Things To Do In Chumphon: 5 Best Tourist Attractions!
Located 460 kilometers from Bangkok, Chumphon is the provincial capital of the Chumphon Province. With a population of 33,522, this little jewel is situation on the Royal Coast of Southern Thailand. As the Chumphon Archipelago grows in popularity, Chumphon is becoming the gateway to the islands of Koh Tao, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Samui.
If you are ready for a leisurely stop in Chumphon, here are the top five ways to spend your days.
Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Royal Palace
Well off the beaten path for most Western travellers, this is a local Thai favourite. While it can be tricky to get information in any language other than Thai, the view more than makes up for it. Wander around the palace for a while and take in the beauty then head outside to relax by the sea. Stay to enjoy tea and a snack while looking out over the water.
Chumphon Street Night Market
You can easily spend an entire evening at the Chumphon Street Night Market. Come early and bring cash. You’ll find everything that you need alongside a million other trinkets and potential souvenirs. Like most things in Chumphon, the night market has never been a place overrun by tourists. This is a great thing for those of us who want to barter for local prices rather than the “tourist special price”. Wander around the market and browse the treasures until you work up an appetite. Grab some Pad Thai noodles from one of the vendors for 35 baht then get back to shopping.
Koh Lang Ka Jew
Head over to this little island for your own private paradise. Lounge on the flawless sandy beach on the western coast then go splash around the water. There are impressive coral reefs dotted all around the island so it’s the perfect place to bust out your snorkel gear and take in the natural beauty of this amazing bit of land.
Chumphon National Museum
If you are interested in learning more about the history of the Chumphon area, this is a must-see. The small museum is a bit away from the main tourist attraction but it’s a perfect opportunity for history buffs who like to have a place to themselves. Plan for a good hour of walking around to take in all of the site. While there typically aren’t many English-speaking staff available, there is plenty of printed information on hand that will give you all of the details that you need.
Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi
For a gorgeous temple, head over to Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. It’s small but stunning. The sacred spot contains the remains of the monk Luang Pu Song and is home to quaint garden space. It’s a great display of the traditional Thai architecture and is a lovely spot to stroll around and take photos.
Related: Where to go Thailand
