Plato Eco-Rafting Festival 2012
When: 11 - 12 February 2012
Where: Phato Canal, Chumphon
Chumphon Province invites all Thai and International visitors to witness the pristine beauty of nature and have fun with a thrilling rafting whilst taking in the scenic scene. Highlights include a chance to taste a variety of delectable food from the community for free and to enjoy diverse cultural performances as well as live music shows. Also featured is a sale of products from OTOP Project from Chumphon and other nearby provinces.
When: 11 - 12 February 2012
Where: Phato Canal, Chumphon
Chumphon Province invites all Thai and International visitors to witness the pristine beauty of nature and have fun with a thrilling rafting whilst taking in the scenic scene. Highlights include a chance to taste a variety of delectable food from the community for free and to enjoy diverse cultural performances as well as live music shows. Also featured is a sale of products from OTOP Project from Chumphon and other nearby provinces.
Weather and Climate
Chumphon is situated between the Gulf of Thailand to the east and the mountain range
to the west. It has a tropical climate with dry and wet season. The weather in summer
is not too high and not too low in the dry season. To make to most of the sunshine and
the bright blue sea, check the weather before you travel.In this section, temperature, amount of the rainfall of each month and the best time to visit are shown to help you plan the best time to visit Chumphon including actual time and temperature, the wind, sunrise and sunset time.
Getting There
Chumphon is located 463 km south of Bangkok and it can be reached by car, bus and train.
The railway distance is approximately 476 km. The train leaves from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong
Railway Station. The bus services depart Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok daily. Driving
provides nice views on the Highway, in particular you can drop by at many attractions along
the way. This section provides information on directions to drive from Bangkok to Chumphon, bus, train and flights, all are provided with schedules.
Attractions
With an area of 6,009 sq km, Chumphon is brimmed with natural attractions in water and on land.
The 222-km coastline contributes to serene beaches as well as offshore islands such as Koh Kai,
Koh Talu, Koh Ngam and prolific dive sites. A bit away from the brine, verdant forest is a home
to caves, waterfalls and rivers. Chumphon has a long history lasting over a thousand year and
has been a centre of strategic military sites as well as ancient civilisation. The cultural and
historical sites have been built for reminisce and remembrance of the past. Also many beautiful
temples have been built and open for all to pay respect and visit.Useful guide on interesting places in Chumphon in this section will help you plan a perfect holiday.
Beaches & Islands
With 222-km coastline, Chumphon features a variety of beaches of distinct atmospheres. All of them
are peaceful and create relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Some have beautiful curved bays. Some
are filled with white soft sand and fringed by coconut trees providing nice shades from the sun.
Some have stunning cliffs and some are preserved by nature as the habitat of the aquatic animals.
Offshore, there are big and small surrounding islands. The rock formations and the prolific underwater
world attract nature lovers to explore. There are also accommodation on some islands such as Koh Talu
and Koh Mattra and the rest is suitable for snorkeling, scuba diving and sightseeing. This section
provides useful guide to all of beaches and islands in Chumphon.
Koh Tao
Chumphon is the hub of transport to one of the most gorgeous dive sites in the world, Koh Tao. The
island also has beautiful rock formations and breathtaking beaches such as Sairee Beach, Mae Haad Bay,
Sai Daeng beach, Ao Leuk Bay, Cape Thian, Chalok Baan Kao as well as Nang Yuan, the picture perfect on
the postcard.Useful information on the island, its surrounding, attractions, activities, nightlife as well as transport to make a perfect holiday is provided in this section.
Activities
Known for one of the world’s best dive sites, Chumphon is the point to leave to Koh Tao that
provides such an experience when you explore its waters. There is a host of aquatic activities
such as fishing, visiting surrounding islands, kayaking. A variety of inland activities also
provide a great option to satisfy various interests. A home to rainforest, Chumphon provides
opportunity to hike and trek in the verdant forest. Bird watching and fireflies sightseeing are
popular activities. Some active sport like kite surfing, white water rafting and IPSC shooting
is available. Those who are interested in agrotourism can arrange for a trip to fruit gardens.This section provides useful information on activities in Chumphon including where and when to find them.
Diving in Chumphon
Facing the Gulf of Thailand, Chumphon has prolific and stunning underwater landscape. Witness the
aquatic lives in vivid colours in the clear blue sea at Koh Ngam Noi and Koh Ngam Yai, Hin Pae,
Hin Lak Ngam, Koh Rarn Ped, Koh Rarn Gai and Koh Rung Ga Jew. The sites here provide opportunity
to dive for all levels of divers. Some are also ideal for snorkeling. Divers can see spectacular
seabed formations with variety from coral gardens to rock piles and caves. The visibility varies
from 20 metres. There are abundant corals and fish such as bearded Scorpionfish, Barracuda,
Blue-spotted Ribbontail Rays, parrotfish, anemone even whale shark and manta ray. This section features information on the diving sites in Chumphon with information of what you can expect to see at each site.
Dining in Chumphon
Chumphon offers a good choice of dining and a variety of cuisines. You will be spoilt for choice.
Not only freshly caught seafood and Thai but also food of other nationalities whether you feel
like Chinese, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Muslim, Vietnamese, vegetarian and western food and
whether you would like to dine with the oceanview, the river or urban ambience, Chumphon has all
to offer.This section provides a complete list of restaurants with locations, addresses and contact numbers.

Amphoe Thasae
Amphoe Pha Thiew
Amphoe Sawee
Amphoe Thung Tako
Chumphon Town
Amphoe Lang Suan
Amphoe Lamae
Amphoe Pha Toh
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