10 Awesome Things to Do in Chumphon for First-Timers

10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon

1. Hike to Khao Thung Yang Viewpoint

We start off with one of the best viewpoints in Chumphon, Khao Thung Yang Viewpoint, an incredible viewpoint on top of a mountain overlooking the beautiful remote Thung Yang beach. In fact, I would even dare say, it is one of the best viewpoints in all of Thailand's southeastern coast.

When I first saw the photo from this place, I knew right away that I have to make it to this viewpoint when I am in Chumphon and I'm so glad I did as the hike and view from up there exceeded my expectation completely! It is definitely the best thing you can do in Chumphon if you like nature, hiking, and remote beaches.

The mountain is located in the remote part of the province just north of Chumphon town, right at Thung Yang Beach. Right near the beach, you will find Happy Bar an awesome hippie bar and restaurant where you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the view while sipping your watermelon juice and tasting the delicious Thai food they serve there.

At Happy Bar's parking lot, you will find a small but steep cliff which is where you are going to be climbing to get to Khao Thung Yang Viewpoint. You are going to have to scramble up sharp rocks so be sure to prepare yourself accordingly.

The trailhead is located right behind the parking lot and you can follow the red rope that was installed to guide you to the right path. As you follow the red rope, you will approach an opening, do not go there thinking that there's a trail to the top. It's just a viewpoint.

The trail to the top is actually on your right where you will see a mud-covered rope as well as the small red rope going towards it. Go there instead. I almost couldn't find the trail as I thought the trail continued after that opening I mentioned. I had to backtrack my way and eventually found that I missed a very discrete turn to the top.

Once you find the rope, you are going to have to hike up the steep trail which should take you no more than 30 minutes to reach the top. The trail is quite steep at times but there are ropes and stairs installed to help assist you on your way up. Just make sure you go slowly and you should be at the viewpoint in no time.

Once you arrive at the viewpoint, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Thung Yang Beach and the beautiful rolling hills of Chumphon stretches as far as the eyes can see. It is quite a sight to behold.

Be very careful at the viewpoint as you will be standing on rather sharp rocky terrains which can scratch you bloody pretty easily. Also, it is a huge drop from the cliff straight to the beach and you do not want to be fooling around up there. Make sure every step you take is on even, firm ground before you take it, and please, PLEASE, do not risk your life for photos. It's not worth it.

Once you are done at the viewpoint, you can make your way down the same way. Just make sure you take it slow on your way down and you should be back at the bottom of the cliff in about 15 minutes. Now, you can relax and Happy Bar, enjoy a nice glass of watermelon juice, and a seafood fried rice, and rest up before we continue our journey in Chumphon. It is definitely one of the best things to do in Chumphon so be sure to check it out.

2. Drive Up to Dinsor Viewpoint

As you make your way down south from Thung Yang Beach, be sure to stop by Dinsor Viewpoint and check out the incredible view of Chumphon's pristine coastline. This is a great viewpoint to visit for those who didn't want to hike up to the Khao Thung Yang Viewpoint I recommended earlier, as it provides a great view of Chumphon's coastline as well but remains easily accessible by car.

Dinsor Viewpoint is also known as being a great place for bird-watchers who want to witness the birds of prey up close as they often spend time up here and fly around, looking for prey below.

There are over 15 types of birds of prey you can see here from Black Eagle to Jerdon's Baza. If you are interested in these birds, you can also learn a bit more about them at the information board at the tourism office at the viewpoint. If you pass by the area, be sure to drive up and check out Dinsor Viewpoint.

3. Relax at Thung Wua Laen Beach

I've visited many beaches in Chumphon as I explored the coastal route of Southern Thailand and none can beat Thung Wua Laen Beach, one of my favorite beaches in the province that captured my heart with its beautiful coconut trees, yellow sandy beach, and peaceful and quiet beach-side shops and bars that scattered along the coastline.

The sandy beach of Thung Wua Laen Beach is around 2 km long and despite having quite a few facilities like restaurants and cafes, they are mostly scattered out, allowing the whole area to retain its remote and solitude vibe which I think is pretty awesome.

At Thung Wua Laen Beach, there is also a nice minivan cafe that the owner set up near the beach where you can enjoy a nice cup of coffee while taking in the incredible view of the beach, as well as a small resort where you can spend a night or two near the beach.

Out of all the beaches, I've seen here, Thung Wua Laen Beach is really hard to beat. If you are looking for a great beach in Chumphon that strikes the perfect balance between being remote yet still providing enough facilities to enjoy, be sure to check the beach out.

4. Visit the Deer Suspension Bridge

Not too far from Chumphon City, you will find one of my favorite tourist attractions here, the Deer Suspension Bridge, an elevated bridge that goes around an island full of deers, you can explore.

The deer island is located in the middle of a reservoir which is extremely peaceful and incredibly stunning in the early morning, perfect for a nice stroll and observing all the deers on the island up close.

There must have been more than 30 deers out and about when I was there, roaming around the island freely for us to observe. You can also buy some food from the locals and feed them if you wish. It is like a zoo but without having the animals in cages which I think is the way it should be.

The deer park is open 24/7 but the deers are most active in the morning and you will likely get the whole place to yourself before local tourists arrive, so be sure to check out the Deer Suspension Bridge while you are in Chumphon.

5. Learn More About the History of Chumphon at Chumphon National Museum

If you are interested in learning the history of the province, there is no better way to do it than at Chumphon National Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving the way of life of the people here as well as telling the history of this province that you might not have heard off, like the Japanese occupation during World War 2 and the devastating Typhoon Gay that swept the entire region in 1989.

