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AMPHOE HUNG TAKO
Hat Arunothai
From highway no.4, turn left to highway no.4096 for 6 kilometres.
This beach is situated 60 kilometres from Chumphon. Visitors can
observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen on this quiet beach.
Near the beach, there is the Prince Chumphons Shrine. Nearby is
Paknam Thung Tako- the site where fishermen of Thung Tako depart
for their voyage to the sea. The view of these fishermen daily routine
is very colourful and impressive.
Khlong Phrao National Park
Being the origin of rivers and canals in Chumphon, this Park covers
the area in Amphoe Thung Tako, and Amphoe Mueang. Use highway no.41
to Lang Suan Crossroad, turn right for 15 kilometres. In rainy season,
the best vehicle to use is 4-wheel drive. There are many natural
attractions such as Namtok Thap Chang, a 2-level, middle sized waterfall
which is the most beautiful in the Park. The Parks area is suitable
for overnight, bird watching, and trekking for nature study. For
further details, please contact the Natural Resource Conservation
Bureau, Forestry Department, at Tel: 0 2579 7223.
AMPHOE SAWI
Chumphon Horbicultural Research Center
It is the training center for MAWA coconut planting. This plant
is the breed from the African and Malaysian ones. The Center has
the area of 1,700 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai). The office and residence
are at the front, while at the back is the planting area for pepper,
coffee, cocoa and coconuts.
Hat Sai Ri Sawi
This beautiful beach is located in Tambon Tha Hin. To visit the
beach, use Highway no.41 (Chumphon- Sawi route), turn left to Sawi
- Bo Kha route for 12 kilometres. This large beach is parallel to
the coconut line, suitable for relaxation and it is the venue where
the lifestyle of the fishermen is very impressive.
Wat Phrathat Sawi
The temple is located on the bank of Sawi River. The Chedi of this
temple contains the relics of the Lord Buddha. The legend of this
Chedi has been dated back since the Ayutthaya period. Also, there
is the Phra Suea Mueang Shrine in front of the Chedi, near the bank
of the river.
AMPHOE THA SAE
Namtok Kapo Forest Park
Located in Tambon Salui, this waterfall is 13 kilometres from Tha
Sae, along Phetkasem Road, between 466th 468th kilometre, or from
Pathomphon Crossroad, by Petkasem Road for about 30 kilometres.
The park has the area of 7,010 Rai of shaded forests and small waterfalls,
suitable for relaxation.
Phota Hin Chang Shrine
This shrine is located at Moo 2, Tambon Salui, at the foot of the
hill, along the 453th 454th kilometre of Phetkasem Road. Featuring
the shrine is the elephant shaped rock which is mostly worshipped
by the Chumphon people. To emphasize this belief, passengers will
always blow their horns to pay respect to this site. Also, there
are stalls selling fruits and souvenirs.
Wat Thep Charoen
Situated in Tambon Tha Kham, this temple is 4 kilometres from Phetkasem
Road (highway no.4) at the 490th kilometre. The temple is located
at the foot of Rap Ro Hill used to be the port area in the ancient
time. There are many interesting attractions around this temple.
Many Buddha images are in Tham Phra. The meditation area at Tham
Ai Te, with a reclining Buddha fresco painting on the wall. Also,
There are beautiful stalactites and stalacmites in Tham Sai. Moreover,
in the temple there is the Buddhas footprint and the body which
was not yet decayed of Luang Pu Sai, a revered monk. Near by, is
the local museum with the collections of the ancient materials found
in the temple. Another highlight is the leather carving of the shadow
puppet show done by the local artisans.
AMPHOE LANG SUAN
Phitak Island (Koh Phitak)
Situated in Tambon Bang Nam Chuet, this small island has beautiful
rocks and is surrounded by fishermen villages. There is a small
beach in the east, which can be reached by fishermen's boat from
Paknam Tako.
Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park
Located at Moo 7, this venue is 65 kilometres from Chumphon by turning
right at Lang Suan crossroad for another three kilometres. This
garden is beautifully decorated with flowers and the statue of the
Princess' Mother, the highlight of this garden. Not far is Tham
Khao Ngoen, of which there is the inscription of King Rama V's initials.
