Chumphon, Thailand: travel guide
Gateway town to Koh Tao with quiet beaches and mangrove coastline
Gateway to the south — a gateway town for island hopping, quiet beaches, and access to southern Thailand diving spots.
About Chumphon
Chumphon is a provincial town on the narrowest stretch of the Thai peninsula, often called the gateway to the south. Most travellers pass through on their way to Koh Tao, but the coast and countryside around it reward a longer stay.
Beaches such as Thung Wua Laen and Paradorn offer quiet sand and calm water, while the offshore islands of Koh Ngam and Koh Phitak are suited to snorkelling and day trips. Inland, waterfalls, mangrove rivers and fruit orchards add variety, and the night market serves fresh seafood.
Chumphon suits travellers who prefer unhurried places and plan to continue south by boat. The drier months from February to August are the most reliable.
- Country
- Thailand
- Currency
- THB
- Time zone
- Asia/Bangkok
- Nearest airport
- CJM
- Typical trip
- 1-2 days
Last updated
Top places to visit in Chumphon
Krom Luang Chumphon Naval Shrine
temple · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Shrine to Prince Chumphon Khet Udomsak — "Father of the Royal Thai Navy" — born here in 1880. Deeply venerated by Thai naval personnel. Small museum documents his life and the founding of the Thai navy.
Wat Phra That Sawi
temple · 4.2 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate
Chedi housing relics of the Buddha, set in peaceful grounds with ornate naga stairways.
Khao Matsii Viewpoint
Viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Hilltop viewpoint overlooking Chumphon town, coast and distant islands. Manageable steep walk.
Thung Wua Laen Beach
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Chumphon's most popular 3-km beach with clear water, pine-fringed shore and Koh Tao ferry nearby.
Pak Nam Chumphon & Islands
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 1.5 h · free entry
Estuary fishing village with offshore islands (Ko Tao, Ko Ngam) accessible by speedboat.
Hat Sai Ri Beach
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Long, tranquil beach on the mainland coast — rarely crowded even in high season.
Chumphon Night Market (Krung Talay)
Market · 4.1 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate
Bustling evening market on Krung Talay Road with southern Thai dishes and fresh seafood.
Ao Thung Makham
Beach · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet bay south of Chumphon town split into North and South beaches by a small headland.
Hat Arunothai Beach
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
Quiet, undeveloped beach 20 km north of Chumphon town. Casuarina trees line the shore and a fishing community occupies the northern headland. Far fewer visitors than Thung Wua Laen; ideal for an uncrowded stretch of sand. Safe for swimming…
Koh Ngam Noi & Koh Ngam Yai
Nature · 4.6 rating · about 6 h · entry ฿200 (≈ ₹570)
Twin limestone islets 20 km offshore, famed for swallow-nest harvesting and exceptional snorkelling. Visibility regularly exceeds 20 m at submerged pinnacles. Day trips from Pak Nam pier combine both islands in one excursion.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park (Thung Wua Laen)
Nature · about 5 h · free entry
Marine national park covering islands off Chumphon's coast, popular for diving and snorkelling day trips.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park Islands
Nature · 4.4 rating · about 5 h · entry ฿200 (≈ ₹570)
Things to do
- Ko Ngam Yai Snorkelling Day Trip Water · 8 h · from THB 950 per person
- Ko Tao Day Trip by Speedboat from Chumphon Water · 9 h · from THB 1,600 per person
- Pak Nam Chumphon Seafood Market Tour Food · 2.5 h · from THB 400 per person
- Krom Luang Chumphon Shrine & Naval Museum Cultural · 1.5 h · from THB 79 per person
- Snorkelling Trip to Mu Ko Chumphon Activity · 5 h
- Chumphon Fishing Village Boat Tour Activity · 2.5 h
Day trips and tours
- Chumphon Islands Snorkelling Day Trip 8 h · from THB 960
- Chumphon Beaches & Temples Highlights 5 h · from THB 340
Where to stay in Chumphon
- Beach Town about THB 2,000 per night
Coastal area with beach accommodation and dive base
Hotels
- Chumphon Cabana Resort & Diving Centre 4-star · THB 3,200 to THB 7,500 per night
- A-Te Chumphon Hotel 3.5-star
- Paradorn Inn Chumphon 3-star · THB 1,100 to THB 2,200 per night
- Fame Guesthouse Chumphon 2-star · THB 380 to THB 850 per night
- Sri Chumphon Hotel 3-star
Where to eat
- Papa Seafood Seafood, Thai · about THB 400 per person
- Mae Mai Seafood Seafood, Thai · about THB 500 per person
- Green Kitchen Chumphon Vietnamese, Japanese, Thai · about THB 200 per person
- Le Betole Italian, Thai · about THB 450 per person
- Grannies Laem Thaen Seafood Seafood, Thai · about THB 400 per person
- Krua Lung Pod Thai, Seafood · about THB 350 per person
- Ruen Cha Mao Restaurant Thai, Seafood · about THB 400 per person
- Prikhorm Restaurant Thai · about THB 200 per person
Getting to Chumphon
Airport: Chumphon (CJM)
How visitors arrive in Chumphon
- Bus from Bangkok By road from Bangkok · common
Buses from Bangkok and most destinations use the main terminal outside the town. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Train from Bangkok By train from Bangkok · common
The railway station is in central Chumphon; Pathio station is closer to the airport. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
- Flight from Don Mueang By air from Bangkok · common
Chumphon Airport in Pathio District has direct flights from Bangkok Don Mueang, with counters arranging onward ferries. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
From the airport to the centre
- Transit agents and Lomprayah desk
Lomprayah sells a combined ticket linking Chumphon Airport with its catamarans to Koh Tao, with the road transfer to the pier included. Book it in advance rather than relying on a counter. Source: lomprayah.com
From the railway station to the centre
- Train to Chumphon station
Trains from Bangkok serve Chumphon Station in the town centre. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
Getting around
- Car Rental Self
Some guesthouses in Chumphon, such as Fame Guest House on Saladang Road, offer car and motorbike rentals.
- Motorbike Rental
Guesthouses in Chumphon, including Santavee New Rest House, offer motorbike and bicycle hire.
- Walking
Safety and scams to avoid
Generic tourist overcharge
Major tourist zones
Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.
How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.
Best time to visit Chumphon
- Jan 28°C
- Feb 29°C
- Mar 30°C
- Apr 31°C
- May 34°C
- Jun 33°C
- Jul 32°C
- Aug 32°C
- Sep 32°C
- Oct 31°C
- Nov 31°C · rough
- Dec 30°C · moderate
More in Thailand
Frequently asked questions about Chumphon
- How many days do you need in Chumphon?
- A typical trip to Chumphon is 1-2 days.
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Chumphon?
- The highest-rated places in our Chumphon guide are Krom Luang Chumphon Naval Shrine, Khao Matsii Viewpoint, Koh Ngam Noi & Koh Ngam Yai, Thung Wua Laen Beach, Hat Sai Ri Beach.
- Where should I stay in Chumphon?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Chumphon: Beach Town.
- How do I get around Chumphon?
- Ways to get around Chumphon covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Motorbike rental, Walking.
- What scams should I watch out for in Chumphon?
- Scams reported to us for Chumphon include Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.
- What is the weather like in Chumphon?
- Average daytime highs in Chumphon run from 28°C in Jan to 34°C in May.
- Which airport is nearest to Chumphon?
- The nearest airport to Chumphon has the code CJM.