Chumphon, a charming and less frequented region in southern Thailand. If you’d like to explore the area away from the tourist crowds, then we have some helpful Chumphon things to do for you: Stunning viewpoints, exciting temples, and also the Gulf of Thailand practically on your doorstep. You can visit islands like Koh Ngam or Koh Mattra that are not on most travelers’ lists.
Discover 13 Locations with Our Chumphon Things to Do
Visit impressive viewpoints, such as Khao Dinsor, offering a spectacular panorama of the surrounding landscape. A must-see in Chumphon that you should not miss! Additionally, there are some highlights such as the evening night market, temples, or even deer to discover. With our Chumphon things to do, you may explore wonderful locations on largely unexplored roads.
How to get to Chumphon
There are several ways to get to Chumphon. You can either drive by car via Highway 41 from the south, Highway 4 from the north, or take one of the buses from the central southern bus station Sai Tai Mai in Bangkok. Another option is to travel by plane.
Chumphon has a small airport, which is served by various airlines such as AirAsia and Nok Air. You can take a flight from Bangkok and land in Chumphon in a short time. The flight connections are a convenient way to get to Chumphon quickly and comfortably.
In addition, there is also the option to travel by train from Bangkok or from other railway stations such as Hua Hin or Surat Thani to Chumphon. The train journey offers a relaxed and picturesque travel option, where you can enjoy the beautiful landscape on the way to Chumphon. Tickets for the journey to Chumphon can be found at our partner 12go.asia.
Accommodation in Chumphon – our hotel tip
The modern A-Te Chumphon Hotel is conveniently located at a central location in Chumphon. The rooms are stylishly furnished and equipped with air conditioning, minibar, television, and a cozy seating area. The free Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel. The hotel’s own restaurant offers guests delicious Thai cuisine and the friendly staff is always available. The A-Te Chumphon Hotel is a good starting point to explore Chumphon and its surroundings. We felt very comfortable there.
More accommodations directly in the city of Chumphon or even outside by the sea can be found in this overview.
1. Khao Dinsor Viewpoint
Khao Dinsor Viewpoint, a must-visit for nature lovers, stands as one of the top attractions in Chumphon. From here, you will have a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscape from 233 meters high, including the green hills and the sparkling Gulf of Thailand.
The approximately 30-minute climb to the summit is a bit of a challenge, but the reward is an incredible view that compensates for your efforts. However, you can also enjoy a great view from the lower platforms, which can be reached by car or scooter. So, a hike is not mandatory.
2. Wat Pa Yang
Located about 12 kilometers outside of the city of Chumphon, Wat Pa Yang is a fascinating Buddhist temple that is really worth a visit. With its calm and peaceful atmosphere, few tourists, and countless golden statues, we found it particularly interesting.
Just stroll through the temple complex and look at the many Buddhist statues or the golden temple, also known as the ordination hall, which is located on a hill. Another highlight is the golden monk statue in the forest, which remains hidden from many visitors. Wat Pa Yang is definitely not like any other temple and is a great place if you like visiting Buddhist temples.
3. Chumphon Beaches
For those dreaming of beautiful beaches, Chumphon offers an array of stunning coastal stretches. The region is home to a plethora of breathtaking coastal stretches that you should definitely explore. Start your beach tour at the enchanting Thung Wua Laen Beach, where you can fully enjoy the fine white sand and crystal clear water.
Spend the day under shade-giving coconut palms and relax at Sairee Beach, which is directly located at the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine. For the adventurous, Bang Son Beach with its fantastic surfing conditions is an absolute must. Dream beaches like those on the islands in the Gulf of Thailand can only be expected here during the high season, as otherwise much is washed away and churned up. Nevertheless, the beautiful beaches are definitely part of the top Chumphon things to do.
4. Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge in Chumphon is particularly a highlight among Thai visitors. This imposing wooden suspension bridge extends over a reservoir and a tributary of a river. Deer live on site, which makes the Suspension Bridge particularly popular with children. Some people sell bananas at the bridge that you can use to feed the deer – because they sometimes come very close to you.
The combination of the impressive bridge construction and the opportunity to experience the deer up close makes the Suspension Bridge a great stop for families. There is no entry fee on site and you can visit the bridge during the day until darkness falls.
5. Nong Yai Tang Chang Public Park
The Nong Yai Tang Chang Public Park, which also includes the Suspension Bridge, is a beautiful park complex. This public park encompasses a picturesque lake and offers an idyllic setting for relaxation and enjoyment of nature. The park was created due to an initiative by the former King Bhumibol (Rama IX) to prevent flooding in a frequently affected region. A plaque on site tells the story of this project.
A definite highlight of the park is the Nong Yai Wooden Bridge, located in close proximity to the Suspension Bridge. The bridge stretches over a kilometer across the water to a small island. Here you can even find accommodations for overnight stays, but a walk across the bridge is certainly worth it.
The park is also a popular meeting point for locals who enjoy recreational activities such as picnics or bike tours here. Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere of Nong Yai Tang Chang Public Park and be enchanted by its beauty. A visit to this park is a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of the city and provides an oasis of tranquility amidst nature.
6. Khao Matree Viewpoint
The impressive view from the Khao Matree Viewpoint stands among our top things to do in Chumphon (sometimes it’s also called Khao Matsee). This viewpoint offers a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding landscape and the turquoise sea, as well as the city of Chumphon from the other side. The Khao Matree Viewpoint is also a perfect place to watch the sunset or simply enjoy the natural scenery if you come here in the late afternoon.
