological
objects were found such as sand-stone Buddha image in
Srivijaya Period, Chedi containing Lord Buddha’s bones.
The decoration of the gate, walls and other buildings
have portrayed the local architectural designs at this
temple.
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From
the documents, 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).