Chumphon is generally considered the "Gateway to the South" of Thailand. The province is already partially on the Malay Peninsula and is located about 470 km south of Bangkok. The land route between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea is the shortest and the province borders on Myanmar in the far west. For many travelers, the area around Chumphon is known only as a stopover, as one of here u.a. to the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan. But Chumphon offers on a more than 200 km long coastline true dream beaches which alternate with mangrove forests. The western hinterland (direction Myanmar) is mountainous and is ideal for trekking tours. There are also some caves to visit. The Mu Ko Chumphon National Park is a 317 km ² area with some beautiful beaches and offshore islands.

Who only in transit, for example to Koh Tao is, for the u.a. to recommend the hotels near the Lomprayah pier. There is a beautiful beach section right on the pier. The most obvious bungalow resort is the MT. Resort (right on the pier!). Even in high season you can stay there cheap in quaint cottages right on the beach. (Depending on the location of the cabins you pay between 1200 THB [first row on the beach] up to about 800 THB [last row]). The equipment of the cabins reminds a bit of Thailand 20 years ago, everything is clean and functional, just a bit older. The resort has its own guarded parking. The staff is very friendly! The first ferry leaves at 7:00 in the morning and you have to be about 1 hour before the "check-in" at the pier. Address Pier & Resort: Hat Sai Ri, Amphoe Mueang Chumphon, Chumphon 86120, Thailand

For longer stays in Chumphon, u.a. the beach sections Thung Wua Laen Beach and Hat Sai Re Beach. There are several hotels and bungalow resorts in different price ranges. Many of the bungalows are located directly on the beach.

For divers the Chumphon Cabana Resort offers interesting excursions. The hotel also runs its own diving school. Equipment for snorkeling and diving trips can be rented. Address: 69 Moo 8 Thung Wua Laen Beach, Saplee, Pathiu, Chumpon 86230, Thailand

Chumphon has a small airport. The journey to Thailand takes place via the two metropolitan airports in Bangkok. The flight duration to Chumphon is about 1 hour from Bangkok (Don Muang Airport). Chumphon is also connected to Thailand's rail network. From Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) the city can be arrived by train. There is also a bus service to Chumphon several times a day from the Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai).

Arrival from Bangkok:

• Arriving from Bangkok by plane is possible with Nok Air. In Bangkok will start from Don Muang Airport (here start and end only domestic flights). (As the journey from Germany to Bankok takes place at Suvarnabhumi Intl Airport, you must first get to Don Muang Airport from here.The free airport shuttle bus runs every hour between 5:00 am and midnight Departure from Suvarnabhumi Airport: Gate 3 outside the arrivals hall Buses are free, you just have to show a plane ticket, you have to budget for an average of 45 minutes to 1 hour and for the flight from Bangkok to Chumphon again about 1 hour)

• The journey by land is e.g. Possible from Bangkok with the so-called "VIP Bus" or "Aircon Bus" and takes depending on the traffic between 6.5 and 8 hours. Due to the air conditioning, it gets really cold in the buses. It is best to take a warm sweater or jacket with you for the ride. Buses run to Chumphon (Lomphraya Pier or Suwannatee Station). There are different buses at the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok:
  
•         Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 44 seats (309 THB = approx. 8.50 EUR)
•         Aircon buses (blue) with approx. 50 seats (373 THB = approx. 10.- EUR)
•         Night bus with approx. 50 seats (450 THB = approx. 12.50 EUR)

• Chumphon is connected to Thailand's rail network. You can take the train nos. 31, 37, 41, 43, 85, 167, 169, 171 and 173 from Thai Railways to Chumphon. The journey takes between 6.5 and 9.5 hours.
• Arrival by car: Duration approx. 6-7 hours (490 km) via Route 4

Arrival from Koh Samui / Koh Phangan:
Here it is advisable to book a ticket in one of the small travel agencies that are found everywhere in the tourist centers. The travel price includes a pick-up service directly from the hotel. The mini bus continues to the pier and from there by boat / ferry to Chumphon. From the pier you can take a taxi, pick-up or minibus to the beaches / hotels or the city.

Arrival from mainland Tailand (for example Krabi, Khao Lak, Pattaya, Hua Hin):
Again, you can book the pick-up service directly from the hotel again. The bus will take you to the bus station and from there by VIP bus to the "Bus Station" or to the Lomphraya Pier or Songserm Pier in Chumphon. From the bus station, take a taxi or minibus to the hotels / beaches / town if you want to stay in Chumphon.

Pak Nam Chumphon (old fishing port and market, about 15 km southeast of Chumphon / along the Tha Tabhab River, address: Tambon Pak Nam, Mueang Chumphon Amphoe, Chang Wat Chumphon 86120, Thailand). Near the market is also the Songserm pier and the pier to Koh Mattaphone. Less than 2 km from the market, in a southerly direction, is the viewing platform Khao Matsee. From here you have a great view of the fishing village and the river mouth. At the viewpoint is also a small restaurant with a very nice terrace / balcony with a view.

