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| The
gateway to the South, Chumphon is an elongated province
with 220 kms of coastline, offering many fine-sanded beaches
and attractive offshore islands, with plenty of opportunities
for sunbathing, swimming, yachting, paragliding, diving
and snorkelling. |
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| The
most popular beach is Sai Ri, close to the town and lined
with some good seafood restaurants. Here you find a small
museum and statue to Prince Chumphon, founder of the Royal
Thai Navy, and an old torpedo boat The Royal Chumphon. |
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| Other
beaches worth visiting are Thung Wua Laen, a long quiet
stretch of sand that hosts an annual windsurfing contest,
and the idyllic semi-circular bays of Thung Makham Yai
and Thung Makham Noi. However, the many islands just offshore
are a real treasure, particularly Samet, Mattra and Ngam
Noi. Growing numbers of divers are attracted to their
excellent coral formations and abundant sea life. |
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| By
contrast the hinterland of mountains and forests provides
attractions for many eco-safaris, which are discovering
the beauty of Khlong Phrao National Park, a forest park,
waterfalls and numerous caves. |
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