General Information
Chumphon is a sea coast city parallel to the Gulf of Thailand. It is the gateway to other southern provinces. Along more than 200 kilometres of Chumphons seashore, there are many beautiful and picturesque beaches. Still maintaining the natural beauty, the province is best for those who seek relaxation in the natural and uniquely quiet atmosphere.
From the documents, Chumphon was continuously the locations of many communities since the pre-historic period, especially in the area near Tha Taphao River banks. Chumphon was also one of the leading trading centers of Siam (former name of Thailand).
Due to being the frontier city, the name Chumphon is believed to derive from Chumnumphon, which means the accumulation of forces. Whenever there was any movements of the army, the soldiers would gather their forces here at this province.
The other source believed that it should be derived from a local plant named Maduea Chumphon due to its richness in this area. Therefore, naturally, this plant has become a symbol of the logo of Chumphon
Province.
How to get there
Car
From Bangkok, use highway no.4, or highway no.35 (Thon Buri - Pak Tho) and join highway no.4, pass Petchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, to Chumphon junction, then turn left along highway 4001 for 8 kilometres to
town.
Bus
There are regular buses of Transport Co., Ltd. from the Southern Bus Terminal to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact the Southern Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 2434 5557 - 8, 0 2435 1199 or visit www.transport.co.th. For the round-trip, buses leave from Chumphon Bus Terminal at Tel: 0 7750 2725, 0 7751 1094.
For air-conditioned buses, contact:
Chok-anan Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435 5027 - 9, 0 2435 7429 or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1480, 0 7751 1757.
Suwannathi
Tour: in Bangkok at Tel: 0 2435 5026, or in Chumphon at Tel: 0 7751 1422.
Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamgphong): There are both rapid and express trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 1690, 0 2 223 7010, 0 2223 7020 or at Chumphon Station Tel: 0 7751 1103 or visit
www.railway.co.th.
From Thon Buri Railway Station (Bangkok Noi): There are fast trains to Chumphon everyday. For more details, contact at Tel: 0 2411 3102.
Air
Air Andaman flies from Bangkok to Chumphon. Call 02229 9555 or visit www.airandaman.com for more information.
Communications within Chumphon and to Nearby Provinces
Bus Chumphon - Sawi - Lang Suan Route: The terminal is in front of Chumphon Market, Thanon Tha Taphao from 6 a.m.-6 p.m..
Taxi: Taxi queue is behind old market, opposite to Chumphon Bus Terminal. Taxi can be hired to Lang Suan, Ranong and Surat
Thani.
Festivals
Festival of Chumphon Sea World
This festival is held in mid-March to April every year at Hat Sai Ri. The objective of this festival is for tourism promotion and nature conservation of Chumphon. The activities consist of fishing competition, photography contest of tourist attractions, tourist attraction exhibition, and mini-marathon
competition.
Lang Suan Festival of Buddha Floating Procession, Boat Competition
This event has been the old tradition of Lang Suan for more than 100 years. Normally held in October of every year, the highlights of this festival are decorated Buddha Floating Procession from many temples. In the afternoon, the long boat competition is
held.
Lang Suan Fruit Fair
Annually held in August, the activities of this event are fruit contest, fruit market, preserved-fruit products, and competition for queen of the fruit contest.
