Chumphon Travel

Best time to visit

Chumphon’s prime time is from January to May because, like most areas in Thailand, rainy season falls between June and December. Temperature wise, December to February is the cooler season, the hottest season from March to May.

Check the below table for the general idea of Chumphon weather throughout the year.

Chumphon’s current weather and 7-day forecast

CHUMPHON WEATHER

Most travellers just use Chumphon as that – a transit point – but Chumphon (meaning: ‘lots of blessings’) is definitely worth a stopover if you have the time.

The main draws of staying here are simple – natural beauty (that include beaches, islands, national parks, and mountains), as well as a variety of cultural events that take place throughout the year, and which beautifully reflect the unique Chumphon way of life.

Visit Thung Wua Laen Beach

Just 15km away from the train station you’ll find one of Chumphon’s biggest attractions, Thung Wua Laen Beach, also known as ‘Cabana Beach’. Think gorgeous weather, warm tropical waters, 3km of beautiful clean sand and an abundance of wildlife and forests close by.

Now it’s up to you how you enjoy this special place. You can relax on the sand, enjoying the view and tranquillity, OR you can discover hidden treasures by diving, kitesurfing snorkelling, kayaking or trekking!

At night time, the atmosphere is quite lively (choose from a variety of live music/cocktail/pool/disco bars by the sea) – although all this is nonetheless a world away from the commercial and frenetic bustle typical of its neighbours. You’re more likely to see Thai families out here enjoying themselves as opposed to rowdy tourists.

Kitesurfing in Thung Wua Laen

October to January is kitesurf season in Chumphon with plenty of wind and waves. There are a few kitesurfing schools who teach complete beginners or offer courses for the more advanced. It’s a great place to learn to kitesurf with gentle winds, few tourists and affordable prices, considering this is an expensive sport to learn. The cost is around 4,000 THB for a one day lesson or 11,000 THB for a 3-day (9-hour) course.

Diving off Thung Wua Laen, Chumphon

February to October is the best for diving when the waters are calm and clear. While the backpacker mecca for diving, the island of Koh Tao, lies just offshore, many divers say that the reefs around Chumphon are actually healthier and better as they’ve seen much fewer divers in recent years. So, if you’re looking for an off the beaten track, uncrowded place to dive, this may be it! The dive sites are clumped together about 1.5km east of Thung Wua Laen beach.

Massage in Thung Wua Laen

There are 3 massage salons on the beach:

• Body & Soul: Found on the main road in front of the beach, with a calm atmosphere, air-con and music.
• Daeng Massage: To the south of the beach, this is a traditional massage room with a friendly atmosphere.
• The third is currently under construction, right on the beach! Watch this space.

Caving Adventures in Chumphon

There are a number of different tour companies operating in Chumphon, so you won’t be lacking in choice. Some caves are an easy visit, but other ‘adventure caves’ are more challenging, and involve climbing over rocks using ropes, scrambling over boulders, squeezing through tight crevices and generally getting dirty, sweaty and out of breath! Apparently (we particularly love this bit!) if you find a new cave, you also get to name it!

Thai Food in Chumphon

Take your pick from all the Thaï specialities you can dream of: seafood, pad thai, noodle soup, fried chicken, shrimp, squid… Of course, there’s also a good fare of ‘farang’ food available (pizzas, burgers, steaks, pasta…)

Hire a Motorbike and Explore

Or if you prefer a slower pace, just plain old-fashioned cycling! Hiring a motorbike will cost around 250 THB per day. If you’re a beginner, read our tips for hiring a motorbike in Thailand here.

Chumphon Market

The market runs north-south between Th Pracha Uthit and Th Poramin Mankha. Or you could spend even more baht (and escape from the swelter) at the heavenly air-conditioned Ocean Shopping Mall.

Have a beer at Farang Bar!

‘Farang’ means foreigner in Thai and that means that you’ll find some foreign faces at this bar in the heart of Chumphon. Guesthouse, restaurant and watering hole, owner Ivor will make sure your visit is a fun one!

