Located in southern Thailand, this calm coastal province has palm-lined beaches ideal for swimming and diving. Thung Wua Laen beach and Khao Noi National Park's limestone cliffs draw visitors.
Chumphon stretches along Thailand's Gulf coast between empty beaches and thick jungle hills. This southern province links mainland Thailand to the Malay Peninsula through a 222-kilometer shoreline with 44 islands. Coffee farms here grow most of Thailand's robusta beans, supplying 60% of the country's production. White sand beaches like Hat Saphli earned recognition as Thailand's cleanest beach in 2017. At Hat Sai Ri, a shrine honors Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, a naval pioneer who studied engineering in Britain and Russia. Many travelers pass through the area en route to Koh Tao or Samui, but those who stay explore fishing communities, WWII landmarks, and viewpoints above the Gulf's limestone formations.
Coastal Exploration
Thung Wua Laen Beach runs 16 kilometers northeast of Chumphon's main town, lined with simple seafood spots and casual bars. Rent a scooter to reach the southern section where tidal pools form during low tide. Hat Saphli maintains its white sand through weekly cleanups organized by fishing families, with calm waters ideal for swimming after midday. The stone warship monument at Hat Sai Ri Beach commemorates Prince Abhakara's role in developing Thailand's naval forces. Twenty kilometers southeast, Pharadonphap Beach's casuarina trees shade the spot where Thai and Japanese officers negotiated a 1945 ceasefire.
Inland Experiences
Ban Panwal village cultivates robusta coffee across valleys spanning 285 square kilometers in Tha Sae District. Follow Route 4092 through coffee fields, stopping at roadside farms to try dark-roast brews. Nong Yai reservoir near Phato District provides kayaks for paddling past water hyacinths, created after 1988 flood control efforts. Guided raft trips along the Lang Suan River take you through narrow gorges framed by tall limestone walls. Hike the Khao Dinsor trail early to spot flocks of honey buzzards crossing the Gulf each fall.
History and Traditions
The Prince of Chumphon Shrine exhibits navigation tools and uniforms from Prince Abhakara's 1880s European training. Each November, naval officers conduct rituals at the shrine's concrete ship replica facing the sea. Near Chumphon's train station, a raised railway bed remains from Japan's 1943 military supply route to Myanmar. Wat Kaeo Prasert temple's golden Buddha statue watches over Thung Maha Bay from a 15-meter pedestal. In April, residents gather at Tha Taphao River for Songkran ceremonies where grandchildren bless elders with jasmine-scented water.
Food and Local Goods
Chumphon's specialty bananas include small lady finger varieties with concentrated sweetness and larger cavendish types shipped weekly to Japanese supermarkets. Vendors near the train station serve khanom jeen noodles with turmeric-rich fish curries from 6 AM. Cafés along Phetkasem Road brew local coffee alongside desserts made with sticky rice and palm sugar. Evening food stalls around the Provincial Hall grill whole sea bass seasoned with lemongrass and garlic.
Transportation Options
Chumphon Airport handles 3-4 daily flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang, operated by budget carriers with one-hour flight times. Overnight trains from Bangkok arrive at Chumphon Station after a 7-hour journey through 27 provincial stops. Intercity buses stop on Phetkasem Road, within walking distance of central hotels. Scooter rentals near Thung Wua Laen Beach provide access to coastal routes leading to Khao Mutsea's hilltop vistas.
Annual Events
August brings the Phato Rafting Festival with bamboo raft races down the Lang Suan River accompanied by drum performances. Local coffee farmers demonstrate roasting techniques and compete in latte art contests during October's harvest fair at Ban Panwal. December's marine festival at Pak Nam Chumphon pier features decorated long-tail boats parading past fishing trawlers. From September to October, birdwatchers gather at Khao Dinsor to count over 60,000 migrating raptors crossing the Gulf.
