Chumphon is known as the gateway to the south of Thailand as it is the starting point to many of the islands and beautiful coastal provinces.
Boasting an amazing array of natural beauty – from mountains to beaches, Chumphon has a lot to offer to discerning travelers. There is also a distinct culture hidden within all the communities and fishing villages.
Most travelers come through this coastal province to get to Koh Tao, leaving it unexplored to its potential. While we had no plans to head further on to any islands, we were short on time as we had to be back in Bangkok for an event.
With only 2 days in our packet, we had to be picky with how we spent it. That’s when we decided to explore as many beaches and viewpoints of Chumphon.
I’ve pinpointed all the beaches and viewpoints for you guys if you want to check them out as well. The green pins are from day 1 and the blue pines are for day 2. I basically divided the spots based on whether they were on the north or south end of our hotel.
Day 1
Our first morning in Chumphon started by making our way south of our hotel (Novotel Chumphon). We mostly stuck to the scenic route with a few stretches on the main road to reach our destinations.
Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Shrine
Although built in many places around Chumphon and even one in Bangkok, the Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak (aka Prince of Chumphon) shrine Sairee beach is the most significant.
The first thing you will undeniably notice when you arrive here is the magnificent decommissioned navy ship. I wonder if we can climb it. There were no signs saying otherwise.
The entire complex is actually quite impressive. Two small temples are situated right next to the ship. In front, Sairee beach. It is a charming amalgamation of nature, culture, and history.
If that doesn’t marvel the senses, there is a small hill to the north. You can either climb the stairs or drive up. Atop this hill is the shrine and a beautiful panoramic view of Sairee beach and the Gulf of Thailand.
I imagine it to be touristy if it wasn’t for COVID but it is also frequented by merit-makers.
Sairee Beach
Sairee or Sai Ri beach is a cozy little beach with plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels.
It looked like a nice place to chill but we didn’t have much time so we had to move on to the next spot.
Khao Chao Mueang Viewpoint
Not far from Sairee beach is one of the best lookout points in the area. After driving up a scenic but steep road, you have to park your car. To get to the viewpoint, it is just a 200m or so easy walk further up the hill.
You will immediately see a giant Buddha statue on a white platform. It is facing the ocean just as you will be. I was quite surprised and delighted to come across this.
The view looks out towards a few islands. The closest one is Koh Maphrao with Koh I Raet and Koh Lawa out in the distance.
Ao Thung Makham Beach
After driving for about 10 minutes further south, we came across a sort of “hidden” beach. This was an accidental find as I saw an off-road entrance to this beach on our way to the Khao Phang Pang Viewpoint.
The most noticeable thing about this beach (other than that it is kind of secluded) is clearly the shipwrecked boat. Very cool! I wonder what is the story behind it.
There is also a temple around the corner from here worth seeing. I’m not sure if it is being renovated or newly built.
Khao Phang Pang Viewpoint
Right across from the entrance of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, there is a very steep and winding road that leads to another viewpoint.
Side note: we did not go to the national park. We should have but figured that it would probably take half a day right here.
Anyways, the Khao Phang Pang viewpoint is quite nice. Looking straight from the platform, you can see Ko Thonglang and the Gulf waters. While I enjoyed this view, looking back towards the road, it was slightly more impressive with the national park in the background. It kind of made me think of Jurassic Park.
Kanika and I actually started wondering how big the dinosaurs would be compared to the trees down there.
From here we continued to drive along the coast (as close as possible) with a ton of scenic views. Most of them we couldn’t take pictures of because we decided to enjoy it and be in the moment.
I marked some of them on the map though.
Ban Bo Kha
Our next stop was at Ban Bo Kha in Sawi District. It is a fishing village with a very charming and quaint vibe. I know we travel bloggers use these words loosely. But it really is. See for yourself.
These wooden shophouses look amazing!
I was hoping to try the local food here and buy their products but everything was shut. It was quite sad to see. Those who were out and about were not so happy to see me either. I was getting some serious stares. This is not usually the case when I travel. People are often very friendly as they smile and wave. Something was awry here.