Budget options

Hop Inn Chumphon 

Add: 75/59 Soi Krumluang Chumphon 3, Krumluang Chumphon Road, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand 

9 km from Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi, Hop Inn Chumphon is set in Chumphon and provides air-conditioned rooms. The property is around 21 km from Hat Sai Ri, 1.6 km from Chumphon Municiple Market and 6 km from Big C Supercenter Chumphon. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk and free WiFi is available.

At the hotel, every room includes a balcony. At Hop Inn Chumphon the rooms are equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom.

Popular points of interest near the accommodation include Ocean Shopping Center, Chumphon Night Plaza and Chumphon Park.

Banana Place Resort 

Add: 13/4 Moo.6, Wangphai, Mueang Chumphon, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

Located in Chumphon, 3.1 km from Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi, Banana Place Resort provides accommodation with free bikes, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge. Providing a garden, the property is located within 26 km of Hat Sai Ri. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, room service and free WiFi throughout the property.
All units are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, free toiletries and a wardrobe. At the hotel every room has a private bathroom.

Guests at Banana Place Resort will be able to enjoy activities in and around Chumphon, like cycling.

Baan i Talay Chumphon 

Add: 81/2 Moo 3, Sairee, Muang, Chumphon, 86120 Chumphon, Thailand

Located 4.6 km from Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Momument, Baan i Talay Chumphon offers non-smoking rooms with air-conditioning and sea views. During the stay, guests have access to free parking space and free WiFi.
Guests of Baan I Talay can request for ticketing and trip arrangements at the on-site tour desk. The property also provides luggage storage and shuttle service to local destinations at a cost.

Simply decorated with wooden furniture and décor, each bright room comes with a flat-screen cable TV, a refrigerator and a balcony. Guests are provided with free toiletries in the en suite bathrooms.

Salsa Hostel 

Add: 25/42 Krommaluang Road, Tatapao, Muang, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

Located within 10 m from Chomphon Night Market, Salsa Hostel offers cosy dormitory rooms with air-conditioning. The property features free Wi-Fi, a cafe and a bar.

The hostel is a 10-minute drive from Chomphon National Museum. Chomphon Train Station is located 450 m away.
Simply furnished, rooms at Salsa Hostel are fitted with comfortable beds and free personal lockers. Shared bathrooms and free toiletries are included.

The hostel comes with a shared kitchen equipped with a stove, a microwave and a kettle. For guests’ convenience, the property has an on-site tour desk and coin-operated washing machines. An iron and a hairdryer are available upon request.

Mid-range options

Southgate Residence Hotel 

Add: 155 M.6, Trai Rat Rd., Na Toong, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

Located in Chumphon, 9 km from Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi, Southgate Residence Hotel provides accommodation with a restaurant, free private parking, an outdoor swimming pool and a shared lounge. Featuring family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. The accommodation offers a 24-hour front desk, airport transfers, valet parking and free WiFi.

Guest rooms are equipped with air conditioning, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, a fridge, a kettle, a shower, a hairdryer and a desk. The shared bathroom is equipped with free toiletries. At the hotel each room is equipped with a wardrobe and a private bathroom.

An American breakfast is available daily at Southgate Residence Hotel.

Chalicha Resort 

Add: 185 Moo 9 T.Takdad .A.Muang, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

Chalicha Resort is a 5-minute drive from Chumphon Railway Station. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a coffee shop. Free Wi-Fi is provided in the lobby area.

Hat Sai Ri Beach and Prince of Chumphon Shrine are a 20-minute drive from Chalicha Resort. Chumpon Airport is 50 km away from the property.

All rooms are air-conditioned and have a TV and a safety box. A hairdryer and shower facilities are featured in an en suite bathroom.

Relax by the pool side or take a stroll through the garden. There is a tour desk to help guests with travel arrangements.

Laundry and room services are available.

Guests can enjoy freshly brewed coffee and beverages served at the on-site coffee shop daily from 09.00-19.00.

