Greetings, everyone! As the weather transitions from hot to rainy season, many alluring destinations beckon. However, due to time constraints, us office workers can only sneak away for a quick getaway. After much deliberation, we decided on a trip to Chumphon, inspired by the captivating posts of fellow travelers. The charm of this province truly captivated us.

Departing from Bangkok in the evening after work, I braved the notorious traffic of our metropolis. However, reaching Chumphon by tonight would be too ambitious. I decided to rest for the night at the Prachuap Beach Hotel, saving my energy for the journey to Chumphon tomorrow.

Hotel rooms in Prachuap Beach

The view of Khao Chong Krachok can be seen from the window of the room.

Another perspective from the window of a house in the city of Prachuap Khiri Khan

This hotel is also suitable for relaxing and reading books.

Ambiance of the hotel

The view of Khao Lom Muak is breathtaking. It is likely that access to the mountain will only be granted during long holidays.

On the other side... I saw Khao Chong through the window... but unfortunately, it wasn't planned... so I didn't go up.

Dried fish… I don't know what kind of fish it is… I looked left… I looked right… I didn't see any locals so I didn't know who to ask.

After finishing lunch, I immediately set off on my journey.

The first stop of my morning program was a gas station... haha... to grab a cup of coffee... because I had to drive a long distance, about 2 hours or more.

This time, I'm on a serious trip. Before entering Chumphon town, I had to pass through Pratiu, so I stopped by Ao Tung Sang to admire the beautiful, clear, and peaceful beach.

Ao Tung Sang Beach

I also encountered a small crocodile... Locals call it "lan".

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After a short drive from Ao Tung Sang Bay, I spotted a sign for Laem Taen and decided to explore the area to see what it had to offer.

The atmosphere around Laem Thaen...has a pavilion for sitting and relaxing...enjoying the view of Ao Bo Mao Bay.

A wide stone courtyard is located below this area.

The area of Laem Thaen features low, rolling hills that protrude into the sea, offering a large rock platform from which to admire the panoramic views of Ao Bo Mao Bay.

A scenic viewpoint with a unique charm

The Laem Taen viewpoint offers a different kind of scenic beauty. Unlike other beaches, it lacks sandy shores, instead featuring a landscape of rugged rocks.

From the pavilion, the view is obstructed by trees.

Departing from Laem Taen, I continued my journey according to my planned itinerary. In truth, I had not planned to visit Laem Taen, nor was I familiar with it. However, I happened to come across it while driving and decided to stop by. Haha! Khao Dinso is located approximately ten kilometers from Laem Taen. Before entering Chumphon city, I stopped to admire the scenery.

Khao Dinso is the highest peak in the Pa Tio district, standing at approximately 736 meters above sea level and located about 20 kilometers from Chumphon town. During the late rainy and early winter seasons, this location becomes particularly popular as a gathering spot for birdwatchers and photographers, both professionals and amateurs. They come to witness the arrival of hundreds of thousands of migratory raptors, including hawks, fleeing the cold weather and seeking food in the south. These birds pass through Khao Dinso between September and October each year.

From this vantage point, one can enjoy panoramic views encompassing the Chumphon Sea, the beaches of Thung Wua Laen, the patchwork of orchards and fields, and the rugged mountains that stretch across the border into Myanmar.

The panoramic view from Khao Din Som offers breathtaking vistas.

The road leading up to Khao Dinso is quite steep and winding.

The breathtaking scenery of Chumphon's coastline, with its lush fruit orchards, sprawling rubber plantations, and rolling hills stretching as far as the eye can see, creates a captivating panorama.

Descending from Khao Dinso, we headed to another viewpoint before checking into our accommodation at Khao Matree. The sun was beginning to set, and the sky was ablaze with color. The view from the top of Khao Matree must be breathtaking.

The mountain offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the Pak Nam Chumphon community and the beaches of Chumphon Sea. The view is especially breathtaking during the late afternoon when the sun is setting, casting a warm glow over the landscape. From this vantage point, visitors can admire the scenic beauty of Chumphon town.

On the summit of Khao Matsee, the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in the Maharatcha Leela posture, resembling the seated posture of the deity Jatukamam Ramathep, gazes out towards the Chumphon coastline. To the right lies the Hat Phrarathip Beach.

From this vantage point, one can observe the sizable fishing community of Pak Nam Chumphon, a bustling hub due to its role as a fishing port. It's worth noting that the ascent to the peak is steeper than that of Khao Dinso, but the climb is relatively short, spanning only about a kilometer.

A Romantic View with Coffee at Tham Sing

Nestled at the scenic viewpoint, Tham Sing Coffee Cave offers a delightful spot to sip fresh coffee while enjoying breathtaking views of the Phra That Beach. The cafe's balcony extends outward, providing a perfect vantage point to admire the panoramic vista. Surrounded by vibrant flowers, the ambiance is particularly romantic, making it an ideal destination for couples seeking a picturesque escape.