This little pier and lookout point is cool though.
Had Sai Ri Sawi
Next, following the 4011 road down south, we were treated with more scenic views.
Our final stop before lunch was the Had Sai Ri Sawi viewpoint (marked Scenic Route Viewpoint on the map). It is right in front of the Prince Chumphon Veterans Memorial Shrine. You can’t miss it since there is a massive dirt platform on the side of the road.
Pharadonphap Beach
After lunch, we headed back to our hotel for some rest. Shortly after I went to the beach right across. Pharadonphap Beach is not the best looking beach but there was something about it.
I took a walk on this long, curved stretch of a beach while looking at some of the islands across. It was very calming.
The story behind this beach is that it is where Thailand and Japan called for a truce during World War II. The word Pharadonphap means brotherhood.
So there you go.
Khao Mutsea Viewpoint
This is one of Chumphon’s most iconic viewpoints. It has a spectacular 360 degree panoramic view of Chumphon. It’s not even that high but you can see so much from up here.
Khao Mutsea (labeled as จุดชมวิวเขามัทรี on Google Maps) was extremely close to our hotel. A 4-minute drive and up a steep winding road lead us here.
Half of the view is of the city and mountains in the distance. The other half is the coast, ocean, and islands. What more can you ask for?!
I left it for last of the day on purpose, in hopes of catching a glorious sunset.
If only you can also feel what you can see here. Apart from the sight, all the other senses were aroused on this evening. There was a calmness in the air, even with music and the national anthem playing in the background.
Day 2
The next morning I decided to head back to Khao Mutsea viewpoint again. Unfortunately, it was drizzling and there was a massive overcast across Chumphon. Still, worth the revisit.
After this, we checked out from our hotel to head north back to Bangkok. However, I decided to take the scenic route along the coastline and check out all the beaches or viewpoints along the way.
It started raining at this point so I could not capture any photos of Pak Hat Beach, which was first on our list. Instead, we did stop for an early lunch at ก๋วยเตี๋ยวเรือริมเล ปากหาด – a local boat noodle restaurant.
Laem Hua Mong-Kho Kwang Viewpoint
This is one of the coolest lookout points in all of Chumphon. White sandy beaches are great but rocky ones are more interested. I enjoyed skipping and parkouring over the rocks. However, they were a bit slippery from the rain so I had to be a little careful.
If you notice in the map, this area juts out in the ocean, allowing multiple vantage points. However, since there are many trees around, you don’t get a full 360-degree perspective.
Scenic Village Bridge
Not far is a bridge that crosses over an estuary and a fishing village. The view from this bridge is absolutely breathtaking. Not only do you see the river open up to the ocean, the fishing boats and villagers going about their daily life really adds character.
Thung Wua Laen Beach
If I had to assume, Thung Wua Laen Beach is the most popular one in Chumphon. Well at least before COVID hit. It seemed pretty touristy with all the bars and restaurants that clearly catered to them. However, on this day, EVERYTHING was shut. Not a single outlet open! It’s seriously heartbreaking to see all the shuttered businesses.
The beach itself is quite nice. Soft sand dotted with palm trees stretch for about 3 km with plenty of spots to swim.
This declining palm tree was the highlight for me though. I actually came across this on Instagram and went looking for it. Luckily, it wasn’t hard to find (right across from The Curry Shack at The Crooked Palm).
Ahhh, now I get it – the crooked palm!
Ao Bang Son Beach
Laem Thaen Lookout
This is another beautiful viewpoint from Chumphon that looks over east to the Gulf of Thailand with Koh Khai (that tiny island) in the distance.
In addition to the view, the spot is highlighted by the statue of H.M. King Chulalongkorn aka King Rama V.
There is also a beach below that you can access from the steps behind the trees on the left corner. I didn’t go due to the lack of time.
Cape Pathiu
While this is not exactly at Cape Pathiu, were pretty close. I think we missed a turn so we stopped at the nearest beach.
If you can see the pier on the right, that is the actual spot. However, I’m glad we came here because of all the fishing boats and the marvelous panoramic view.