You can easily reach the Khao Matree Viewpoint by scooter or car, as there is a road leading up the hill. There is no admission fee on site, but there is a small café where you can purchase some refreshments. Otherwise, you can simply enjoy the nearly 360-degree view and observe the landscape from different perspectives.
7. Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine
The Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine is a significant landmark in Chumphon. The shrine was built to honor the merits and legacy of Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak, a highly respected Thai naval officer and national hero. It is located at the northern end of Sairee Beach and attracts mainly Thai visitors.
Visiting the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine not only offers the opportunity to learn more about the impressive history of the naval officer, but also provides an insight into Thai culture and the significance of the navy for the country. The shrine is open every day from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Often you’ll hear the bursting of fireworks on site; don’t let this startle you, though. It is done because it brings good luck and honors the deceased officer.
8. Khao Chao Mueang Viewpoint
The Khao Chao Mueang Viewpoint is located south of Sairee Beach and is a less visited viewpoint in Chumphon. It is situated on Khao Chao Mueang at an elevation of about 88 meters. From here you have a beautiful view of the sea with the island of Koh Maphrao in front of it, which translates to “Coconut Island”.
The ascent to Khao Chao Mueang is not difficult as you can drive up the mountain to a parking lot. From there, it’s just a few minutes to the large Buddha statue that also overlooks the sea. At the viewpoint, there’s also the Chumphon National Park Learning Center, where you can learn about the surrounding landscape. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
9. Wat Tham Pong Pang
Wat Tham Pong Pang is an insider tip in Chumphon, visited by only a few tourists. This Buddhist temple houses a large, white ordination hall and two caves that you can visit. It is located directly by the sea. The temple is adorned with Buddhist statues, wall paintings, and religious artifacts and radiates a calm and spiritual atmosphere.
Due to its remote location and low popularity, Wat Tham Pong Pang attracts only a few visitors, making it a hidden gem. If you seek authentic and undiscovered destinations in Chumphon, Wat Tham Pong Pang should undoubtedly make it to your Chumphon things to do list. Immerse yourself in the silence of this special place and experience a unique spiritual experience away from the tourist crowds.
10. Khao Phang Pang Viewpoint
Not far from the Wat Tham Pong Pang on a hill lies the Khao Phang Pang Viewpoint. You can drive up the mountain with a car or motor scooter, but it gets a bit steeper in some places. Be sure to drive carefully! Once you reach the top, there’s a good chance you’ll have the place all to yourself, as the viewpoint doesn’t typically attract many visitors.
There is a small observation platform on site with a view towards the sea, onto Thung Makham Noi Bay, where the boats to Koh Tao depart, and onto the island of Koh Thonglang. If you visit Wat Tham Pong Pang, a quick stop here is worthwhile. However, if you go out of your way for this viewpoint (it’s about 24 kilometers southeast of the city of Chumphon), it may not necessarily be worth it.
11. Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
The Mu Ko Chumphon National Park spans a very large area and includes both coastal and island regions. The national park’s island group, consisting of 44 islands, offers a diverse backdrop with breathtaking sandy beaches, clear water, and impressive rock formations. An absolute highlight is the island Koh Langka Jew with its rugged cliffs and fantastic viewpoints. From here, you can enjoy the panoramic view over the islands and the turquoise sea.
Other activities in the Mu Ko Chumphon National Park also include kayaking along the picturesque coastline. You can paddle through hidden bays and caves and experience untouched nature in all its glory. The National Park also houses a rich wildlife, including exotic bird species and various types of monkeys. Embark on a jungle trek and keep an eye out for the fascinating inhabitants of the park. The Mu Ko Chumphon National Park is a true paradise for nature lovers and offers countless opportunities to explore and enjoy the beauty of Thai nature.
12. Chumphon Night Market (Night Bazzar)
Also worth a visit is the Chumphon Night Market, which is a true paradise for lovers of Thai cuisine. Here you can try local delicacies, enjoy fresh seafood and really fill your belly. The market usually opens its doors in the early evening around 5:00 p.m. and stretches along the Tha Taphao Road.
The variety of stalls and the bustling atmosphere make the Chumphon Night Market a must-visit for foodies. If you know other night markets in Thailand, you will be amazed: The stands stretch left and right of the road, while traffic continues as usual. The Chumphon Night Market is definitely a must-see and should not be missed in our Chumphon tips.
13. Excursions to the Islands
During your stay in Chumphon, you should definitely take a tour to the secluded islands nearby, including Koh Ngam and Koh Mattra. These island paradises in the Gulf of Thailand offer pristine beaches, crystal clear water and a diverse underwater world. Head over to Koh Ngam and be enchanted by the white sandy beaches and the emerald green sea! Immerse yourself in the colorful world of coral reefs while snorkeling. On Koh Mattra, you can also expect beautiful beaches and a quiet atmosphere, perfect for relaxing and sunbathing. The trips to the islands of Koh Ngam and Koh Mattra near Chumphon are an absolute highlight and promise unforgettable experiences in a picturesque setting.
Have you ever been to Chumphon? Do you have any other things to do in Chumphon that should be listed here? We appreciate your feedback in the comments.
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