Here's another tip: don't forget to use the restrooms here. They're super chic and open-air, so you can enjoy the view while you do your business. Haha.

The Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in the Mahārājalīlā posture, which resembles the sitting posture of the deity Chatuchakarm Ramathep.

This viewpoint offers a picturesque spot for couples to take photos with the sign. To the right, you'll find the Tham Sing Coffee shop, which boasts a balcony extending towards the panoramic view of Phra Daeng Beach.

Looking out to see the Friendship Beach

Beach Road, Phra Daeng Road

View of Paknam Chumphon

A view of the community and the boats parked in rows.

Another angle of the Chumphon sea at dusk. Very beautiful.

Lions on the observation deck of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva

A sign for taking pictures... with a view of the Pak Nam Chumphon community in the background.

In front of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva courtyard.

Front view of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva courtyard.

The sunset is stunning.

Before sunset, I hurried down from Khao Matree to check into my accommodation for the night. I stayed at the Novotel Chumphon Hotel, which I had booked during the Thai Travel Fair from Siam Catamaran, a diving tour company. Upon arrival, I immediately checked in to rest after a long day of travel. The Novotel is located on Phra That Beach, but it is not directly on the beachfront due to a road separating the beach and the hotel.

The lobby area of the Novotel

I was thinking of taking a dip in the pool, but I don't have time.

The area surrounding the hotel rooms.

Interior of the room

Another angle.

The bathroom features a toilet, a sink, and a large mirror that offers a clear view of the bed.

On the balcony of the room.

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The front of the hotel in the evening.

Another view of the hotel's atmosphere.

The Novotel's rooms are clean and spacious. I'm exhausted from walking. It's getting late and I'm starting to feel hungry. In front of the hotel, there are prominent beachfront restaurants, including Krua Jea Ang and Luy Restaurant. They are just a short walk across the street from the hotel entrance.

I apologize for not being able to take pictures of the food, as there were too many mosquitoes. Even with the restaurant's mosquito repellent, it was impossible to take pictures. We had to eat quickly and return to our accommodation.

The atmosphere of Krua Jea Ang

The sun has set on Freedom Beach.

The sun has set, and the sky is beautifully lit.

A view of Jeh Aang's kitchen from the Phara Daraphirom Beach.

This morning, I had breakfast at the hotel. The food was decent, but the selection was somewhat limited.

Let's get ready for today's program. I'm going scuba diving with Siam Catamaran Tours. The tour picked me up at the hotel and took me to the Siam Catamaran pier. They checked me in, registered me, and gave me my scuba gear. The boat left around 9:00 AM. The tour took us scuba diving at a total of 4 islands.

• Ngaam Noi Island

• Large Ngam Island

• Skull Island

• Ko Thalu

The ship has departed…yay….come and sit in the control room

The atmosphere during the cruise

Observing the activities of local fishermen.

Watching the fishing boats sail by, back and forth, leisurely.

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The fishing boats are packed together.

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The sky is clear today.

The boat sailed on, taking in the sights and the way of life.

The mangrove forest has a beautiful atmosphere.

Almost there.

About to enter the bay

The mouth of the Chumphon Bay

Let's go to the sea...go go !!

Embarking on a vast and uncharted sea.

The water began to change color and

Head straight to Koh Ngam Noi.

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The view is not far now, Ko Ngam Noi is on the right-hand side.

A Tiny Paradise: The Beauty of Koh Ngam Noi

Koh Ngam Noi, a small island off the coast of Thailand, captivates with its stunning beauty.

The officer told us to be prepared.

Under the rocky overhang, there is a small hut for the bird's nest guards to live in.

Jump in! The water is crystal clear.

It looks like the movie Pirates of the Caribbean.

Departed from Koh Ngam Noi

Ngaam Noi Island is one of the islands in the swallow's nest concession area of Chumphon Province. Outsiders are strictly prohibited from entering the island. However, the underwater environment around the island is very rich and beautiful. The water is very clear. I dived down and saw a lot of sea anemones, clownfish, and schools of small and large fish, including elephant ear fish. It's a pity I didn't bring an underwater camera.

While cruising, the tour guide mentioned that if we were lucky, we might see a gentle giant like a whale shark. Unfortunately, we weren't so lucky and missed the opportunity. Oh well!

Leaving Koh Ngam Noi, we continue to Koh Ngam Yai, the highlight of this diving trip.

The Enchanting Underwater World of Koh Ngam Yai

Koh Ngam Yai boasts a pristine and breathtaking underwater environment. As soon as I jumped in, I was greeted by a dense carpet of anemones teeming with vibrant Indian red anemonefish. Parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish gracefully glided through the crystal-clear water, adding to the mesmerizing spectacle.

Compared to Koh Ngam Noi, I found Koh Ngam Yai to be more captivating. The rocky formations, with their shallow crevices and gaps, allowed me to effortlessly drift through, immersing myself in the underwater world. This intimate encounter with the marine life surpassed the experience at Koh Ngam Noi.

