Chumphon Town

Maintaining the raw and authentic Thai charm without the crowds, the amazing hidden gem Sairee beach is off the tourist track and is uncrowded, unspoilt and complete solitude. Part of Chumphon Province, this area has maintained a lot of its natural beauty and has remained largely untouched by western tourism.

Known as ‘The Gateway to the South’, this area is visited a lot by the local Thai people wanting to pay respects to the Prince of Chumphon, the ‘Father’ of the Thai navy and the son of King Rama V. Prince Chumphon lived and died here and his respects are paid at a shrine at the northern end of the bay. Locals and visitors light incense and deliver a red rose to ask for a blessing from the Prince.

At the base of the shrine you can view a 68-meter long war ship, which was decommissioned in 1975 as a reminder of the towns history. Chumphon was previously a strategic military post used by the army and the navy as a place to rally the troops.

There are accommodation options for all budgets available for those who want to stick around the Chumphon area. Caty stays in the Castle Room at the quirky De Sea Almond hotel, which provides uniquely themed rooms with all the bells and whistles for every taste. Right outside your bedroom doors is the relaxing slow and steady pace of Chumphon Beach.

Beyond the beautiful beaches, the Chumphon Province is the gateway to some of the best dive sites in Asia and is the ideal destination for those who are seeking a getaway in a natural and tranquil atmosphere.

For more information, visit De Sea Almond’s website on: http://www.deseaalmond.com             

And the Tourism Authority of Thailand website: www.thailand.net.au