Chumphon: Discover Islands, Coast and Nature

Chumphon offers a range of experiences for your stay: islands and activities in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, beaches, viewpoints, and cultural and community sites. The following places differ in their landscapes, activities and reasons to visit.

Islands and activities in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park extends across five districts of Chumphon Province: Pathio, Mueang Chumphon, Sawi, Thung Tako and Lang Suan. The national park includes an archipelago of more than 40 islands. Activities in the park include snorkelling, diving, swimming in the sea and kayaking.

On Ko Phithak, you can explore the island by bicycle, take boat trips and observe shallow-water coral. Ko Mattra is known for its many distinctive chicken crabs, which climb trees. Other options on Ko Mattra include snorkelling trips, overnight stays in homestays and night-time squid fishing. Check the current availability of these activities before making plans.

Beaches and coastal spots

Hat Thung Wua Laen is a beach with clear water in Pathio District, suitable for walking and relaxing. Hat Lokam, an approximately 500-metre-long beach in Sawi District, also has clear water and is suitable for relaxing and swimming. The options differ in one specific respect: Hat Thung Wua Laen is primarily for walks and relaxation, while swimming is also an option at Hat Lokam.

In Pak Nam Lang Suan, you’ll find numerous restaurants serving fresh seafood along the beach road. Visitors can also learn about the way of life of a fishing community there. This means you can plan your visit around not only the food but also the chance to learn about life in the area.

Nature trails and viewpoints

Buddha relics are housed in Phra Phuttha That Chedi Si Chumphon at Khao Chao Mueang. A nature trail lets visitors see rare plants there. From the service parking area at Khao Chao Mueang, a 200-metre footpath leads to the summit.

Khao Dinso viewpoint can be reached via a 900-metre nature trail. From there, the 360-degree view looks west towards the border between Myanmar and Thailand and east towards the Chumphon coast. Khao Thalu offers a different landscape: the viewpoint is 500 metres above sea level and overlooks a sea of mist. Whether it is visible depends on the weather.

Culture, history and Phato

The Chumphon National Museum presents photographs, films, light-and-sound shows, detailed information panels, models and scale reconstructions. These include a light-and-sound show about Typhoon Gay. As individual showtimes may change, it’s a good idea to check the schedule before visiting. Wat Phra That Sawi is registered as a national historic monument and is considered an important historic site in Chumphon Province.

Phato also brings nature and seasonal events together: the Phato Rafting Festival takes place in January and February, although the exact dates may vary. So check the event dates before your trip. The headwaters of Khlong Phato are a habitat for dusky leaf monkeys and hornbills. These species are characteristic of the natural environment, but their presence does not mean you are guaranteed to see them during a visit.

Then compare the locations of specific hotels with your plans. This way, your choice is based on the places and activities you actually want to include.

Discover more destinations: Pak Tako, Wang Phai, Saphli, Wang Mai, Ban Na, Sawi District, Thung Kha, Tha Taphao, Chum Kho, Phato.

View the main travel overview: Thailand.