Chumphon Town / Nightmarket along Krum Luang Chumphon Road near the "Prince of Chumphon Shrine" and the train station. The night market starts right at the train station. Address: Krumluang Chumphon 4 Alley, Tambon Tha Taphao, Mueang Chumphon Amphoe, Chang Wat Chumphon 86000, Thailand

Shopping / street market near the railway station (side street of Krum Luang Road), Address: 188/181 Chansom 3 Alley, Tambon Tha Taphao, Mueang Chumphon Amphoe, Chang Wat Chumphon 86000, Thailand

National Museum with exhibitions about the history of the region. Address: 302 Chumphon Province Government Center, Aphakorn Road, Na Cha-ang, Chumphon 86000, Thailand

Ao Thung Makham Yai: Here is Wat Tham Pong Pang (cave and temple right on the beach) about 25 km south of the city center on Highway 4001 to reach. There is also a small viewpoint nearby.

Thep Charoen Temple: The temple is located at the foot of the Rap Ro Mountain, about 4 km outside the village of Tha Kham, in the Rap Ro Mountain there are 8 different caves. There are over 200 bronze statues and Buddhas in Phra Cave, and Ai-Teh Cave holds ancient murals of Buddha. There are also stalactites and stalagmites in some of the caves. In the temple there is a footprint of Buddha and a mummified monk (Luang Pu Sai) (Address: Tha Kham, Tha Sae Amphoe, Chumphon 86140, Thailand)

Secret Beach: headland with a stretch of beach and lookout point to offshore islands and the fishing village / stilt village "Sawi" Address: Tambon Dan Sawi, Amphoe Sawi, Chang Wat Chumphon 86130, Thailand

Wat Kho Khao (Wat Thepnimit) is located just 90 km south of the city of Chumphon and is located directly on the sea. The wat is built on a kind of ship and you can enjoy the view of the sea from the railing.
Address: 4019 Rural Road, Tambon Na Phaya, Lang Suan Amphoe, Chumphon 86110, Thailand

National Parks:
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park: The national park includes not only natural beauties such as islands and beaches, but also some older, religious monuments and temples. The area of the park covers an area of 317 km².
Park Administration: Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, 1/4 Mu 5, Ban Phong Phang, Amphoe Hat Sairee, Muang Chumphon, Thailand 86120
Tel. 0 7755 8144, 0 7755 8145, Fax 0 7755 8144, E-mail: mukochumphon@hotmail.com

Khao Phang Forest Park: hilly forest area with viewpoint with various tree and plant species as well as some species of birds and monkeys. Address: Tha Kham, Tha Sae Amphoe, Chumphon 86140, Thailand

Somdet Phra Sinagarindra Park: beautifully landscaped garden with shrine, chedi and temple complex and several caves (including Khao Kriap Cave) nearby. The park is located on the Lang Suan River, address: about 75 km south of Chumphon City, on Highway 41 in Tha Maphla, Amphoe Lang Suan, Chumphon 86110, Thailand

Tham Khao Phlu Wildlife Conservation Area: There are a number of monkey and bird species in the park, as well as a cave and a religious site with Buddha statues. Location: approx. 40 km north of the city center along Highway 3201 in Chum Kho, Amphoe Pathio, Chumphon 86160, Thailand

Tham Khao Phlu Hot Spring: About 100 km south of Chumphon are hot springs. Here at the foot of Mount Khao Phlu is a park with landscaped paths, a cave and a temple. Address: Lamae, Lamae Amphoe, Chumphon 86170, Thailand

The area around Chumphon offers besides Koh Tao many more, smaller islands that are part of the Mu Koh Chumphon National Park. There are excellent diving areas here. For the islands is the best travel time February to May, since the least rainfall and the sea is the quietest.

Koh Ngam Noi & Koh Ngam Yai: The islands are accessible from Thung Wua Laen Beach and are less than 20 km from the beach. They are only 200 meters apart and are very good for snorkeling or diving. Chumphon Cabana Resort offers scuba diving and snorkelling trips. Along the limestone cliffs are bamboo piles and small cave entrances. Bird nests are collected here by the locals. The sea area off Koh Ngam Noi is called Lak Ngam and is one of the best dive sites in the Gulf of Thailand.

