Chumphon is a gateway to Thailand’s southern provinces and Islands in the Gulf of Thailand with more than 200 km of coastline featuring numerous unspoiled beaches, Chumphon is an ideal destination for those who are seeking relaxation in a natural and quiet atmosphere.

It has a tiny little airport and it’s operational only for few hours a day, so make sure you book your transportation well in advance as airport gets a deserted look once those few flights leave in the morning. We managed to get a taxi to drive around the town.

The drive was mostly next to the ocean with lot of greenery around and had to pass through small villages to reach Chumphon town.

Some beaches on the outskirts are off-beat and you might be the only one there at times. Had our brunch in a restaurant called “Mae Mai Seafood” next to a quite beach.

They served typical Thai food with green pappaya salad(Som Tam), Shrimp salad, seafood fried rice and crispy fried fish with Chilli garlic sauce.

Later we went to the “Krom Luang Chumphon Shrine”. People visit this place to worship and pay homage to Admiral Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse. He had a great gratitude for the nation and he provided the foundation for Royal Thai Navy Administration.

The shrine is located on the Sai Ri beach where he died, there is a viewpoint of  sandy beach as well as the bay in front. One can hear intermediate sounds of firecrackers bursting which is practiced as a ritual while praying.

After spending some time there we went to the jetty to get a ferry to our next island destination. We returned to Chumphon few days later and stayed for a night here.

The markets are very lively in the evening and it’s always good to have a feel of local life. We stayed near “Tha Taphao Alley” and went to a food stall at the public market market, there were lot of curries available along with other delicacies.

Was asking about the food items displayed and how it is prepared to the owner. She was very friendly and gave me sample of almost all the items there to taste and didn’t charge me for it. Thai fish organ sour soup, fish curry sauce, sweet sauce, fried prawn, dried fish fry and many more.Got some tender coconuts and fruits from the market as well.

While walking in the street found some Thai people sitting and watching Muay Thai with so much passion. They do love this sport!

And there are lot of good quite cafes as well where you can spend time. Want to spend some time away from busy cities of Thailand and indulge in some local Thai experiences then this is the place. There are also some activities like snorkeling/diving and island hopping which can be done. Mu Ko Chumphon national park is one famous place which can be visited here.