Thailand has been the most popular holiday destination in Southeast Asia for many years making it not possible to go from abroad. Across the kingdom there is something for everyone. From the hedonistic and throbbing cities, the tranquility of rural life, rolling mountains and the clear blue skies reflected upon silky azure waters lapping at palm fringed sandy beaches, the land of smiles has it.
Rising Northwards from Malaysia is the Malay peninsula, which makes up part of Thailand’s Kra isthmus, and on the Eastern side of the isthmus lies the Thai province of Chumphon. Chumphon is truly unique among Thailand’s 76 colourful provinces. At around 6,000 square kilometers, it has everything a traveler could wish for. It has the nightlife, the mountains and lush greenery, it has white sandy beaches, blue waters, energy expelling activities and quiet, tranquil serenity. It is the epitome of an all-encompassing holiday destination.
Doing and Seeing in Chumphon
Where to start? The city of Chumphon, the provincial capital, is mid-province on the East coast and is the perfect base from which to discover this wonderful province. The city itself has a vast array of accommodation to suit every travelers budget. From homestays, villas, beach huts and bungalows to high end hotels, for places to stay Chumphon is not to be found lacking.
Of course the city has its nightlife, bars, restaurants, its fair share of neon and glitz along with night and weekend markets. As with anywhere in the kingdom, Chumphon has many temples, most of those in the city are well maintained and very beautiful. There are some which are extremely beautiful and ornate, drown in these gold laden temples which will take your breath away and provide fantastic photo opportunities.
On the coastal edge of the city is Thung Wua Laen Beach. This is almost 3 kilometers of soft sand which is never over populated by rowdy tourists. Fringed by lush greenery, there are small bars and restaurants and beach huts dotted along its length, perfect for lazy days in the sun or for diving and snorkeling in the clear blue waters. Most of the local hotels and guest houses are happy to provide beach picnics so you can spend your entire day enjoy the sand, sea and sunshine.
From the city the whole province is on the doorstep, which includes the Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. The Park covers 300 square kilometers of land and sea, which includes 40 islands and islets. On land there are durian and mangosteen orchards and plantations of coconut palms and rubber tress. The lush flora supports a fascinating and diverse fauna waiting to be explored.
At sea, threaded between the islands, the coral reefs are teeming with exotic, tropical sea life that swim and school in the clear blue waters. Swimming amongst the colourful, seemingly orchestrated, piscatorial displays of nature may seem to be from another world. The inquisitive greenback turtles complete the experience which leaves memories that last a lifetime.
The province has many waterfalls, each a spectacle in its own right, they are awe inspiring and bring about a feeling of peaceful tranquility. Two of the most popular are the Wisai River waterfalls and the Pho Sa Le waterfalls. Explorers can raft the waters or relax and dine along the river banks in secluded huts along the way.
At Tha Hin, Sawi District, the Shrine to Prince Chumphon is a place of great historical interest. Prince Chumphon is much revered and seen as the father of the Thai Royal Navy. He was the 28th child of King Rama V, or perhaps usually known as Chulalongkorn. Take a trip out, a little to the South of Chumphon city, to understand more of this highly revered figure of Thailand’s regal historical.
There is another important site in remembrance of the Prince which can be visited at Sai Ri Beach a little North of the Chumphon city. This beautiful beach is popular with locals and tourists and is home to the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Royal Palace. This is the biggest of all the shrines to the Prince of Chumphon and is where he passed away. To see the pure white building against the blue sky is both humbling and magnificent.
Another ‘Must See’ destination a little South of the provincial capital, is Khao Dinsor. A trek up this mountain is exhilarating and provides the most breathtaking views, it is also home to the Chumphon Raptor Center. Ornithologist or not, seeing up to 25 different species of majestic birds of prey in their natural habitat is a treat not easily replicated anywhere else.
Chumphon is also the perfect place from which to launch yourself into an island hoping tour. There more than 40, some of which are inhabited, some are not. Some appear to be almost artificial with their even blankets of lush greenery which supports some of the most amazing fauna imaginable. Others look as though they should not be of this world, hard rock monoliths rising up from the sea with majestic arrogance.