Ok we are almost done now. 2 more spots before we head back to Bangkok.
Thung Maha Bay Viewpoint / Wat Kaeo Prasert
This viewpoint is promoted a lot on the 4015 road. There are markers ever so often so it is hard to miss it. Thung Maha Bay lookout houses a temple complex and a giant Buddha at the top.
It was kind of a creepy scene here actually, making it an interesting Urbex-type location. The way up is also quite steep for both cars and walking. We drove up and that was a bit scary for us already.
However, the view is pretty sweet from up here. You get it all to yourself as not a single soul was present. Although I did feel like I was being watched. I was getting goosebumps.
Thung Yang Beach
The best for last? Maybe. Thung Yang beach is probably one of the coolest beaches in Chumphon. Not because it has beautiful water or sand. It doesn’t. Rather because of the striking background of Karst limestone cliffs and mountains. This gives a different perspective and depth that you don’t get at most other beaches.
Apparently, there is also a viewpoint from the cliff on the right, but I had no idea how to get up there. If I’m not mistaken, it is where Malagor Cave is. Next time I will try to go up. Until then – this is the view from up there.
Also, there is a sweet reggae bar here that I would love to chill back at (couldn’t tell if it was open or empty).
Speaking of places I missed out on and want to visit next time, here are some more below.
Missed out spots
Here are some beaches and viewpoints I wish I had time for (marked with red pins on the map).
Doi Tapang viewpoint
Wat Khao Chedi
Khao Dinsor
Sand dune / Bang Boet Beach
Coral Beach
I hope this beaches and viewpoint bucketlist / checklist helps you decide to visit Chumphon someday. I certainly want to visit again and experience a different side of the province.
Let me know what you think of these places in the comments below.
Nicely done sir, very enjoyable and educational read, back down to Chumphon soon, it is one of my fav places
Thank you so much, Steve. So glad you enjoyed and inspired you to go back someday.
Certainly got some nice pics from your trip down south and amazing how much you packed in, in those two days. Oh, yes you can climb up on the ship, nice to explore the wheelhouse and play on the rotating anti-aircraft gun.
Thanks Kevin! I certainly had to get my fast travel game into gear. Really need more time to explore. Next time I am in town, will give you a holla. Same to you if you’re in Bangkok ever.
Wow! The beaches look amazing! I also love small villages – the fishing village looks very interesting.
It was and I would have explored it a bit more if it wasn’t for all the dogs and people staring.
We are very sorry we did not get to this part of Thailand when we visited. I love when we can find hidden beaches on our travels. And those great viewpoints too. The temples are an added bonus! We love to visit small fishing villages. But sad to hear that much is closed. Definitely a lot to explore in the Chumphon Beaches.
Don’t feel bad. Most don’t. I’m only seeing it now AFTER 25 years of living here. I wish I traveled more growing up.
Wow, what gorgeous beaches and viewpoints! I never made it to this area of Thailand but will have to make it a priority next time I’m there. It seems like there is lots to see and doing Chumphon!
That is the thing about any city, town or province…there is always more to see. We just don’t have the time to do it all. Sadly.
I loved my time in Thailand and really loved exploring the southern beaches. But sadly I never made it over to Chumphon or anywhere near Koh Tao! After seeing all your pics, I really want to go back! I LOVE all the different viewpoints you captured like Khao Chao Mueang Viewpoint and the Khao Mutsea view at sunset is amazing! The beaches look nice too but it looks like I would be climbing all the areas to catch the views first, SO I may need a week or longer to get some beach time too!
Hey Eric, where did you go down South? I hope this virus BS ends soon man and you can travel here. Feel free to reach out anytime if and when you come. Thanks for dropping by with your comments 🙂
This article is very informative, we have heard about so many beaches and islands, but the beaches you have mentioned were never much in limelight. One needs to spend a considerable amount of time in Thailand to enjoy these beaches. Your photography is awesome and it captures the essence of the place beautifully. I especially liked the boat wreck at Ao Thung Makham Beach.
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