Chum Kho: Bays, Mangroves and Caves

In the municipality of Chum Kho, coastal landscapes meet mangroves, reefs and caves. Temples and statues also add to the area’s varied attractions.

Beaches, Bays and Coastal Views

Hat Bo Mao in Moo 6 is a crescent-shaped beach with white sand. It is considered suitable for relaxing and swimming in the sea. At Ao Thung Sang in Moo 5, fine white sand and rock formations shape the coastal landscape. Ao Yang, a small bay in Moo 5, lies about 500 metres from Ao Thung Sang; its views are considered particularly beautiful. The area thus offers a variety of landscapes: a curving beach, a small bay and a rocky coast.

Laem Thaen in Moo 1 is a low hill that extends into the sea. From the Laem Thaen Daen Song Tawan viewpoint, you can watch the sun rise over the sea in the east in the morning. There is also a statue of the Prince of Chumphon at Laem Thaen, where visitors can pay their respects. Coastal scenery and religious devotion come together here as two distinct aspects of the area.

Reefs and Nature

Ko Khai is located in Tambon Chum Kho and is considered a place for diving and observing coral and giant clams. The coral reefs on the island’s northwest side cover 70 rai, while those on the south side cover 47 rai. In a survey, both sides were rated “very good.” The Chum Kho giant clam conservation area is located at Ao Hin Kob and Ao Bang Chak in Moo 5 and Moo 6. When planning your trip, it is useful to distinguish between the marine attractions: Ko Khai is associated with reefs and diving, while the conservation area is located at two named coastal sites.

The mangrove forest in Moo 2 is a mangrove conservation area and a learning site about the mangrove forest ecosystem for school pupils and university students. At a planting event on 1 August 2022, 300 seedlings of the small-leaved mangrove were planted there. The forest offers a different view of nature from the coast, with mangroves and their ecosystem at its heart.

Caves and Temples in Chum Kho

Tham Nam Lot in Moo 3 is a relatively small cave. Water emerges on the other side of the mountain. At Wat Tham Khao Phlu, the cave landscape is intertwined with religious history: the temple is located in a limestone hollow and is known in Pathio and Chumphon as the temple of Luang Pu Jeet. After the temple was abandoned and fell into disrepair, Luang Pu Jeet had it restored.

Tham Khao Phlu is also home to an old Buddha image in the Maravijaya pose. It is estimated to be about 200 years old and is locally called Pathio Phra Lak Mueang. A replica statue of Luang Pho Jeet Punyasaro commemorates the former abbot of Wat Tham Khao Phlu. Nature and culture here cannot be reduced to a single attraction: the cave, the temple’s history and the religious images each have their own significance.

Spectacled langurs are also among the area’s natural attractions. The animals protected by Wat Tham Khao Phlu live on the hill near the temple; Khao Phlu conservation area is considered a place where spectacled langurs can be observed. In Chum Kho, coastal and cave landscapes are thus accompanied by a distinct focus on wildlife and conservation.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

When looking for a holiday rental in Chum Kho, you can use the area’s natural and cultural attractions as a guide. If you are mainly interested in beaches and bays, consider Hat Bo Mao, Ao Thung Sang and Ao Yang. Reefs and mangroves offer a different natural focus, while caves, temples and the history of Luang Pu Jeet may appeal to those interested in cultural history. If you are travelling with children or several generations, you can weigh up these interests together without assuming that every offering is suitable for all age groups.

Discover more destinations: Tha Taphao, Ban Na, Phato, Saphli, Wang Phai, Wang Mai, Pak Tako, Thung Kha.

For the regional travel overview: Chumphon.