Chumphon

Chumphon is a coastal province in Thailand that boasts a diverse range of attractions for visitors. The pristine beaches, abundant marine life, and stunning islands make it a top destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. Not to mention, the national parks in the area provide ample opportunities for outdoor exploration and adventure.

Chumphon’s plentiful culture and history, as well as its convenience as a transportation hub, make it an ideal location for those looking to explore Thai culture while retaining easy access to other parts of Thailand. Furthermore, the fishing industry is a major contributor to Chumphon’s economy, providing fresh seafood and the opportunity to experience traditional lifestyles.

To sum it up, Chumphon is a unique destination offering a convenient mix of breathtaking landscapes, cultural attractions, and many transportation options – making it a good stop for travelers going south from Bangkok!

Famous places

Hat Sai Ri

Hat Sai Ri, one of Chumphon’s famous beaches, is a must-visit for anyone looking for a beautiful, peaceful day by the sea. With its clear turquoise waters and soft sand, Hat Sai Ri offers a breathtaking view and a perfect setting for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing.

In addition to its stunning scenery, Hat Sai Ri is known for its vibrant coral reefs, making it good for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. With its diverse array of marine life, Hat Sai Ri provides a unforgettable experience for visitors.

Thung Wua Laen Beach

Thung Wua Laen Beach is another top destination in Chumphon that draws in visitors with its natural beauty. It is a stunning stretch of coastline, offering visitors the perfect opportunity to escape from the hectic energy of city life and enjoy some peaceful relaxation.

Not only does Thung Wua Laen Beach offer stunning scenery, but it’s also a great place for water activities such as swimming, kayaking, and fishing. With its clear waters and abundant marine life, Thung Wua Laen Beach provides a truly relaxed experience for visitors.

Khao Mo National Park

Khao Mo National Park is a must-visit for anyone who loves nature and adventure. This lush park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. With its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and rich history, Khao Mo National Park is a top destination in Chumphon that shouldn’t be missed.

Things to do in Chumphon

There’s no shortage of things to do in Chumphon! Here are three activities that are worth exploring:

Diving and Snorkeling: Chumphon is a top destination for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts, thanks to its clear waters and abundant marine life. With its vibrant coral reefs and diverse array of sea creatures, Chumphon provides a unique and unforgettable experience for those who love exploring underwater.

Fishing: Fishing is a big part of Chumphon’s economy and local culture, offering visitors a chance to experience the local way of life. Anglers of all levels, from experienced to novice, can find plentiful opportunities for fishing in Chumphon and sample some of the freshest seafood available.

Outdoor Adventure: With its lush national parks and pristine beaches, Chumphon provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. For those who appreciate nature’s beauty, Chumphon is an ideal destination, providing activities such as hiking, camping, and kayaking.

Each of these activities makes Chumphon a top destination for tourists seeking a diverse range of activities and adventures on their vacation.

Getting to Chumphon

Bangkok to Chumphon

Chumphon, the gateway to Southern Thailand, lies on the Royal Coast and offers easy access to stunning islands like Koh Tao, Koh Phangan, and Koh Samui. As Chumphon’s popularity has grown, so too have the transportation options from Bangkok, catering to different budgets and preferences.

Flights from Bangkok to Chumphon:

While flights may be the most expensive option, they’re not as pricey as you might think. Nok Air is the only airline offering flights between the two cities, with two daily departures. The flight takes about an hour, and when factoring in check-in and security time, it still beats other options. However, Chumphon Airport is about 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of the town, so you’ll need to arrange transportation into town.

Private Taxi from Bangkok to Chumphon:

For those who value convenience and comfort, private taxis can take you directly to your Chumphon hotel. Though it’s the priciest option, splitting the cost with family or friends can make it more affordable. Several companies, like BangkokTaxi24, PGS, and Axara Travel, offer this service, and the drive takes around 5.5 to 6.5 hours.

From Bangkok to Chumphon by Train:

Traveling by train is affordable and, despite the long journey, can save time if you choose an overnight option. Thai Railways offers various trains from Bangkok to Chumphon, taking between 7 and 10 hours. Be prepared for potential delays, and book tickets in advance to secure your preferred seating or sleeper cabin.

Bus from Bangkok to Chumphon:

The most affordable option is the bus, which is faster than trains. Suwannatee Tour offers express services with AC, steward service, snacks, and a toilet onboard. The journey takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes, with several services each day, including an overnight option.

Read our guide to get more detailed information.

Hua Hin to Chumphon

There are several ways to travel from Hua Hin to Chumphon. The most common methods are by bus, train, and private car.

Taking the bus from Hua Hin to Chumphon is a convenient and affordable option for those who prefer a direct and hassle-free journey. Buses run frequently from Hua Hin to Chumphon, with the journey taking approximately 4 hours. Many buses offer comfortable seats, air-conditioning, and other amenities to make the journey as pleasant as possible.

Taking the train from Hua Hin to Chumphon is another popular option, offering a scenic and relaxed journey. Trains run regularly from Hua Hin to Chumphon, with the journey taking around 5 hours.

Traveling from Chumphon

Chumphon is a gateway to many other popular destinations in Thailand. Especially between the island of Koh Tao and Bangkok.

Chumphon to Koh Tao

Koh Tao, the famous diving destination in the Gulf of Thailand, is easily accessible from Chumphon. There are several ways to travel from Chumphon to Koh Tao, including by Sleeper ferry and speedboat.

One of the most popular ways to travel from Chumphon to Koh Tao is by ferry. Ferries depart at 9 PM from Chumphon to Koh Tao and take around 8 hours to reach the island. Sleeper Ferry is convenient and affordable for those who want a smooth and relaxed journey.

Another option is to take a speedboat from Chumphon to Koh Tao. Speedboats are faster than ferries, taking around 2 hours to complete the journey, but they are also more expensive.

Traveling during the monsoon season may lead to delays and cancellations due to bad weather. Since boats are the only mode of transport to Koh Tao, plan accordingly to avoid disruptions to your journey, especially during monsoon season.

Read our guide (Chumphon to Koh Tao) to get more detailed information.

Chumphon to Bangkok

Discover the best ways to travel from Chumphon to Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, with various transport options to suit all preferences and budgets.

Flights: Nok Air operates two daily flights between Chumphon and Bangkok, taking about an hour. While relatively affordable compared to other flights, consider that Chumphon Airport is about 35 km north of the town.

Private Taxi: For a convenient and comfortable journey, opt for a private taxi or minivan that takes you directly to your Bangkok hotel. While it’s the most expensive option, you can split the cost if traveling with a group. Companies like BangkokTaxi24, PGS, and Axara Travel offer these services.

Train: Thai Railways operate several trains between Bangkok and Chumphon, taking between 7-10 hours. While it’s not the fastest way to travel, it’s affordable and can save time if you choose an overnight journey. Note that trains often depart late and can fill up quickly, so book your ticket in advance.

Bus: The cheapest option is to take a bus from Chumphon’s Suwannatee Station to Bangkok’s Southern Terminal. With a journey time of around 6 hours and 20 minutes, express services from Suwannatee Tour offer air conditioning, a steward service, snacks, and an onboard toilet.

In summary, buses offer the cheapest and still, relatively comfortable option, while trains provide more space to move around. Private taxis are ideal for larger groups, and flights are the fastest way to reach Bangkok.

Read our guide (Bangkok to Chumphon) to get more detailed information.