Chumphon & Mainland
Chumphon is for most travelers just the gateway to the islands — this is where the ferries to Koh Tao depart. But the mainland province deserves more than just a transit. If you have a day to spare, it's worth a stay.
★★ Chumphon Town & Surroundings
The small provincial capital (33,000 inhabitants) is an authentic Thai place without mass tourism. The night market at Tha Tapao Pier (daily 5–10 PM) offers excellent street food at local prices: fried mussels (40 ฿), grilled squid (60 ฿), Som Tam papaya salad (40 ฿). The atmosphere is genuinely Thai — you might be the only Farang (Westerner).
★★ Beaches Around Chumphon
Thung Wua Laen Beach — The most beautiful beach in the province: 4 km of white sand, calm water, hardly visited. A few small resorts and restaurants, but miles away from the commercialization of Samui. Perfect beach day for 500 ฿ (deck chair 100 ฿, lunch 150 ฿, drinks 250 ฿).
Haad Sai Ri — Closer to town, somewhat busier. A good compromise between infrastructure and tranquility.
Getting to the Islands
From Chumphon, ferries and speedboats depart daily:
- Lomprayah Catamaran to Koh Tao: 7 AM and 1 PM. Duration: 1:45 hrs. Price: 600 ฿. The fastest and most comfortable way
- Songserm to Koh Tao: 7 AM. Duration: 2:45 hrs. Price: 450 ฿. Slower, but cheaper
- Night Ferry: Departure 11 PM, arrival Koh Tao 5 AM. Price: 400 ฿ (deck) / 600 ฿ (mattress). Saves a night of accommodation
From Bangkok to Chumphon: Night train from Hua Lamphong Station (departure 7:30 PM, arrival 4:30 AM). Sleeper car: 600–900 ฿. Alternatively: VIP bus from Southern Bus Terminal (8 hrs, 550 ฿) or flight to Chumphon or Surat Thani (from 1,200 ฿ with Nok Air or AirAsia).
💡 Tipp
The night ferry to Koh Tao sounds romantic, but it is loud and uncomfortable. Better take the morning catamaran and enjoy the view. Combo tickets (bus + ferry) from Bangkok to Koh Tao are available from 900 ฿ — convenient but lengthy (12 hours total).