:: City Attractions part 2

Wat Chao Fa Sala Loi Located on Chumphon - Ao Thung Wua Laen route, tourists can reach this temple by turning left for 6 kilometres, before reaching the Chumphon Irrigation Office. This old wat is worshipped among the Chumphon people through the strong faith in Luang Pu Song, a most revered monk whose body is believed to have not decayed after his death. A big Sala tree inside the wat sprouts orange flowers and strange looking shape stems. The tree is significant because Lord Buddha was born under a Sala tree.

Monthip Fish Park From Chumphon, use Highway No. 4, turn right to Ban Khun Krating, then turn left to Wat Tham Sing, then right for 1 kilometre. This private park is decorated with flowers and rocks. There is a large pond at the front, with carp and a variety of beautiful fish. This park is open to the public, contact Tel: 0-7755-5100.

Also, there are tourist attractions nearby such as Kaeo Kho Ram, with stalactites and stalagmites, on the same route to Wat Tham Sing. Dae Cave and Chang Phueak, and located 100 metres down the road.

:: Lang Suan

Somdet Phra Srinagarindra Park Located at Moo 7, this venue is 65 kilometres from Chumphon and is reached by turning right at the Lang Suan crossroads, and continuing for another three kilometres. This garden is beautifully decorated with flowers and the statue of the Princess's Mother is the highlight of this garden. Not far is Tham Khao Ngoen, in which is the inscription of King Rama V's initials. Another inscription on the wall is No.108, when, during the Ratanakosin Era, he visited the Malaya Peninsula in 1889. Also, there is a Chedi in front of the cave.

Ko Phitak Situated in Tambon Bang Nam Chuet, this small island has beautiful rocks and is surrounded by fishermen's villages. There is a small beach to the east, which can be reached by fishing boat from Paknam Tako. Tham Khao Kriap This is one of the most beautiful caves in the south. It is 85 kilometres from Chumphon along Highway No. 4 (Chumphon-Lang Suan), and turn right for another two kilometres. There is a Buddhist temple at the foot of the Khao Kriap hill. Inside the cave, there is also a Buddha image besides the stalactites and stalagmites.
:: Thung Tako

Hat Arunothai From Highway No. 4, turn left to Highway No. 4096 for 6 kilometres. This beach is situated 60 kilometres from Chumphon. Visitors can observe the lifestyle of the local fishermen on this quiet beach. Near the beach, there is the Prince Chumphon's Shrine. Nearby is Paknam Thung Tako- the site where fishermen of Thung Tako depart for their voyage to the sea. The view of these fishermen's daily routine is very colourful and impressive.

Khlong Phrao National Park Being the origin of rivers and canals in Chumphon, this Park covers the area in Amphoe Thung Tako, and Amphoe Muang. Use Highway No. 41 to Lang Suan Crossroad, turn right for 15 kilometres. In the rainy season, the best vehicle to use is 4-wheel drive. There are many natural attractions such as Namtok Thap Chang, a 2-level, mid-sized waterfall which is the most beautiful in the Park. The park's area is suitable for overnighting, bird watching, and trekking for nature study. For further details, please contact the Natural Resource Conservation Bureau, Forestry Department, at Tel: 0-2579-7223.

:: Sawi

Hat Sai Ri Sawi This beautiful beach is located in Tambon Tha Hin. To visit the beach, use Highway No. 41 (Chumphon-Sawi route), turn left to Sawi - Bo Kha route for 12 kilometres. This large beach is parallel to the coconut line, and is very suitable for relaxation. It is the venue where the very impressive lifestyle of the fishermen can be seen.

Chumphon Horicultural Research Center It is the training center for the cultivation of the MAWA coconut plant that was bred from the African and Malaysian species. The Center occupies an area of 1,700 rai (1 acre = 2.5 rai). The office and residence are at the front, while at the back is the planting area for pepper, coffee, cocoa and coconuts.


Wat Phrathat Tham Khwan Muang This temple is at Moo 4, Tambon Napho, two kilometres from from Sawi and 48 kilometres from Chumphon, on Chumphon-Lang Suan route. At the 37-km marker, turn right for 500 metres. The temple's shady area is surrounded by many plants. The highlight attraction is the Chedi on the top of the hill which contains the Lord Buddha's relics. At its base is a large area which is ideal for viewing the panoramic surroundings.

Wat Phrathat Sawi The temple is located on the bank of Sawi River. The Chedi of this temple contains the relics of the Lord Buddha. The legend of this Chedi goes back to the Ayutthaya period. The Phra Suea Muang Shrine is situated in front of the Chedi, near the bank of the river.

Tham Thip Prida This cave is at Moo 2, Tambon Khao Khai. Tourists can use Khao Pip - Khao Thalu route for 16 kilometres, turn left for 4 kilometres to Hua Kaeo junction, and turn left for another 6 kilometres. The total distance from Chumphon is about 70 kilometres. There are about 40 beautiful caves with ponds inside. Also, the surrounding area is composed of various mountains with beautiful caves.

 
 
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