Another inscription on the wall is No.108 which was the Ratanakosin
Era when he visited the Malaya Peninsula in 1889. Also, there is
a Chedi in front of the cave.
Khao Kriap Cave (Tham Khao Kriap)
This is one of the most beautiful caves in the south. It is 85 kilometres
from Chumphon along highway no.4 (Chumphon - Lang Suan), and turn
right for another two kilometres. There is a Buddhist temple at
the foot of the Khao Kriap hill. Inside the cave, there is also
a Buddha image besides the stalactites and stalagmites.
AMPHOE MUEANG
Thung Makham Bay (Ao Thung Makham)
This scenic bay area consists of Thung Makham Nok and Thung Makham
Nai Bays. Using highway no.4119 and 4098, for 27, and 31 kilometres
to Thung Makham Nok and Thung Makham Nai Bays, respectively. They
are half-circle beaches, adjacent to each other, separated by the
line of rocks. With long line of coconut trees and quiet surroundings,
these beaches have very fine sand. By the south end, Wat Suwan Khuha
Khiri Wong or Wat Pong Pang is located under the shade of the coconut
trees. At the back of the Wat facing the sea, is a long cliff of
more than 80 metres.
Chumphon National Museum
Located in Chumphon Governmental Center on Phetkasem Road at km.484
before approaching Pathomphon Junction, the museum displays historical
and important ancient materials of Chumphon. The displays are divided
into the following parts: History of Chumphon; Chumphon during World
War II; Chumphon and the Typhoon; Nature and Outstanding Heritage
of Chumphon by means of pictures and movies. The museum is open
for the public from Wednesday to Sunday, except official holidays,
during 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The fee is 30 Baht per person. For more details,
contact at Tel: 0 77504105, 504246.
Hat Pha Daeng
Being 14 kilometres from town by the same route to Hat Sai Ri or
2 kilometres from Hat Pharadon- Phap, this beach has a 10-metre
red cliff which has been eroded by wind and rain and has turned
to the shape of a curved bridge. It is also one of the best sites
to view the sea and is suitable for relaxation.
Hat Pharadonphap
This beach is 12 kilometres from Chumphon by highway Nos. 4119 and
4098. This is a large beach, parallel to the road, which is shaded
by coconut trees.
Hat Sai Ri
This scenic and popular beach is about 20 kilometres from Chumphon
by highways no.4119 and 4098. There are bus services from town to
the beach. It is a large and curved beach and it is one of the favorites
amongst Chumphon people for their relaxation. There are some accommodations
and restaurants available along the beach.
Khao Chao Mueang
This mountain is next to Hat Sai Ri along the coast for 2.5 kilometres.
On top of this mountain, there is a pavilion for view watching.
And further from this area around one kilometre, there is an open
area where a panoramic view of the various islands in the sea can
be viewed.
Khao Phang Forest Park
Situated at the border of Amphoe Mueang and Tha Sae, this park is
12 kilometres from Chumphon along highway no.4 (Chumphon - Tha Sae
route). In the park, there are many kinds of plants. At the front,
are the parks gate and Prince Chumphons Shrine. The top of the mountain
is both the cut-edge cliff suitable for hangliders and the view-point
for Chumphon town.
Ko Maphrao
This is a small island with 50-metre long, beautiful beach, including
the coral reef in the west. Visitors who wish to visit this island
should obtain permission from the Provincial Office 15 days in advance
because of the monopoly of the business in the sparrow's nests of
the island.
Ko Mattra
This is a big island which is only 45 minutes away. In front of
the beach, there are many rocks. Visitors can spend their time snorkelling
to see the corals around the island. On the island, there are facilities
such as accommodations, restaurants, and fresh-water bathing services.
This island is in the area of Chumphon Islands National Park.
Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi
Being in the south of Ao Thung Wua Laen, seventeen kilometres from
the shore, there are coral reefs, rocks, and underwater caves. These
venues are considered to be one of the best diving spots. For further
information, please contact Chumphon Cabana Resort at Tel: 0 7756
0245 - 7 or 0 2472 1825.