Retro Box Hotel Chumphon 

Add: 89 Soi.3, Krumluang Chumphon Road, Tha Taphao, Muang, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

Featuring free WiFi and an outdoor pool, Retro Box Hotel Chumphon offers accommodation in Chumphon, 6 km from Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi. Guests can enjoy the on-site snack bar. Free private parking is available on site.

Certain units feature a private bathroom with a bath or a spa bath, while others have bathrobes and slippers. A terrace or balcony are featured in certain rooms. A flat-screen TV with satellite channels is provided.

There is a 24-hour front desk, a shared lounge and shops at the property.

Euro Boutique Hotel 

Add: 73/3 Krommaluang Chumphon Road, Muang, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand

The hotel is an 8-minute walk to Chumphon Railway Station. Chumphon Airport can be reached within a 30-minute drive from the hotel.

Fitted with a balcony, each air-conditioned room features a satellite TV, fridge, seating area and wardrobe. Shower facilities are included in an en suite bathroom.

For extra convenience, there is a 24-hour front desk. Laundry services are available. Guests can arrange a trip to various attractions at the on-site tour desk. A garden is provided.

Local restaurants can be reached within 5-minute walk from the hotel.

Pueanjai Resort and Restaurant 

Add: 297/1 Moo 9, Takdad, Mueang, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand 

Boasting an outdoor pool, Klednatee Resort and Spa is located in Chumphon. It provides free WiFi access in all areas and free public parking. The property also provides massage treatments.

Klednatee Resort and Spa is just 1 km from Chumphon City Centre. The property is 18 km from Thung Wua Laen Beach. Chumphon Airport is 32 km away.

Featuring air-conditioning, each unit has a fridge and a flat-screen cable TV. Its en suite bathroom comes with a shower, free toiletries and towels. Some units offer a pool view.

Klednatee Resort provides a 24-hr front desk and room service. A shuttle service can be arranged upon request.
The on-site restaurant serves Thai and Chinese dishes during 12:00 to 24:00 hrs.

Armonia Village Resort and Spa 

Add: 85 Moo.5,T.Nachaang ,Muang ,Chumphon , 86000 Chumphon, Thailand 

Armonia Village Resort and Spa is located in Chumphon, 1 km from Thung Wua Laen Beach. It features an outdoor swimming pool, 2 dining options and bungalows with a private balcony. Wi-Fi and parking are free.

Overlooking the pool, bungalows come with modern Thai interiors and have plenty of natural light. All are fitted with a flat-screen TV, personal safe and an en suite bathroom. Toiletries and a hairdryer are included.

Guests can work out at the fitness centre or play a game of tennis. Car and bicycle rental services are also available for those who wish to explore the area.

The restaurant serves a variety of Mediterranean and Italian food. Pizza and refreshing beverages are offered at Beer Garden.

Deluxe options

A-Te Chumphon Hotel 

Add: 36 Thataphao Road, Muang Chumphon, 86000 Chumphon, Thailand 

Featuring free Wi-Fi and parking, A-Te offers 4-star boutique accommodation with 32-inch flat-screen TVs. It has an outdoor pool and spa. It is a 5-minute drive from the shopping district. Guests enjoy free airport transfer.

Modern air-conditioned rooms at A-Te Chumphon Hotel feature plenty of natural light and flat-screen cable TVs. They are fitted with a safe, fridge and tea/coffee making amenities. Private bathrooms have a hairdryer and toiletries.

Guests can lounge by the outdoor pool or relax with relaxing massages at the spa. Chumphon A-Te has a fitness centre and a tour desk that helps with trip planning. Shuttle and laundry services are also available.

Light refreshments are served at the Pool Bar and A-Te Cafe.

De Sea Almond 

Add: 119/17 Moo 6 Tambon Hat Sai Ri Amphur Muang, 86120 Chumphon, Thailand

Situated along the beachfront on Sairee Beach, De Sea Almond is located in Chumphon. Free WiFi access is available in this resort. Guests who drive enjoy free parking.

