Chumphon, Thailand: What to do in this hidden gem?
📍Location:
Chumphon is located in Southern Thailand, facing the Gulf of Thailand. It's a relatively undiscovered destination, rarely visited by tourists, and retains a non-commercialized charm. Despite its low profile, it boasts a beautiful coastline, abundant marine resources, and is Thailand's second-largest durian growing region.
🦌Kiam Wooden Bridge
The Nong Yai Wooden Bridge spans the vast Monkey's Cheeks Reservoir, built in 1989 to prevent flooding in Chumphon. It's currently being developed into a tourist attraction (still under construction, with no commercial facilities yet). While the wooden bridge itself isn't particularly unique, the area is home to many deer and deer-themed elements. For just 20 baht, you can interact with these adorable creatures.
🚢Kao Matri View Point
This hilltop viewpoint offers stunning views of the floating houses at the mouth of the Chumphon River on one side and the stretching coastline on the other. Without excessive entertainment facilities, it's not exactly a "check-in" hotspot, but it's the perfect place to witness a beautiful sunset and enjoy a moment of tranquility.
💰Durian Orchard
Chumphon is a major durian-producing region in Southern Thailand, cultivating various durian varieties, primarily Monthong. We were fortunate enough to visit a durian orchard where the owner has over 500 decades-old durian trees laden with ready-to-harvest fruit. Thanks to the owner's hospitality, I tried durian for the first time. It was surprisingly good – no unpleasant odor, just a sweet, soft, and sticky delight!
🙋Overall, while Chumphon may not be a particularly well-known tourist destination, if you appreciate peace, quiet, and natural beauty, it's definitely worth considering.