Ko Samet
With some areas as part of the National Park, this island has white
beach and clear water. It takes only half an hour to get to this
island.
Ko Tao
Even though it is a small island far off in the sea but it is well-known
in its beauty of beaches and coral reefs. Although this island is
in Surat Thani, visitors can travel by speed boat or regular boat
from Chumphon.
Travelling to Ko Tao:
Tourists can use the following boat service as follows:
Tha Yang Pier - Tourists can hire pick-up car from Chumphon to
Tha Yang Pier which is about 7 kilometres away. The boat leaves
from Ban Mae Hat to Ko Tao every night at midnight and arrive at
Ko Tao at 6 a.m. of the next day. On the return trip, the boat leaves
from Ko Tao at 10 a.m. and arrive at Tha Yang at 3 p.m. The round-trip
fare is 200 baht. For more details, contact Tel: 0 7755 3052 - 4.
Songserm Rungrueang Co. , Ltd. - The boat leaves from the pier
at 7 a.m. and arrive at Ko Tao at 10 a.m. On the return trip, the
boat leaves from Ko Tao at 3 p.m. and arrive at Chumphon at 5.30
p.m. The round-trip fare is 400 baht. For more details, contact
Tel: 0 7750 3735.
Ekkawin Tour - The boat leaves from Tha Yang pier at 7.30 a.m.
and arrive at Ko Tao at 9.30 a.m. On the return trip, the boat leaves
from Ko Tao at 10.30 a.m. and arrive at Chumphon at 12.30 p.m. The
round-trip fare is 400 baht. For more details, contact Tel: 0 7750
1821, 0 7758 0273 - 4. There is also a boat service leaving from
Ekkawin Pier or Lom Lak Pier at 7 a.m. and arrive at Ko Tao at 9.30
a.m. On the return trip, the boat leaves from Ko Tao at 10 a.m.
and arrive at Ekkawin Pier at 3 p.m. The round-trip fare is 400
baht.
Ko Thalu
Being a small limestone island with two big caves, around the island,
there are viewing points for corals and sea flowers.
Military Youth Monument
Being 5 kilometres from Chumphon on the left-hand side of highway
No.4119 (Chumphon - Paknam route), this monument is built to commemorate
the bravery of Chumphons heroes for their fight against the Japanese
troop invasion in 1941 during World War II.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park
Having been announced in 1989, this National Park covers the total
area of beaches and islands of 198,125 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai).
The Parks Office is 21 kilometres from town. Using highway no.4001,
turn right to Hat Sai Ri, then turn right again for 8 kilometres.
The Tourist Information Center is connected with the wooden-bridge
walkways for nature study of plant and animals. Visitors can travel
by boats or can stay overnight in their tents near the office.
The beautiful beaches in the Parks area are Thung Makaham Beach,
Hat Sai Ri Amphoe Mueang, Arunothai Beach in Amphoe Thung Tako,
Tong Khrok Beach in Amphoe Lang Suan, and more than 40 islands in
Chumphon Sea such as Chorakhe, Ngam, Samet, Maphrao, Mattra, Thong
Lang, Langka Chio Islands, including islands in Amphoe Sawi, Thung
Tako. On some islands, there are diving sites, fine white sand beaches
and corals; such as Chorakhe Island in the northern part of the
park. Ngam and Lanka Chio Islands have many sea sparrow's nests.
Around Ngam Island, there are perfect coral reefs which are the
interesting sites for diving. Thong Lang Island has white and beautiful
beach. Tourists can hire boats to travel along these islands at
the appropriate price. Contact at Tel: 0 7755 8144.
Prince Chumphons Monument
The venue is located by the foot of the hill in Hat Sai Ri area.
Prince Chumphon was one of the King Rama Vs sons. Being the founder
of the modern Navy of Thailand, the Prince was proclaimed as the
Father of Thai Navy. He was respected by the navy, fishermen, and
other people. His picture has been established in most of the houses
in Chumphon.
The Monument consists of Prince Chumphon's Shrine for visitors
to pay respect. Chumphon Warship is an old big torpedo warship,
with the size of 68 x 6.55 metres. This warship was out of order
in 1975 and was moved to Hat Sai Ri in 1979.
