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#travel: Around Hua Hin,Thailand

One of the nice things about living in or using Hua Hin as a base for a holiday is the convenience in travelling to so many scenic places in Thailand. Kaeng Krachan Reservoir, Sam Roi Yot National Park, Pala-U Waterfall, Prachuabkirikan, and a bit further south, the relaxed town and beaches of Chumpon (sometimes spelled Chumphon). Chumpon ('lots of blessings') is located 270 kilometers south of Hua Hin, right on Route 4. It is accessible by bus, train, car and is even doable by motorbike (although the bigger the better). Chumpon Province, known as the gateway to the south, has approximately 475,000 friendly residents; long sandy beaches; beautiful temples and plenty to do. Many people use Chumpon as a stop-over on the way to Koh Tao or Koh Samui. The province has a 200-plus-kilometer coastline, with white sand and coral beaches suitable of rfor kitesurfing, swimming and scuba, plenty of seafood restaurants and accommodation from basic to luxury. A few of the attractions and activities you will find include:

Khao Khun Krating Cave This cave is situated 12 kilometers from Chumpon City Center along Route 41 near Chumphon Luang Suan District. There are two caves which are 30 meters above the ground. There are cement stairs leading to the cave openings.

Kaew Kho Rum Cave This cave is in village no.12, Banna Subdistrict, 25 kilometers far from Chumpon City Center along Route 41. There are many beautiful stalactites and stalagmites inside. This interior actually has two caves. They are called Tham Lom and Tham Kaew .

Phra Yai Temple This temple is in Wisai Nua Subdistrict, about 29 kilometers south of Chumphon City Center, along Route 41 near the Chumpon - Luang Suan District. The temple is home to the largest Buddha image in the southern provinces. There is a very nice scenic park for relaxing and picnicking

San of Sadej nai Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak This is a scared place for the people in Chumpon and nearby provinces. It is located in Had Sai Ree Subdistrict, just north of Sai Ree Beach, approximately 20 kilometers from Chumpon City. It is the site of the Monument of Admiral Phra Boromawong Kromluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak. The Shrine faces the sea. A large torpedo-ship named the Royal Chumphon is also here. There is also a mountain-top viewpoint with a panoramic view of the nearby islands.

Thung Makham Bay (Ao Thung Makham) This scenic bay area consists of Thung Makham Nok and Thung Makham Nai Bays. Using highway no.4119 and 4098. These are half-circle beaches, adjacent to each other, separated by the line of rocks. With long line of coconut trees and quiet surroundings, these fine-sand beaches offer a beautiful and peaceful getaway.. At the south end, Wat Suwan Khuha Khiri Wong (or Wat Pong Pang) is located under the shade of the coconut trees. At the back of the Wat facing the sea, is a long cliff.

Islands Offshore you will find numerous small islands, accessible by boat. These include: Samet Island (not to be confused with Koh Samet): Accessible by boat (approximately 30 minute ride) from village no.1 , Pak Num Subdistrict, about 8 kilometers from Chumpon city. There is the beach at the top, the island is crowned with coconut trees.

Matapon Island This island is at village no.1, Had Sai-Ree Subdistrict. It is a small island with white sandy beach.

Ngam Island In the south of Ao Thung Wua Laen. It is a medium-sized island, with beautiful coral reefs and underwater caves around the island. Ngam and nearby smaller islands are some of the best for diving.

Matra Island This is a bigger island which is only 45 minutes away from the mainland. Although the beach is a bit rocky (think Hua Hin beach), visitors can spend their time snorkeling and see the coral around the island. On the island, there are accommodations, restaurants, and fresh-water bathing services. This island is part of the Chumphon Islands National Park.

Thonglang Island This island is in village no.3, Had-Sai-Ree-Subdistrict. It's approximately 3 square rai in size. You go about 17 kilometers along Highway 4119 (Chumphon-PakNum) and pick up a small fishing boat from there. It takes 30 about minutes from shore. This island has a beautiful white sand beach, about75 meters long. The island is surrounded by coral. The island is suitable for camping.

Lang-Ka Jew Island This island has amazing scenery, the water surrounding the island is about 3 meters deep, with many kinds of beautiful coral.

Ka-Island It is next to the south end of Lava-Island. It takes about 30 minutes by boat from the shore. Although there is no beach on this island, the depth of the surrounding water is sea is 2 meters. There is plenty of coral, and many kinds of fish. Chumpon is also host to many festivals during the year. The main ones include:

Phato Rafting Held during February to April. Highlights include competitions’ mini-marathon race and rafting.

Lang Suan’s Fruits Fair This fair is organized annually around August. The fruit market here exhibits a variety of fruits and there is a fruit contest.

Traditional Boats Procession and Boat Race This event began in the King Rama III period, probably around 1844. The festival, held in October, is comprised of beautifully decorated boats carrying Buddha images from various temples.

Celebration in Honor of Prince of Chumphon Shrine Held annually during December 19-25th, this festival honors the Father of the Royal Thai Navy, Admiral Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak.

Chumphon Sea-World Fair This fair is to promote local tourism, as well as to promote the conservation of the natural resources of Chumpon. It is held annually in March at Hat Sai Ri. The activities include a fishing competition, exhibition and contest of pictures of related interesting place as well as a mini-marathon.

Chumphon King’s and Princess’ Cups Boat Race

Held annually in August, boats competing the race for the King’s and the Princess’s cups are beautifully decorated and are from different parts of the country. So, whether you are headed south or just want a few days away from the hustle and bustle of Hua Hin, Chumpon is a place not to be missed!

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