The accommodation will provide you with a flat-screen cable TV and a refrigerator. Shower facilities and free toiletries can be found in the en suite bathroom. Some rooms have a sea view and a mountain view.

Other facilities offered at the property include meeting facilities, a shared lounge and a ticket service to nearby islands, as well as snorkeling trips.

Fulfill your chumphon trip with delicious Food and good memories! You’ll be surprised to find that this beautiful province also offers unrivaled dishes: Seafood, unique local menus, dim sum, roti and Chumphon’s famous coffee. 

1. San Sai Seafood Restaurant

Located on a beautiful and tranquil Beach, San Sai SeaFood Restaurant has been serving their famous dishes for 20 years. While dining here, you can admire the fascinating sight of Ko Phithak and enjoy the cozy beachside ambience. You can even swim in the sea after meals if you want! There is both indoor and outdoor seating available, but the most popular spot here is the bamboo pavilion on the beach. The food here is also unrivaled. You can enjoy a delicious meal of fresh Seafood, appetising southern Thai cuisine and strong-flavoured dishes of the Northeastern region or Isan; namely, various menus of Som Tam.

Recommended menus: Fried shrimp with tamarind sauce, spicy horseshoe crab egg salad, Thai sweet and sour squid soup, and San Sai spicy salad. 

Open daily:8.00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

2. Jae Muai Kaeng Som Noodles

Even the name is mouth-watering! This 10-year-old Jae Muai Kaeng Som Noodles Restaurant combines Kaeng Som or tasty sour soup, a famous local dish of the southern region, with tasty noodles. This favourite menu of chumphon comes with fresh seaFood and ingredients in a budget-friendly price for only 50-120 Baht. Apart from Kaeng Som Noodles (Seafood noodles in sour soup), there are also other yummy dishes for you to try. It’s finger-licking good!

Recommended menu: seafood noodles in sour soup. 

Open daily:10:00 a.m. – 11.00 p.m. 

3. Hor Jiah Dim Sum

This must-visit Chinese Restaurant has been serving their appetising dishes for 3 years. When dining at Hor Jiah Dim Sum, we recommend the famous Bak Kut Teh and Chinese steamed dumplings (shrimp, pork, or crab), all freshly made with their special recipes. The restaurant is cozy and spacious with both walk-ins and reservations available. 

Recommended menus:Bak Kut Teh and Chinese steamed dumplings. 

Open daily:6:00 a.m. – 9.00 p.m.

4. Roti Faridah

Sweeten your time at Roti Faridah, one of the famous places for roti in chumphon. Located in two spacious shophouses close to the Chumphon night market, there are two branches of Roti Faridah available. Their roti, both plain and charcoal, is soft, sweet-scented and mouth-watering. All of their roti fillings are also scrumptious. We recommend roti with Massaman curry, which goes very well with Teh tarik Milk Tea. They also offer sweetened condensed milk for you to dip your yummy crispy roti. All of these are only 20-70 Baht. Don’t forget to drop by Roti Faridah if you visit Chumphon! 

Recommended menus: Roti with Massaman curry and charcoal roti. 

Open daily:6:00 a.m. – 11 p.m.

5. Tham Sing Café at Khao Mutsea

Our next stop is on top of the Khao Mutsea Viewpoint. Come enjoy the pleasant aroma of coffee in fascinating ambience at one of the most popular tourist attractions in chumphon: Tham Sing Café. The unparalleled location allows you to admire the exquisite sight of Sairee Beach. The Café’s beautifully decorated in a minimalist loft style and equipped with a spacious balcony facing the wonderful natural sight. For coffeeholics, we recommend Honey Black Coffee, made from premium Robusta coffee beans, planted for the first time in southern Thailand in Tham Sing back in 1967. And for non-coffee lovers, some fresh smoothies are recommended too. The price starts from only 50 – 65 Baht. Don’t forget to visit Tham Sing Café, great coffee and good vibes are waiting for you! 

Recommended menus: Honey Black Coffee and mango smoothie. 

Open daily:7:00 a.m. – 7.00 p.m.

