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 andChang 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 ofPublic 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 HatSaiRi
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 Muangand 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 MakhamThis 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!
