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CHUMPHON
The gateway to the South, Chumphon is an elongated province with
220 kms of coastline, offering many fine-sanded beaches and attractive
offshore islands, with plenty of opportunities for sunbathing, swimming,
yachting, paragliding, diving and snorkelling.
The most popular beach is Sai Ri, close to the town and lined with
some good seafood restaurants. Here you find a small museum and
statue to Prince Chumphon, founder of the Royal Thai Navy, and an
old torpedo boat The Royal Chumphon.
Other beaches worth visiting are Thung Wua Laen, a long quiet stretch
of sand that hosts an annual windsurfing contest, and the idyllic
semi-circular bays of Thung Makham Yai and Thung Makham Noi. However,
the many islands just offshore are a real treasure, particularly
Samet, Mattra and Ngam Noi. Growing numbers of divers are attracted
to their excellent coral formations and abundant sea life.
By contrast the hinterland of mountains and forests provides attractions
for many eco-safaris, which are discovering the beauty of Khlong
Phrao National Park, a forest park, waterfalls and numerous caves.
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