Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Situated in the Chumphon Province of southern Thailand, Mu Ko Chumphon National Park is a breathtaking maritime national park. The park is a well-liked destination for nature enthusiasts, snorkelers, and divers because of its stunning natural beauty, abundant biodiversity, and beautiful coral reefs.

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park is a must-visit location for anybody traveling through southern Thailand because it provides a distinctive fusion of adventure, peace, and natural beauty.

Let's go exploring with Asia King Travel through this national park!

History of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, established on November 24, 1989, in southern Thailand, aims to protect its rich marine biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes. Initial efforts focused on developing infrastructure and implementing conservation programs to safeguard the area’s diverse ecosystems, particularly its coral reefs. 

History of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Managed by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation (DNP), the park has promoted community involvement and sustainable tourism to minimize environmental impact. 

History of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

Despite challenges like illegal fishing, coral bleaching, and pollution, ongoing efforts and future plans focus on enhancing conservation, improving eco-tourism infrastructure, and fostering collaborations to ensure the park's natural treasures are preserved for future generations.

About Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

There are forty islands in this archipelago that are good for scuba diving and snorkeling.

Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Matra, Koh Thonglang, Koh Rangkajiu, and Koh Lawa are among the islands that are good for snorkeling. Additionally, Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai, and Koh Lak Ngam are dive sites.

About Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

The underwater nature walk is the first in Thailand, located in this national park. At Koh Lak Ngam, there is a scuba diving route. The snorkeling spots at Koh Matra and Koh Ngam Yai are the other two. They are all marked with underwater information markers, and visitors will be given a map to help them find their way.

Gorgeous scenery of Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

With the exception of a few islands where residents have built huts and received permission to gather swiftlet nests, most islands are just little rocks without any inhabitants. Koh Matra and Koh Kula are the only two islands with visitor accommodations. There is just one place to stay on Koh Matra, which is named Baan Lung Khao; on Koh Kula, there are campgrounds and a national park.

What to do in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

A variety of activities are available for tourists visiting Mu Ko Chumphon National Park in the stunning natural surroundings. While there, you can engage in the following activities:

Snorkeling and diving: Take a look at the colorful underwater environment around the Mu Ko Chumphon islands. It's a fantastic place for diving and snorkeling because of the clean seas and variety of marine life.

Snorkeling and diving

Island Hopping: Explore the national park's many islands. Every island offers beaches, vistas, and a distinct charm all its own. In particular, Ko Ngam Yai and Ko Ngam Noi are well-liked.

Beach Relaxation: Take pleasure in unwinding on the islands' immaculate beaches. Many beaches have smooth sand and calm waves, making them ideal for swimming and sunbathing.

Beach Relaxation

Kayaking and Boat Tours: Take a boat trip or rent a kayak to explore the islands' coastline and undiscovered bays. This gives you a better view of Mu Ko Chumphon's breathtaking natural surroundings.

Hiking & Nature Trails: Explore the islands' verdant tropical woods on foot. There are paths that ascend to vantage positions with expansive views of the nearby islands and sea.

Camping: You may spend a night outside beneath the stars while listening to the tranquil sounds of the ocean on some islands that permit camping.

Observing Wildlife: Look out for the variety of terrestrial and marine species that calls the national park home. Birds, monkeys, and - if you're lucky - dolphins swimming offshore—may be seen.

Observing Wildlife

Traveling cost in Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

There are a number of expenses associated with visiting Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, such as park admission fees and activities.

Entrance fees: 

• For Thai tourists, it's 40 baht for adults and 20 baht for children.
• For foreigners: Mu Ko Chumphon National Park entrance fees are about 200 THB ($6) for international adults and 100 THB ($3) for minors. In general, Thai nationals pay less in fees.

Other activities: 

• Snorkeling and Diving: Including gear rental, day tours for snorkeling often run from 1,000 to 2,500 THB ($30 to $75). The cost of diving excursions varies from 2,500 to 4,500 THB ($75 to $135) based on the quantity of dives and equipment offered.
• Kayaking: The cost of renting a kayak is around 200–500 THB ($6–$15) per hour.

Best time to visit Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

The dry season, which runs from November through April, is the ideal time to explore Mu Ko Chumphon National Park. Sunny days, calm seas, and great visibility make this time of year ideal for diving, snorkeling, and island hopping. 

Best time to visit Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

March and April are warmer, with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 34°C, whereas November through February has colder temperatures of 24°C to 30°C. All things considered, the greatest time to take advantage of the park's natural beauty and activities is during the dry season.

How to get to Mu Ko Chumphon National Park

You may travel Highway No. 4001 (Chumphon-Paknam) from Chumphon's downtown and then stay on Highway No. 4119 until you get to the Paknam Subdistrict crossroads. Proceed to turn right onto Highway No. 4098 from there. Turn right again onto Highway No. 4017 after about 100 meters, then drive another 9 kilometers to the Mu Ko Chumphon National Park office. The entire trip from Chumphon's downtown is around 23 kilometers.

Read more: Thailand tour 10 days