ATTN: think of this route the other way around - you start in the north and move southward. My tour was the other way around, so just read everything backwards! . . . . . . . . . . . The South—starting from Chumphon—to name just a few highlights:
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. Here, you can take a tour through the mangrove forest. You can stay overnight at Ao Tung Makham Beach.
Next are the two beaches near Chumphon: Hat Sai Ri and Thung Wua Laen Beach. I once stayed at Thung Wua Laen in April and traveled into Chumphon for Songkran. Down here in the South, Songkran is celebrated with great gusto!
At Ao Bang Son, you’ll find plenty of accommodation options and seafood galore. Out on the headland, there is a small memorial dedicated to seafarers, complete with a viewing platform.
Do NOT miss this! You simply must take Route 4015.
If you are arriving from the south, begin your northward journey on Route 3253 just north of Chumphon Airport. At the "Ban Pak Khlong Police Station," turn right onto Route 4015—and stick to it. A word of caution: the road makes a sharp right turn near "Wat Bang Waen School"; if you continue straight ahead, you’ll be completely lost! Route 4015 is known as the "Scenic Route." The most magnificent spot along this stretch is up at Wat Kaeo Prasert, a site you absolutely must visit. From there, you are treated to a wonderful view of the bay and the offshore islands.
I’ve always enjoyed leaving the main roads behind in this area and following my nose—exploring the side streets that wind their way down to the coast—wherever they might lead. There is always something interesting to see. A few insider tips along this route: Thung Yang Beach, the "Happy Bar," and Malagor Cave.
Continuing further north, you will cross the provincial border into Prachuap Khiri Khan. You’ll transition from Route 4015 onto Route 1015. Simply keep following Route 1015 northward, hugging the coastline all the way.
If you’re in the mood for an excursion, this is the perfect opportunity to take a fantastic snorkeling trip out to Ko Talu. The resorts along the coast offer these excursions, including the "Pine Beach Resort" at Had Laem Son.
Other attractions include "Sing Rock" and the "Red Cliffs."
You should definitely make a side trip to Bang Saphan and Somboon Beach—and perhaps also visit Bo Thong Lang Bay and the Wat Bo Thong Lang.
Just past Bang Saphan, you arrive at Ban Krut. I won't give too much away here, but Ban Krut is truly a unique destination in its own right. Along the beach, you’ll find quite a few excellent resorts;
in the evening, of course, the place to go is "Platoo Seafood" (my mouth still waters just thinking about it).
In Ban Krut, you should treat yourself to a stay of a few nights, and then take some driving excursions into the hinterland; there are two waterfalls and nature parks located west of the Phetkasem Highway.
Furthermore, you certainly shouldn't miss driving up to the "Krommaluang Chumphon Khet Udomsak Palace." And for those with the stamina, you can continue walking further up to the
Phra Mahathat Chedi Phakdee Prakat Temple.
Well, that brings my tour suggestions to a close for now.