Koh Phitak: This small, inhabited fishing island can be reached from the Bang Nam Chuet district, Lang Suan district, about 80 km from the center of Chumphon (in a southerly direction). Nearby is the Ao Thong Khrok beach, where longtail boats operate for around THB 20 per person. The island is home to several fishing families and coconut farmers. There is a homestay with several places to stay, restaurants and a small shop (7 Elephant) with things for your daily needs. In addition to a great sandy beach, the island offers a landscaped path (wooden walkway) with viewpoints. The water is clear and good for swimming and snorkeling

Koh Khai is located about 6 km off the coast near the Cape Pathiu: on one side of the island is a larger sandbar. Thalay Thong Seefood Restaurant offers tours (food & beverage, tents, snorkelling equipment and guides / boaters are available) Address: 4004 Tambon Chum Kho, Pathiu Path, Chang Wat Chumphon 86230, Thailand

Koh Chorakhae is also located in the district of Pathiu, about 10 km off the coast. The south side of the island has sandy beaches while the rest of the island juts out of the sea as rocks. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is suitable for snorkelling and diving. Accessible by boat from Thung Wua Laen Beach, Address: Highway 3180, Tambon Saphli, Pathio Path, Chang Wat Chumphon 86230, Thailand

Koh Mattra (Koh Tung Guay): The island is one of the larger islands in the region. Since the island is under the national park administration, you have to enter a fee of 20 THB / pers. pay. Giant mussels are bred on the island. Along the island there is a sand-covered beach. The sea is turquoise blue and clear and very suitable for snorkeling near the beach. In small wooden bungalows can be accommodated, as well as in tents. The island can be reached by boat from Pharadonphap Beach and Hat Sai Ree Beach.

Koh Samet: The island can be reached by boat from Laem Thian Beach and is approximately 8 km from Chumphon town. The boat trip takes about 30 minutes. It is the largest island of Chumphon and has several beaches. The center of the island is wooded with coconut palms and very quiet. Originally, the island was used by the Japanese military. There are still military shelters and an old pier to visit. At the tip of Laem Thian Beach is also the mini island Koh Kho Thian, which is connected to the beach by a sandbank.

Koh Maphrao is about 1 km from Sai Ree Beach and can be reached by longtail. The trip takes about 15 minutes. On the west side of the island (opposite the Sairee Beaches) there is a sandy beach. Also, there are some caves in the limestone rocks. The island may be entered only with the permission of the locals. Swallow nests are also harvested here. During the breeding season of the birds the island may not be visited.

Koh Mattaphon is just 500 meters from the mouth of the Tha Tabhab River near Pak Nam. At low tide you can walk to the island. At high tide you can rent a longtail boat to get there. On the island there are some houses and a small weather station. During low tide the island is the most beautiful, because you can walk over the sandbank.

Koh Raet: The small island is located north-east of Laem Thian Beach not far from the mainland. You can dive well around the rocky island and see coral and various fish.

Also nearby is Koh Lawa which is also good for diving and snorkeling. There is also a sandy beach. The island is about 8 km from the mainland.

Thung Wua Laen Beach: The beach is approximately 15 km north of Chumphon town and is the most popular stretch of beach. On the extensive sandy beach you will find most restaurants and accommodation. On the white sandy beach, it is great to relax and swim. At the southern end is the Chumphon Cabana Hotel with its own diving school. This resort offers a few trips to neighboring islands. Also at the southern end is the Khao Pho Bae mountain, which drops into the sea with boulders. There are some good snorkeling areas here.

Pharadonphap Beach: The beach has a quiet, local atmosphere and you can enjoy the view of Koh Samet. The beach is good for swimming and relaxing. There are a few small accommodations and restaurants. The beach can be reached via Provincial Highway 4098, Tambon Pak Nam, Mueang Chumphon Amphoe, Chang Wat Chumphon 86120, Thailand

On the long stretched Sai Ree Beach you will find some restaurants and beachfront accommodation. There is a beautiful view of the beach from the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Royal Palace. You can also enjoy the view from Prince Chumphon Monument. Especially in the district of Sawi the beach is very nice. The beach is accessible via Provincial Highway 4098, Tambon Hat Sai Ri, Mueang Chumphon Amphoe, Chang Wat Chumphon 86120, Thailand.

The Ao Thung Makham Beach is divided into two stretches of beach: Ao Thung Makham Noi is the smaller and quieter stand section. Here is also the Lomprayah pier to get to Koh Tao. Ao Thung Makham Yai is a long beach with a few bungalow resorts and houses of locals. At the southern end of the beach is the temple "Wat Tham Pong Pang".

Laem Thian Beach: From here you can also enjoy the view of Koh Samet. The beach is small and quiet and there are a few small accommodations and restaurants.

Ao Thong Khrok Beach: From here you can enjoy the view of Koh Phitak and Koh Khram and go there by boat.

Arunothai Beach: is a beautiful, quiet sandy beach, about 60 km south of the city of Chumphon. Here you can enjoy the view of some offshore, small islands and visit them with the longtail boat. Along the beach there are some simple restaurants and a small fishing village. Address: Pak Tako, Amphoe Thung Tako, Chumphon