The Chum Kho subdistrict brings together a range of travel interests: beaches and the sea, reefs, mangrove conservation, caves and Buddhist heritage. Its coastal areas range from a crescent-shaped beach to an island with coral reefs; temples and caves add cultural history to the natural attractions.
Coast, Reefs and Protected Areas
Hat Bo Mao is a crescent-shaped beach in Moo 6 with white sand, considered suitable for relaxing and swimming in the sea. Ko Khai is in Chum Kho Subdistrict and offers a different perspective on the coast: the island is considered a place for diving and observing coral and giant clams. Its reefs extend over 70 rai on the northwest side and 47 rai on the south side; both areas were rated “very good” in a survey. Thus, the beach and swimming at Hat Bo Mao offer a different focus from diving and the underwater world at Ko Khai.
The giant clam conservation area is near Ao Hin Kob and Ao Bang Chak in Moo 5 and Moo 6. Another nature conservation site is the mangrove forest in Moo 2: it is a mangrove conservation area and also a learning site about the mangrove forest ecosystem for school pupils and university students. At a planting event on August 1, 2022, 300 small-leaved mangrove seedlings were planted there. The Khao Phlu conservation area for wildlife, plants and the environment is also among the community’s natural attractions; dusky langurs can be observed there.
Bays and Viewpoints
Ao Thung Sang in Moo 5 has fine white sand and striking rock formations. The small bay of Ao Yang is about 500 meters from Ao Thung Sang; its view is considered especially beautiful. The contrast highlights two distinct landscape features: sand and rocks here, a small bay with a particularly notable view there.
Laem Thaen in Moo 1 is a low hill that juts out into the sea. From the Laem Thaen Daen Song Tawan viewpoint, both the sunrise over the sea in the east and the sunset behind the mountains in the west are described. The morning and evening views thus offer two distinct perspectives on the landscape. A very different cave is Tham Nam Lot in Moo 3: it is relatively small, and water emerges on the other side of the mountain.
Caves and Temple History
Inside Tham Khao Phlu cave is an old Buddha image in the Mara-Vijaya posture, about 200 years old and called Pathio Phra Lak Mueang. Another Buddha image stands in the large cave at Wat Tham Khao Phlu. This image also shows the Mara-Vijaya posture; it is estimated to be at least 225 years old. It is 80 centimeters wide and 120 centimeters tall. The two images therefore have their own respective age estimates, and dimensions are provided only for the image in the large temple cave.
Wat Tham Khao Phlu is located in a limestone cavern and is known in Pathio and Chumphon as the temple of Luang Pu Jeet. Luang Pu Jeet had the temple restored after it had been abandoned and fallen into disrepair. The cave also contains a replica of the statue of Luang Pho Jeet Punyasaro, the former abbot. The dusky langurs protected by Wat Tham Khao Phlu live on the hill near the temple.
A range of interests can guide your choice of where to stay: beaches and swimming, marine life, bays and views, or caves and temple history. Consider which of these themes matters most for your trip, and choose Chum Kho accordingly as a starting point for your accommodation search.
Discover more destinations: Wang Phai, Pak Tako, Tha Taphao, Ban Na, Wang Mai, Thung Kha, Saphli, Phato.
Return to the main travel overview: Chumphon.
