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Chumphon

Chumphon Town is the capital of Chumphon Province on the isthmus to Thailand's southern provinces. The town and province are skipped by most tourists but a stop here is quite worthwhile.

The province, although narrow, has nice beaches, lots of Islands, large fishing and fruit growing industries, beautiful national parks, friendly people and tasty seafood.

Chumphon Town has plenty of accommodations. In town there are many small Thai restaurants as well as a few foreign ones including a good Italian one. The Night Market north of Thanon Komluang Chumphon is, like all night markets, a great place to grab a cheap tasty meal. The nightlife is interesting with mostly Thai pubs, some with local bands and a Thai disco.

Pak Nam: This small fishing town at the mouth of Manaem Tha Taphao, 15 km east of Chumphon Town. Besides being able to rent a boat to go to the surrounding Islands there are a number of different ferries, including an overnight one, servicing Koh Tao. The town has some great little local seafood restaurants.

Young Soldiers Monument: This monument is dedicated to all of the young Thai soldiers who fought against the invading Japanese in World War II. It is 5 km out of Chumphon Town on the northern side of the road to Pak Nam.

Snorkelling and Diving: Both activities are centered around the Islands off the coast to the east of Chumphon Town. Day and night trips as well as trips to Koh Tao can be booked from the main beaches, Pak Nam Town and Chumphon Town. The outer Islands have the best coral. The area is popular in May to October when the Andaman Sea diving season is over.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park: This marine park covers the coast and over 40 Islands directly to the east of Chumphon Town. The park headquarters are locates at Hat Sai Ri which is 20 km along highway 4119, a little past Pak Nam. Boats can be rented here and in Pak Nam to take you out to the Islands. The park has caves, waterfalls and a nature trail through part of a large mangrove forest also reachable by boat. There are a couple of restaurants and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Beaches: There are a number of beaches close to Chumphon Town that have restaurants, resorts, bars and any other amenities you might need. Hat Thung Wua Laen is 15 km northeast and is a one of the more popular beaches. Windsurfing and other parts of the Chumphon Marine Festival are held here. Hat Sai Ri is another popular beach and is 20 km southwest of town. The northern end is the site of the monument to His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartwongse. Ao Thung Makham is double bay, one within another with beaches on the northern shores.

Islands: Off the coast of Chumphon Town are a host of small Islands, belonging to Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, that can be reached by boats from Hat Thung Wua Laen, Hat Sai Ri and Pak Nam Town. Some of the beaches are not accessable for visitors due to bird nest collecting concessions. Koh Samet, not to be confused with the better known Island with the same name near Rayong, has nice white sand beaches and is one of the biggest and closest Islands. The small Koh Maphrao has a beautiful beach and reef on the west side. The reef is accessable but you will need permission from the park to get on the Island. The larger Koh Mattra does not have the best beaches but the snorkelling is good and there are some tourist facilities on the Island. Koh Thalu is a small Island that attracts snorkellers from nearby provinces due to its cave system going through the Island. There are many more Islands in the area and the further out you go, the better the coral is.

Kite Surfing: There is a kite surfing company operating at Hat Thung Wua Laen. It looked like a blast but we didn't have time. I will be back.

Buddha Effigy Procession and Boat Race: On the first night of the waning moon in the 11th month, usually in October, Lang Suan Town, 70 km south of Chumphon Town holds this 5 day festival. Many local temples ornately decorate their boats and join together to form a colourful procession on land. There is then a boat race to grab the flag at the finish line. Most festivals are social events, and this 200 year old one is no exception, so there is music, drinks and lots of tasty food.

Chumphon Marine Festival: In late March and early April Chumphon Town and nearby beach areas have a festival that promotes the regions marine lifestyle. There are fishing competitions, a windsurfing regatta, conservation exhibitions and of course, music food and drinks.

Prince Chumphon Celebration: Every year, right around Christmas, there is a celebration at the Chumphon Town City Hall to honour His Royal Highness Prince Abhakara Kiartwongse. He was the founder of the Royal Thai Navy and lived here for a while. His life is shown through exhibitions and stage performances. There is also a monument, museum and warship dedicated to him at the north end of Hat Sai Ri.

Wat Cho Fah Sala Loi: This Wat, 6 km north of Chumphon Town has the preserved body of former monk and teacher Luang Pu Song who is reveared in the area.

Namtok Kapo Forest Park: 40 km north of Chumphon Town is this small peaceful waterfall park that is a nice place to picnic. No accommodations but you can camp here if you have gear. Go north on highway 4 from Chumphon Town and go north for 35 km and look for signs.

Khao Plu Hot Springs: The 3 hot springs here are thought to be good for your health, try it for yourself, you never know. There are also a couple of nearby caves to explore. Take highway 41, found a little to the west of Chumphon Town and go south for 80 km and look for signs.

Rafting: Nothing to get your adrenal glands working but nevertheless a fun days outing. The rafting is on Maenam Lang Suan near Phato Town, 80 km south of Chumphon Town. In the same area there is an Emerging Lotus tour to view the once a year noisy blooming.

National Museum: The Chumphon branch of the National Museum located in the Chumphon Governmental Centre has displays showing the area's history, culture and important people. It is definitely worth a visit, especially if you are spending time in the region. Open Wed-Sun 9-4. Small admission fee.

Monthip Fish Park: This simple but nice private park has a large pond stocked with different fish. Pack a lunch and head 25 km west, after getting directions as it is a little tricky to find.