6. The Chumphon Night Market

Last but not least, we’re at the chumphon night market, a night market where you can buy all kinds of famous local Food starting from main dishes, desserts and snacks. Their most popular menus, everyone’s favourites are Phat Thai, Hoi Thot (oyster omelette), Khanom Buang (crispy Thai pancake), smoothies, and much more. In the past, this market was named Thanon Phat Thai (Phat Thai Road) because there were many Phat Thai and Hoi Thot stalls. Nowadays, there are still those stalls along with other kinds of food. The Night Market will be busier at night than in the evening. However, if you have your favourite food shop in mind, don’t wait! Some Restaurants are sold out in only a few hours. Food waits for no man. 

Recommended menu: Phat Thai with fluffy Thai-style omelette.

Open daily: 3:00 – 11.00 p.m.

Get in

The public bus service operates from two terminals. The main one is some 10 km out of town, and buses from Bangkok and most other places stop there. The other terminal is in town, and buses from there go to and from Hat Yai/Phuket/Ranong only. They stop at the distant terminal both coming and going.

The railway station is in the centre of Chumphon town or travelers may wish to alight at Pathio station 30 km north of Chumphon and nearby the airport.

Various ferry companies operate ferries to, or within reach of Chumphon, and/or a bus service into the centre of town. For those in the gulf islands wishing to return to Bangkok, Chumphon is more direct than returning via Surat Thani.

By plane

Chumphon Airport (CJM IATA) (is 30 km (19 mi) north of Chumphon City in Pathio District (alternative spelling, Pathiu)).

It has direct daily flights connections with Bangkok's Don Meueng Airport DMK IATA. Flights from Bangkok are around 50 minutes. 

AirAsia and Nok Air operates multiple flights between Bangkok (Don Mueang, DMK) and Chumphon Airport, Pathio District, Chumphon (CJM).

Airport services

The airport has transit agents for onward travel to Chumphon and the islands including Ko Tao and Ko Samui.

• Organic Farm produce from Prince Chumphon KMITL University.
• Chumphon Coffee and Gift Shop adjacent to departure gates offers lattes, cappuccino, and fruit smoothies.
• Fame Tours and Services have a counter at arrivals hall offering transfer and hotel services.
• Lomprayah has an counter at the airport offering direct connections to the pier for high speed catamaran transfer services Ko Tao, Ko Phangan and onwards to Ko Samui. Songserm also have boats connections to the islands. In 2018 the Lomprayah High Speed catamaran service will move right next to the airport at its new private pier, Cape Pathiu, Chumko, Pathiu reducing transit times by several hours.
• The TAT (Tourism Authority of Thailand), Chumphon has a tourism information counter offering information on the region adjacent to the airline counters.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By bicycle

There are many smaller roads with little traffic north and south of Chumphon. The coastal road in Pathio District has dedicated bicycle lanes in a unique red bitumen. Chumphon has a bicycle shops where most parts and repairs can be made.

By car

From Bangkok, take either the Phutthamonthon-Nakhon Pathom-Phetchaburi route or the Thonburi-Pak Tho route (Hwy 35) then turn onto Hwy 4 (Phetkasem Rd) at Pak Tho, passing through Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan Provinces before arriving at the Pathom Phon intersection. Take the left turn to go another 8 km into Chumphon via Hwy 4001.

By bus

The Transport Co. Ltd. provides air conditioned buses from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal, Borom Ratchonni Rd to Chumphon daily. For information, call Tel. +66 24 355605, +66 24 351199. For Chumphon’s Bus Terminal, Tha Taphao Rd, contact Tel. +66 77 502725, +66 77 511099.

