Chumporn
Popular charming mainland beaches include Hat (beach) Pharadonphap, Hat Pha Daeng (Red Cliff Beach), Hat Arunthai. Hat Arunothai is suitable for camping with hiking trails and rock – climbing nearby. Other peaceful bays with beautiful beaches include Ao Thung Makham (Tamarind field Bay ), and Ao Tung Wua Lan. Another one is Hat Sai Ri (Arc Sandy Beach), famous site of the shrine dedicated to H.R.H. Prince Chunpon, the founding Father of the Royal Thai Navy, in the form of an ancient British motor torpedo gunship.
Slightly 30 minutes boat ride from the mainland are the picturesque island of the Mu Koh Chumpon National Marine Park consisting of Koh Samet, Koh Mattra, and Koh Thoong Lang. Koh Rat is ideal floor camping, fishing, and scuba diving. Rocky beaches and coral beds infused with sea fans surround Koh Chorake (Crocodile Island), making it perfect for scuba diving. Cliff-dwelling sea swallows inhabit and build their nests on the islands of Maphrao(Coconut), Rang Nok Island or LanKa Chiu Islands. Their nests are prized delicacies of local gourmets and the Chinese population in Thailand. Collecting it can be a very dangerous task, reserved only for the truly skilled workers. Because of the danger of unauthorized poaching, visitors must seek permission to visit the islands from the company possessing the nest-collecting concession.
Wat Thep Charoen, or better known as Wat Tham Rub Raw (Temple of Rub Raw Cave), Contains a total of 8 main caves situated on a hillside. Mystical myths passed down through each deneration that 2 of the caves, Tham A-thay (Beginning of the Caves) and another cave further in, contains hidden treasures. The caves houses an ancient, sacred Buddhist image, the city’s guardian, believed to date back to 548 B.E., and beautiful Stalactites.
Khao Chedi Ayuthaya style chedi (pagoda)which is on the top of the hill. Respect Pra Brapa Banphot which is next to the chedi. Admire Beautiful view around Pa Thiew District and district center, Khao Plu, Khao Maew as well as the wonderful coast of Pa Thiew.
Chumphon National Museum Located in Chumphon Governmental Center on Phetkasem Road at the 484-km marker 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. Admission fee for foreigners are 30 Baht per person.
Hat Sai Ree This scenic and popular beach is about 20 kilometres from Chunphon by Highway No. 4119 and Highway No. 4098. There are bus services from town to the beach. It is a large, curved beach that is a favorite among the Chumphon people for their relaxation. There are some accommodations and restaurants available along the beach.
Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi Located on Chumphon – Ao Thung Wua Laen route, tourists can reach this temple by turning left for 6 kilometers, 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 is believed to haave not decayed after his death. A big Sala tree inside thewat sprouts orange flowers and strange looking shape stem. The tree is significant because Lord Buddha was born under a Sala tree.
Monthip Fish Park From Chumphon, use Highway No. 5, turn right to Ban Khun Krating, then turn left to Wat Tham Sing, Turn right for 1 kilometre. This private park is deecorated with flowers and rocks. There are a large pond at the front, with carps and a variety of beautiful fish.
Also, there are nearby tourist attractions such as Kaeo Kho Ram, with stalactites and stalagmites, on the same route to Wat Tham Sing. Dae Cave and Chang Phueak are locted 100 metres down the road.
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 highly respected by the navy, fishermen, and other people. His picture has been established in most of the houses in Chumphon.
The Mounment consists of Prince Chumphon’s Shrine for visitors to pay respect. Chumphon Warship is a big, old torpedo warship, measuring 68*6.55 meters. This warship was placed out of commission in 1975 and was moved to Hat Sai Ri in 1979.
Herbal Garden is at the foot of the hill along the seacoast. This project was initiated by 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.
Khao Chao Muang This mountain is next to Hat Sai Ri along the coast for 2.5 kilometers. On top of this mountain, there is a pavilion for enjoying the scenery. And around one kilometer further from this area is an open area where a panoramic view of the various islands and the sea can be seen.
Khao Pang Forest Park Situated at the border of Amphoe Muang and Tha Sae, this park is 12 kilometers from Chumphon along Highway No. 4 (Chumphon – Tha Sae route). There are many kinds of this mountain, there
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 km. and 31 km. 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.
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. We recommend for a few good restaurants, namely Phradonphap Restaurant and Lui and the other one – Mak Mai. Don’t miss one of them!