Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติหมู่เกาะชุมพร) is a marine national park in the Gulf of Thailand, consisting of nearly 40 islands off the coast of Chumphon Province. Established in 1999, the park covers 317 km² (198,125 rai) of pristine islands, coral reefs, and surrounding sea. The old name of the park was Hat Sai Ree.

The park encompasses a diverse range of natural resources — tropical rainforest on the larger islands, long white sand beaches, clear turquoise water, and vibrant coral reefs that attract snorkellers and divers. Two of the islands are habitats for swiftlets, whose nests are harvested for birds' nest soup. The islands are spread across several districts: Mu Ko Chumphon's beaches include Hat Thung Makham and Hat Sai Ri in Mueang Chumphon District, Hat Arunothai in Thung Tako District, and Hat Tong Khrok in Lang Suan District. The best time to visit is the dry season from November to April; the park is less accessible during the monsoon (May-October).

By Plane

Chumphon Airport (CJM IATA) is the nearest airport, in Pathio District, served by Thai AirAsia and Nok Air from Bangkok Don Mueang.

By Train

Chumphon Railway Station is the main rail gateway. From the station, take a taxi or songthaew to the ferry piers at Thung Nakham Noi or Hat Sai Ree.

By Car / Road

From Chumphon town, the park's mainland access points (Hat Sai Ree, Thung Makham) are 15-30 km south by road. Buses from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal serve Chumphon, from where local transport continues to the piers.

Longtail boats and tour boats from Chumphon's piers provide access to the islands. Most visitors join a snorkelling day trip that visits several islands. Private boat hire is also possible.

• Hat Sai Ree — A long beach on the mainland in Mueang Chumphon District, one of the park's main access points with white sand and clear water.

• Hat Thung Makham — Another beautiful mainland beach within the park area.

• Mu Ko Chumphon islands — Nearly 40 islands with white sand beaches, coral reefs, and tropical forest. Key islands include Ko Mat, Ko Maprao, Ko Kula, and Ko Rang.

• Coral reefs — Colourful coral gardens surrounding the islands, home to abundant marine life.

• Swiftlet caves — Caves on two islands where edible birds' nests are harvested.

• Snorkelling — The park's clear waters and healthy coral reefs make it a top snorkelling destination. Day trips visit multiple islands with excellent underwater visibility.

• Scuba diving — Deeper reefs around the outer islands offer diving opportunities.

• Swimming — The beaches on both the mainland and islands are safe for swimming during calm weather.

• Beach relaxation on the park's many white sand beaches.

• Boat touring — Island-hopping tours from Chumphon's piers.

• Photography — Seascapes, coral reefs, and tropical island scenery.

Simple food and drink stalls operate at the main beaches (Hat Sai Ree, Hat Thung Makham) during high season. Most visitors bring a picnic or eat at the Chumphon pier area before departure.

Bring plenty of drinking water, as options are limited within the park. Soft drinks are sometimes available at the main beaches.

• Camping — Basic tent camping may be available at some beaches; contact the Department of National Parks in advance.
• No accommodation on the park islands. Most visitors stay in Chumphon town or at Thung Wua Laen and visit the park as a day trip.
• The nearest accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses in Chumphon (300-800 baht) to beach resorts at Thung Wua Laen (800-1,500 baht).

No shops within the park. Bring all supplies from Chumphon town.

• Chumphon — Town with national museum, railway station, and access to ferry piers for the park, 15-30 km north.
• Ko Tao — World-famous diving island ~2 hours from Chumphon by high-speed catamaran.
• Thung Wua Laen — Chumphon's most popular mainland beach, 15 km south.
• Pathio — Coastal district with Ao Bo Mao beach and Chumphon Airport, 30 km north of town.