Diving Hotspot: The Rocky Promontory of Koh Ngam Yai

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The coral here is very beautiful.

Another perspective of Koh Ngam Yai

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Highlights of the Trip: The Hand of the Buddha

Nature creates unseen masterpieces.

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Upon disembarking from the Siam Catamaran, the tour staff invited us to enjoy a buffet lunch while cruising towards Koh Khao Laem. Due to Siam Catamaran's late departure, we had to eat during the boat ride. As we sailed past Koh Ngam Yai, we witnessed the unseen side of the island, known as the "Right Hand of Buddha," a unique and stunning landmark.

Koh Khao Laem

Sailing to Skull Island, I saw the tour guide say that the shape of the island resembles a skull. I jumped into the water to dive without waiting for the officer to finish explaining. At first, I thought, "Why is the island so small? What is there to see?" But it wasn't what I thought. As soon as I dived down, wow... there were so many corals! There were brain corals, staghorn corals, and elkhorn corals in abundance. It was truly abundant. While diving, I saw a school of small, silvery fish everywhere. There must have been hundreds of thousands of them. They swam back and forth through me while I was diving. I heard from my brother that if I was lucky, I might see a school of giant trevally, but I didn't see any.

Despite its small size and tranquil appearance, Koh Khao Laem boasts an abundance of fish. Our journey continued to the final island of our trip, but during the boat ride, I noticed a group of fellow tourists looking drowsy, as if they had been deprived of sleep. Haha.

They hadn't even visited all the islands yet, and they were already exhausted. Haha.

Unseen Angle of Koh Taluh: Another highlight of this trip, a heart-shaped channel.

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Heart of the Island of Thalu

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The Heart of Koh Taluh

Diving spots of Ko Thalu

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We have arrived at the final island, Koทะลุ. It is a small limestone island with several large cave openings that appear to straddle the water's surface. The tour guide informed us that it is possible to swim through these caves to reach the other side. However, I am unsure how feasible this is given the presence of both rocky outcrops and an abundance of sea snails in the vicinity.

Upon diving, I observed an abundance of fish around the island. However, during my visit, jellyfish were prevalent throughout the surrounding waters. I encountered numerous fish species, including silver-gold ghost pipefish, rockmover wrasses, and emperor angelfish. Despite the presence of these species, the overall biodiversity was not as impressive as the previous three islands.

As we emerged from the water, the boat set sail from Koh Talum, heading back to the mainland. Evening was approaching.

Returning to the mainland, this angle provides a view of all four islands where I went diving.

The underwater scenery of the Chumphon archipelago is breathtaking.

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Officials have stated that Koh Samet is accessible to visitors, but unlike Koh Samet in Rayong, there is no regular ferry service. To reach Koh Samet in Chumphon, it is necessary to charter a boat.

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Passing through small and large islands on the way back to the shore

Entered the bay

Fishing boats were seen lined up everywhere.

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Views along the way

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After arriving at the shore, I spent another night at the Novotel and then went into Chumphon town for dinner, which is about 20 kilometers from the hotel.

This morning, I skipped breakfast at the hotel to maximize my rest before the long drive ahead. After checking out, I took a detour to visit the Chumphon Bay before heading to the Nong Yai Royal Development Project.

Chumphon Bay area.

On the way to the Nong Yai Development Project under Royal Initiative.

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We have arrived at the Nong Yai Development Project, in accordance with His Majesty's initiative.

Built in just one month by a team of only seven people, the stunning structure stands as a testament to human ingenuity and efficiency.

Let's explore the Saphan Mon Kiem wooden bridge path.

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I'm afraid the bridge will break when I walk on it, haha.

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A constant breeze blows.

The project showcases demonstrations of crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Additionally, the project offers homestay accommodations for those seeking to immerse themselves in the local nature. The bridge provides a refreshing breeze, even under the sun's rays.

The final stop of this trip was a visit to the Nong Yai Development Project, which was completed according to the royal initiative. Then, we continued our journey to Pran Buri, as I needed to find accommodation there for the night. Returning home directly would have taken several hours and been too far.

I opted to take the Sam Roi Yot route before entering Pran Buri.

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Lavana Escape: A Pool Villa Retreat in Pranburi

This sentence describes Lavana Escape, a pool villa resort in Pranburi, Thailand. The author found it appealing during the "Thai Travel Thai" event and was drawn to its promotional offer.

Nature Study Trail of Pranburi Forest Park Mangrove Forest

Before returning home, I paid respects to the ancestors of the Thai kings for good luck, concluding my trip to the southern part of Thailand.

Royal Park Rajabhakti, 7 Kings of Thailand

Translation:

On the way back home, I stopped by the Phra Khan Rai Shrine in Samut Sakhon to pay my respects and had dinner at Krua Lung Ya. This concludes my trip to the south, which involved a long journey but included many impressive unseen places and stories. Thank you for following along.