Chumphon Province
               The port city of Chumphon, considered the "Gateway to the South" is located on the Gulf some 463 kms. south of Bangkok. The total area is 6,009 square kilometers. To the east and south are basin areas having fruit orchards, plantations and rice fields, as well as forested areas and some small mining operations. It borders on Prachuap Khirikhan to the north, Myanmar and Ranong to the west, Surat Thani to the south, and the 222 kms. coastline of the Gulf of Thailand to the east. It is administratively divided into six Amphoes and two King Amphoes: Amphoe Muang Chumphon, Lang Suan, Sawi, Tha Sae, Pathiu, Lamae and King Amphoe Pha to, Thung Tako.

Tourist Attractions
            Chumphon is a seaside resort province famous for its island dotted coastal waters, beautiful sea, and white sand beaches lined with coconut groves.

Attraction by Land Transport

Pak Nam Chumphon or mouth of Chumphon River or Tha Taphao River is located 13 kms. From the township area along Highway No. 4119 and 4001. Here is the location of a big fishing village established around the bay.

Hat Sairi is approximately 15.5 kms. along Highway No. 4119 and 4098 from Chumphon township area. Here is also the location of the Shrine of H.R.H.Prince Chumphon, Father of the Royal Thai Navy and Dr. Porn's herbal garden.

Nam Tok Kapo Forest Park 41 kms. from the Chumphon township area on Petchakasem Highway at Tambon Salui, Amphoe Tha Sae, is a pleasant shady park with a small waterfall having various species of plants suitable for natural science education and relaxation.

Ao Thung Wua Laen is a peaceful bay with beautiful beach, located along Petchakasem Highway, 16 kms. north of Chumphon at Tambon saphli, Amphoe Pathiu. One of the best bungalow accommodations for tourists requiring an overnight stay is Chumphon Cabana Tel: 501-990 or Bangkok Reservation Tel: 224-1884.

Hat Arunothai is a beach in the area of King Amphoe Thung Tako Which is suitable for comping. There are hiking trails and rock-climbing nearby. The beach is accessible via Phetchakasem Highway and braches off, at King Amphoe Thung Tako through another 10 kms. access road. Bungalows are available by calling Chumphon Sunny Beach Resort Tel: Bangkok Reservation 281-9734, 281-1234.

Sea Attractions

There are several islands along the coastline of Chumphon that are worth seeing such as Ko Mat Phon, a small island situated at the mouth of Ao Chumphon: Ko Sak several other dotting the open sea: there are: Ko Phrao in front of Hat Sai Ri, Ko Lanka Chiu and Ko Rang Nok where cliff-dwelling swallows build the nests. Because of the danger of unauthorized poaching of the nests, sightseers wishing to visit this island must be approved by the company possessing the concession to collect the nests.

Cave Attractions
          Chumphon had two beautiful caves in the area of Amphoe Lang Suan; Tham Khao Ngoen and Tham Khao Kriep. The visitors to the Lang Suan area should not miss the opportunity to sample the various kinds of fruits for which this Amphoe is famous. Besides caves located in the area of Amphoe Lang Suan, there are others in the area of Amphoe Lang Suan, there are others in the area of Amphoe Muang, they are: Tham Suwan, Tham Krailat, Tham Khun Krathing and Tham Khoram Before entering Chumphon township area, in Amphoe Tha Sae, there is a cave called "Tham Rap Ro" which houses and old Buddha image and beautiful stalactites.