Known as the gateway to Southern Thailand, Chumphon boasts itself for a variety of reasons, with the main reason being its unscathed landscape by mass tourism over the last few decades. Because of its location along the east inland border of Thailand, visitors to Chumphon generally spend a day or two exploring the province as a transit point from from Koh Tao and Samui to the more popular island of Phuket on the western side of the country.
How to get to Chumphon?
There are a variety of ways to get to Chumphon including direct flights from Bangkok via Nok Air, one of Thailand’s low cost carrier or via ferry coming through Bangkok or Samui with Lomprayah High Speed Catamaran. Visitors can also visit Chumphon by train from Bangkok’s Hualumphong Railway or via bus as well.
What is there to see and do?
For those of who are looking for a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of the big city or the more popular beach destinations as Phuket and Samui, Chumphon is a great place to consider during a visit to Thailand. It encompasses the slow life concept and is filled with local charm. Listed below are a few things you can do in Chumphon
For Foodies and Thai Food Fanatics – Pad Thai Road on Kromluang Road
Pad Thai has been around since World War II and stems from a variety of influences. The dish has different variations found throughout Thailand with Chumphon having its own distinct version. Along Kromlaung Road (also known as Pad Thai Road) are street food vendors selling a variety of items from grilled meat to rotee desserts but it is the Pad Thai shops that draw on the appetites of the masses. Pad Thai Road runs through the center of Chumphon with several pad thai stalls stir frying their version of the delicious noodle dish for an average of 40-50baht ($1.25-$1.50) per plate. Chumphon’s pad thai is made with bbq pork and slices of pork loaf with some shops topping the dish off with sweetened prawns.
Mu Koh Chumphon
This national park is comprised of about 40 very lush islands: Koh Mattra, Koh Langka Chio, Koh Ngam Yai, Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Talu, Koh Rad, & Koh Thong Lang are a handful of the more known islands . The diverse landscapes of each island make the marine park quite unique with some featuring pristine white sand beaches to limestone karsts rising out from the water ascending towards the heavens.
Khao Matsee Viewpoint
Khao Matsee Viewpoint is about a 10 minute drive outside of the city center and offers an unforgettable 360-degree view of Chumphon. On the top of a mountain, along the way to Sai Ree Beach, are a couple of quaint coffee shops that you can stop in before you wait to watch an epic sunset.
Tong Tom Yai
Tong Tom Yai is a safe haven for marine animals that shelters seahorses and is also a local experience where you can also enjoy activities such as kayaking, building fish houses, snorkeling in the bay and exploring the local fisherman’s way of life.
Coffee Fanatics
Chumphon in recent years has developed their coffee scene with the discovery of Robusta coffee trees planted in the Tha Sae district. Coffee connoisseurs should consider getting a cup of Chumphon’s famed coffee. There are shops scattered throughout the city that sell the coffee and if it fits your tastes, take home a bag of dry roast yourself.
Accommodation Recommendations:
Loft Mania Boutique is a newer property in the city with an eclectic décor which makes it quite a unique addition to Chumphon.
Novotel Chumphon Resort and Spa is a luxury resort surrounded by a golf course and set beside the clear blue waters of the Gulf of Siam, close to the stunning islands of Koh Samui and Koh Tao and yet within driving distance of Bangkok.