Herbal Garden is at the foot of the hill along the seacoast. This
is the project of the Ministry of Public Health to conserve the
valued herbs, in order to continue the concept of Prince Chumphon,
who was also interested in using the traditional medicine to cure
people.
Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi
Located on Chumphon Ao Thung Wua Laen route, tourists can reach
this temple by turning left for 6 kilometres, before reaching Chumphon
Irrigation Office. This old Wat is worshipped among the Chumphon
people through the strong faith in Luang Pu Song. (A most revered
monk whose body has been believed to be in an undelaying condition
after his death. A big Sala tree is inside the Wat with orange flowers
and strange looking shape stem. (Lord Buddha was born under Sala
tree).
Wat Pradoem
This temple is the archeological site in old Chumphon, at Tambon
Tak Daet. It is on the left-hand side of highway no.41 (Chumphon
- Surat Thani), after passing Tambon Wang Phai and across Saeng
Daet Canal. Some archeological objects were found such as sand-stone
Buddha image in Srivijaya Period, Chedi containing Lord Buddhas
bones. The decoration of the gate, walls and other buildings have
portrayed the local architectural designs at this temple.
AMPHOE PATHIO
Ao Yai Ai
This bay has the most suitable area to view the panoramic atmosphere
of the surroundings at almost 25 metres above sea level. Within
this bay area, there are many coral reefs of almost 7 kilometres.
Tourists have the opportunity of diving to view these beautiful
corals.
Tham Thong - Bang Boet Beach (Hat Tham Thong - Bang Boet)
From town, use Phetkasem Road, turn right at the 426th kilometre
for 21 kilometres The beautiful beach in Tambon Pak Khlong is more
than 5 kilometres long. The highlights of the area consist of different-shaped
limestones and seaside villages, parallel to the road and pine tree
line, suitable for easy driving or biking. The beach is extended
to Bang Boet in Prachuap Khiri Khan, which is presently the area
of H.M.the King's project.
Thung Wua Laen Beach (Hat Thung Wua Laen)
A beautiful and well-known beach of Pathio, it is most popular among
Thai and foreign tourists. Being situated in Tambon Saphli, it is
16 kilometres from Chumphon along Chumphon Hat Thung Wua Laen route.
The beach has white, fine sand, with small slope, which is suitable
for swimming. Also it is one of the most famous snorkeling spots
in Chumphon, with the view of seaweed, sponge, and sea flowers.
Tham Khao Phlu Wildlife Conservation Area
Being away from Pathio for 3 kilometres along highway no.3253, the
area is covered with limestone mountain range in beautiful shape,
parallel to the road. This is the habitat of 3 flocks of southern
langurs. They will come down to find food in the evening.
AMPHOE PHATO
Heo Lom Waterfall (Namtok Heo Lom)
This waterfall is located at Ban Bok Fai, Tambon Pak Song, in Kuan
Mae Yai Mon Wildlife Sanctuary. From Amphur Mueang, use highway
no.4 to Lang Suan Junction, turn right to highway no.4006 (Lang
Suan - Ratchakrut route), pass Phato to the 11th kilometre and,
turn left for another 8 kilometres. The most suitable vehicle to
be used is 4-wheel drive. From Heo Lome Forest Guard Unit, there
is a trek for 500 metres, pass the origin of Phato Canal, and fertile
evergreen forest. The waterfall is more than 80 metres high, surrounded
by various kinds of trees. It is a venue for relaxation, trekking
for natural study, and bird sanctuary.
Phato Canal Rafting
Forests in Phato is the origin of many canals which are lined with
evergreen forests, and fruit orchards. Owing to the various rapids
in this area, the adventurous activities have been then organized
in Phato canal all year round. Through these types of activities,
visitors are able to witness some interesting animals such as: langurs
and hornbills. Besides, there are fruit orchards of durians, coffee,
and mangosteens. For those interested in trekking, visitors can
have the choice of camping, or elephant riding. The Festival of
Phato Canal rafting is best during February and April.
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