About Chumphon
Chumphon is a city and province on the Gulf of Thailand, often seen as the gateway to the south. The city is mostly a transport hub, with an airport, railway station and a pier at Pak Nam for boats to Ko Tao. In town you can visit the National Museum and Wat Sam Kaeo, a quiet temple. The surroundings have beaches, such as Thung Wua Laen, and dive sites for those seeking underwater life. Chumphon lies near the narrowest point of the peninsula, the Kra Isthmus. The city suits travellers seeking a quiet stopover or a base for Ko Tao, and not those wanting a busy city. In October and November expect a lot of rain, especially on the coast.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Driest from February to April, which is the best time for beaches and boats. From October to December a lot of rain falls (on Samui November is the wettest month, around 445 mm), and the sea can be rough. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by flight, night train or bus (about 7 to 8 hours); the town lies on the railway to the south. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Chumphon
- Pier for Ko Tao From Pak Nam boats leave for the island, about 8 km from town.
- National Museum of Chumphon A museum on the region’s history and culture, about 3.5 km from the centre.
- Wat Sam Kaeo A quiet temple close to the museum.
- Thung Wua Laen A quiet beach for those wanting a coastal stop.
