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Region: Southern Thailand> Province: Chumphon>Location: Chumphon Beaches

Chumphon Beaches sights and attractions

Krom Luang Chumphon Monument - Dedicated to the founder of the Thai navy

Description
The monument is on a rocky headland at the northern most tip of Hat Sairee from where there is a great view of the nearby islands. It's dedicated to a local admiral with an incredibly long name who was the founder of the Thai Navy. At the foot of the hill a large naval torpedo boat, the Royal Chumphon, which was de-commissioned on 26 November 1975, has become a permanent attraction. The monument itself is quite striking, and the grounds are usually filled with patriotic Thai tourists. There's a huge pile of firecrackers that is lit daily--the pile smoulders for long periods until one of the strings of firecrackers goes off, delivering a sudden, deafening barrage.

Ko Maphrao - Once off limits, now possible to visit

Description
It used to be off limits to tourists, but now tours can be arranged--just ask around in Chumphon, or go to the Haad Sai Resort for more information. Not that you would, but don't go out there on your own--you might be shot! The nest of the sea swift is highly prized in China, used to make one of the most expensive dishes in the world: birds nest soup. People have been known to fetch as much as US $5,000 a pound for the nests, and the guy that owns the island doesn't like to share the wealth with potential poachers. Locals in Haad Sairee have taken to making the top floor of their building into a bird sanctuary, hoping the golden gulls will nest there and make them rich.

Khao Chao Muang Hill Viewpoint - Great views

Description
About 2km down from the southern end of Haad Sairee, you'll find the entrance road to the viewpoint, climbing up the hill, a few hundred metres back from the beach. From here it is a short but stiff hike up the hill to the viewpoint itself. The view, particularly of nearby Ko Maphrao is spectacular and there are also some nice walks down the wooded hill to a number of small bays on the other side of the headland. Haad Sairee songthaews and buses stop at the end of the beach though Thung Makham bound buses will drop you off at the entrance.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park - Very undeveloped

Moo 5, Ban Phong Phang
reserve@dnp.go.th
http://www.dnp.go.th/parkreserve/


Description
Travelling around Thailand, it's easy to feel like you're surrounded by nature--sandy beaches and coconut palms everywhere, cattle grazing on medians, geckos and snakes and monitor lizards popping up everywhere. But entering into a preserve like Mu Ko, only 23km from Chumphon town, provides a more profound experience of what the land has to offer--it'll make even some of the more remote places you've visited feel overdeveloped. The park covers 317 square km, including 70 km of coasts, and several hills, reaching 255 meters at the highest point. It encompasses a diversity of forest types--including limestone forests, beach forests and mangrove forests--and of course there are all manner of critters running and flying around. You can stay overnight here--there's a camping area, and bungalows on the Pong Pang Viewpoint go for 600 THB per night, and accommodate 2 people--add 100 THB for each extra person. Dorm beds, with no bedding, are available for 50 THB. There are also two restaurants. A good place to visit to make the best of your stay in Chumphon. You can arrange transportation to the park through any of the travel agencies in town.