The museum is open from 9 AM to 4 PM every day except on Mondays and Tuesdays and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person. If you want to learn a bit more about Chumphon, be sure to check out the Chumphon National Museum.

6. Eat Your Way Through Chumphon Night Market

If you are looking for a nice place to grab some street food in the evening, you can't go wrong with Chumphon Night Market, located on the streetside of the main road right at the center of Chumphon City.

At the night market, you will find lines and lines of street food stalls selling all kinds of food from Pad Thai to Som Tam where both the locals and tourists can come and enjoy the evening in Chumphon.

The night market stretches much of the main road from this intersection all the way to Kiantiwong Park with not just street foods being sold here but also other kinds of products from fresh fruits to flip-flops.

The night market starts from 6 AM to 12 AM every day. It is one of the liveliest times in Chumphon with locals coming out in droves, eating their way through the market, so be sure to check it out while you are here. Just make sure to avoid driving on the main road during that time if you do not wish to get stuck in traffic for ages.

7. See the Real Fisherman Village from Above at Khao Matree Viewpoint

Not too far from Chumphon City, you will find a very local and authentic fisherman town called Pak Nam Chumphon Town, which has been established here for decades, thanks to the rich marine ecology of the estuary where the town is located, bringing prosperity to the town.

In the town, you can find places like Pak Nam Chumphon Bridge where markets often sprung up around the area every evening for you to explore but nothing beats the view you get from Khao Matree Viewpoint where you will be able to see just how beautiful the whole area is.

From Khao Matree Viewpoint, you can see just how densely packed the whole community is and how it wraps around the estuary lined with wooden fishing boats along its bank. You can also see the much Chumphon's coastline and its pristine beaches on the other side of the mountain.

The view from up there is incredible and you will really appreciate just how beautiful Pak Nam Chumphon Town really is. The viewpoint is open from 6 AM to 9 PM every day and there is no entrance fee to enter the viewpoint.

8. Explore Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

If you want to escape the bustling city of Chumphon and be among nature, you are going to love Mu Ko Chumphon National Park and its several kilometers long elevated walking path through thick mangrove forest on the coast of Chumphon.

The park covers an area of 317 square kilometers including the mangrove forest along Chumphon's coastline as well as several small islands just off the coast.

It is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including over 150 species of birds, monkeys, deer, and various marine creatures such as dolphins and whales which you can explore with a boat tour offered by the park.

One of my favorite parts of the national park is the elevated walking path they built across the mangrove forest which allows us to surround ourselves with nature and observe the incredible ecosystem that developed around the area. There are a few pavilions along the way you can sit and relax as you take in the view of the mangrove forest and its coastline.

There is also a small museum right before you enter the mangrove forest where you can learn more about the fisherman communities located on these small remote islands just off the coast of Chumphon as well as take a boat tour to visit these islands if the weather permits. You will also have to organize it beforehand and you will have to pay around 2,000 THB per boat for a half-day trip around these islands.

All in all, you can expect to spend at least 1 hour just walking around the elevated walking path and even more if you wish to do the boat tour. Be sure to inquire about it at the national park office while you are there. The national park is open from 8 AM to 6 PM every day and the entrance fee is 200 THB per person. Definitely one of the best things to do in Chumphon so be sure to check it out.

9. Check Out the Old Wat Phra Borommathat Sawi

Wat Phra Borommathat Sawi is an incredibly old temple in Chumphon that is believed to have been built during the Srivijaya Empire in the 8th century making it one of the oldest and most revered temples in the region.

The temple is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The main attraction of the temple is its ancient pagoda, or stupa, which is said to house a relic of the Buddha. The stupa is decorated with intricate carvings and is covered in gold while surrounding the pagoda, you will see several dozens of seated Buddha images facing the pagoda from all directions.

There is also a museum you can check out that houses some of the old relics and artifacts found here like Budda images from the Ayutthaya era as well as an exhibition dedicated to preserving the old way of life of the people in Chumphon complete with displays and presentations.

The best part is the museum is free for everyone to enter and you can stroll around and explore all 4 exhibitions for free. The museum and the temple are open around 9 AM to 4 - 5 PM every day and since it is located not too far from the main highway, it is a great place to stop by as you make your way down south.

10. Visit Koh Tao

Last but not least, of course, you have to visit Koh Tao, also known as Turtle Island, if you are traveling around Chumphon. It is the crowned jewel of the province that puts Chumphon on travelers' radar since the island has become mainstream in the last few decades.

The island is best known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. The underwater world of Koh Tao is incredible, boasting an abundance of coral reefs and marine life, making the island one of the best diving destinations in Thailand, with numerous dive sites suitable for both novice and experienced divers.

In fact, it is one of the cheapest places in the world to get a diving certificate with plenty of diving resorts that will sell you a diving package deal that includes diving lessons as well as a few nights at their resorts. You can also visit Koh Nang Yuan Viewpoint and capture that iconic postcard shot of the thin strip of beaches that connects the small islands together.

To get to Ko Tao, you can catch the speed boat in Chumphon from Chumphon (Lomprayah Pier). You can buy the ticket online here. If you are traveling by train or bus, there should be a Lomprayah kiosk nearby where you can inquire about a way to get to the pier. They should be able to help organize it for you.

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Southern Thailand? Here is a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3-Month Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
• Looking to change things up a little? How about we head down to the south of Thailand and explore one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
• The pearl of the Andaman Sea, Phuket, is an island full of history, cultures, and stunning beaches waiting for you to explore. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Phuket.
• There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
• Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
• Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
• Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
• If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
• For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
• Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
• Krabi is not just about beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
• Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less-trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
• Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
• For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
• You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods is among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand; Long Tail Thailand, exploring the beautiful south of Thailand; and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about you continue on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.