The
port city of Chumphon, considered the "Gateway
to the South" is located on the Gulf some 463 kms. south
of Bangkok. The total area is 6,009 square kilometers. To the
east and south are basin areas having fruit orchards, plantations
and rice fields, as well as forested areas and some small mining
operations. It borders on Prachuap Khiri Khan to the north,
Burma and Ranong to the west, Surat Thani to the south and the
222 kms. coastline of the Gulf of Thailand to the east. It is
administratively divided into 8 Amphoes : Muang Chumphon, Lang
Suan, Sawi, Tha Sae, Pathiu, Lamae, Pha To and Thung Tako.
Chum Phon Attractions:
Pak Nam Chumphon or
mouth of Chumphon River or Tha Taphao River is located 13
kms. from the township area along Highway No. 4001 and 4119.
Here is the location of a ig fishing village established around
the bay.
Hat Sai Ri is approximately
15.5 kms. along Highway No. 4119 and 4098 from Chumphon township
area, passing Hat Pharadonphap and Hat Pha Daeng. Here is the
location of the shrine of H.R.H. Prince Chumphon, Father of
the Royal Thani Navy, a large torpedo - ship named "the
Royal Chumphon" and Dr. Porn's herbal garden. Accommodations
in the area of Hat Sai Ri are Porn Sawan Hotel & Resort,
Tel. (077) 521521-6 and Sai Ri Lodge, Tel. (077) 502023.
Ao Thung Makham
is approximately 6 kms. from Hat Sai Ri.
It is divided into 2 semi-circles bays; outer and inner, with
beautiful beaches, lines of coconut trees, crystal clear sea
and utmost privacy. On the south most of the bay lies Wat Suwan
Khuha Wariwong or Wat Phong Phang, which is surrounded with
coconut trees shed.
Nam Tok Kapo Forest Park is located on Km. 466 - 468 or
about 30 kms. from the Chumphon township area on Phetchakasem
Highway at Tambon Salui, Amphoe Tha Sae, is a pleasant shady
park with a small waterfall having various species of plants
suitable for natural science education relaxation.
Ao Thung Wua Laen is a peaceful bay with beautiful beach,
located along Phetchakasem Highway, 16 kms. north of Chumphon
at Tambon Saphli, Amphoe Pathiu. Bangalow accommodations for
tourists requiring an overnight stay is Chumphon Cabana Tel
: (077) 501990. Hat Arunothai is a beach in the area of Amphoe Thung Tako
which is suitable for camping. There are hiking trails and
rock-climbing nearby. The beach is accessible via Phetchakasem Highway about
50 kms. and branches off at Amphoe Thung Tako through another
10 kms. access road. Bungalows are available by calling Chumphon
Sunny Beach Resort
Tel : (077) 541895 or Bangkok Reservation 2819734, 2811234. Khlong Phrao National Park
is now under official process
to be declared national park, Covers an area of about 793,125
rai of 2 provinces, namely Chumphon and Ranong. To get there,
from Pathom Phon Intersection, drive along the Highway 41, the
Chumphon - Surat Thani route, for about 55 kilometers and turn
right for another 15 kilometers at KM. 57 opposite to the branch
road to Ban Nam Chut. Tourist spots within Khlong Phrao National
Park include : Nam Tok Khlong Phrao, Tham Than Lot Yai, Tham
Than Lot Noi, Nam Tok Thai Muang, Nam Tok Thap Chang, etc. Accommodation
is available within the park. For more details, please contact
National Parks Division, Royal Forestry Department, Tel. 579-0529,
579-4842 .