Air conditioned buses from private operators:

• Chok Anant Tour Co., Ltd. Tel. +66 2 4355027, +66 2 4357429 (Bangkok), and Tel. +66 77 511480, +66 77 511757 (Chumphon)
•  Suwannathi Tour Co., Ltd. Tel. +66 2 4355021, +66 2 4355026, +66 2 4355030 (Bangkok), and Tel. +66 77 51 1422, +66 77 501535, +66 77 511244 (Chumphon)

To get to and from these four bus terminals: 

a) The distant one: Several kilometres out of town in the middle of nowhere! This is the Southern Bus Terminal. Buses from Chokeanan Tour and Patchraporn Tour stop off in here, 16 km from Chumphon city, south along Hwy 41. To get into town from here, wait for a silver coloured minibus to turn up (ask at the bus station), and you will be taken into town for 50 baht, and dropped off any place you request.

You could also hire a taxi or, the cheapest option: turn left from Saladaeng Rd onto Prachauthit Rd and walk about 300 m. On the right is a 7-Eleven and on the left is the in-town bus station. Continue another 200 m to the intersection of Pinijkadee Rd on the right and walk along this for about 100 m. On the other side of the road are white songthaews which go regularly and stop at the bus station. Cost: 50 baht.

b) The bus terminal in-town: walk along Saladaeng Rd, away from the railway station road, with the Fame Guest House on your left, for about 300 m. Turn left into Prachauthid Rd and walk some 300 m and you will see a 7-Eleven on your right and a street opposite. On this street, which curves sharply left, there is a Yamaha dealer near the corner, and the bus terminal is immediately next to this. [This isn't in-town bus terminal as such doesn't exist This is Chok-Anant private station and Suwanathi Tour uses other place in-town]

c) The minibus terminal: This is on Krum Liang Rd (the cheap eats road, at the left end of which is the railway station). Turn right onto it off Saladeng Rd and walk about five minutes, looking up to your right. You will eventually see up an alley a series of minibuses which go regularly to Surat Thani and Hua Hin (every 45 minutes, these stop at Prachuat first). Allow 4 hours to get to Hua Hin as you have to change in Prachuap. Fares to Prachuap, 170 baht, and then on to Hua Hin, another 90 baht.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By train

The State Railway of Thailand provides daily rapid and express train services departing from Bangkok’s Hualamphong Railway Station. Further information, call Tel. 1690, +66 2 2204334, +66 2 2204444 or Chumphon Railway Station at Tel +66 77 511103. For the Thonburi Railway Station (Bangkok Noi), there are ordinary and rapid trains leaving for Chumphon daily. For information, call Tel +66 2 4113102, +66 2 6218701 Ext. 8285106.

Passengers may travel to either Chumphon Station or Pathio Station. Pathio Station is nearer to the airport and the fast developing transport hub.

If coming from Hua Hin: the fare for the basic non-air conditioned train will cost 49 baht and take about 5 hours. An air conditioned two-carriage train leaves a little earlier and is much quicker but must be booked in advance. Train leaves at 11:30 (there are others though).

There is a 3rd class train from Chumphon to Hatyai via Surat Thani every day at 6am. the fare to Hatyai is 99 baht.

Get around

Local public buses (Route: Chumphon–Sawi–Lang Suan) park in front of the Chumphon market, Tha Taphao Rd from 06:00-18:00.

Motorbike taxis at railway station Taxis are available at the taxi stand which is opposite the Chumphon Bus Terminal. This is the terminal in town. From here buses go to Ranong, then Phuket (08:00, 10:00, 11:15). Pay on the bus. To Ranong 2.5 hours, and Phuket 7 hours (although the bus is usually an hour late arriving!) The bus goes first to the distant (10 km) terminal.

There are local songthaews but you need local knowledge as to where they are going. White and maybe red ones appear to go at some point to the distant bus terminal.

To orient yourself within the town: The railway station is on Krum Liang Rd. If arriving via train, leave via the ticket office onto the road and walk past the three old steam locomotives mounted on display. After 200 m is the intersection with Saladaeng Rd. Directly ahead on this same road is where the cheap eats are. Turn right into Saladaeng and this appears to be the main hotel strip. You will soon pass the Fame Guesthouse on your left, followed by Sri Chumpon (right), Suriwong (right) and Paradorn (left some 100 m along Soi 4).