Chumphon - More Than Just A Stepping Stone to Koh Tao
Lost in Chumphon: A First-Timer's Misadventures in Thailand's Southern Gateway Ever heard of Chumphon? If you haven't, you're not alone! While travelers rush through this southern Thai province on their way to more famous destinations like Koh Tao or Koh Samui, few stop to explore this overlooked coastal gem. Their loss is your uncrowded gain. Getting There (Both Easy and Hard) Getting to Chumphon is surprisingly straightforward, though explaining to people why you're going there might be the real challenge. Option 1 : Train from Bangkok For about 400-700 baht ($11-20) depending on class, you can enjoy an 8-hour journey on Thailand's charming (read: delightfully unpredictable) railway system. Opt for the overnight sleeper train if you enjoy waking up every 20 minutes to the sound of mysterious mechanical clanking. Option 2 : Bus from Bangkok Express buses run frequently from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal for around 350-450+ baht ($10-13+). The 7-hour jou...