Popular charming mainland beaches include Hat (beach)
Pharadonphap, Hat Pha
Daeng
(Red Cliff Beach), Hat Arunothai. Hat Arunothai
is suitable for camping with hiking trails and rock-climbing
nearby. Other peaceful bays with beautiful beaches
include Ao Thung Makham (Tamarind Field Bay), and
Ao Tung Wua Lan. Another one is Hat Sai Ri (Arc
Sandy Beach), famous site of the shrine dedicated
to H.R.H. Prince Chumphon, the founding Father of
the Royal Thai Navy, in the form of an ancient British
motor torpedo gunship.
Slightly 30 minutes boatride from the mainland
are the picturesque islands of the Mu Koh Chumphon
National Marine Park consisting of Koh Samet, Koh
Mattra, and Koh Thong Lang. Koh Rat is ideal for
camping, fishing, and scuba diving. Rocky beaches
and coral beds infused with sea fans surround Koh
Chorake (Crocodile Island), making it perfect for
scuba diving. Cliff-dwelling sea swallows inhabit
and build their
nests on the islands of Maphrao (Coconut), Rang
Nok Island or Lanka Chiu Islands. Their nests are
prized delicacies of local gourmets and the Chinese
population in Thailand. Collecting it can be a very
dangerous task, reserved only for the truly skilled
workers. Because of the danger of unauthorized poaching,
visitors must seek permission to visit the islands
from the company possessing the nest-collecting
concession.
Wat Thep Charoen, or better known as Wat Tham Rub
Raw (Temple of Rub Raw
Cave),
contains a total of 8 main caves situated on a hillside.
Mystical myths passed down through each generation
that 2 of the caves, Tham A-thay (Beginning of the
Caves) and another cave further in, contains hidden
treasures. The caves houses an ancient, sacred Buddhist
image, the city’s guardian, believed to date
back to 548 B.E., and beautiful stalactites.
Khao Chedi Ayuthaya style chedi (pagoda) which
is on the top of the hill. Respect Pra Burapa Banphot
which is next to the chedi. Admire beautiful view
around Pa Thiew District and the district center,
Khao Plu, Khao Maew as well as the wonderful coast
of Pa Thiew.
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