Chumphon is often being described as the gate of the south. Here the real Southern Thailand starts with its culture, dialect, food, traditions and more visible "presence" of the Islamic part ot Thai population.

ATTRACTIONS: Wat Sala Loi is located about 6km to the west from the centre, so to get there either rent a bike or just take taxi. There is many other attractions around the town (Beaches, Caves, other 2 guru-temples as well as the famous Shrine of Prince of Chumphon - the highly revered ruler of the Chumphon province, who saved many peoples lives during the WWII Japanese attacks). To the beach take a yellow "son-thaew" taxi towards the Gabana resort (20min/30B). The night food-market takes place along the main road every evening.

ACCOMMODATION: If you wanna stay at a cheap and friendly place definitely go for " NEW CHUMPHON GUESTHOUSE" aka "KAE HOUSE". The guesthouse is run by a young Thai lady Kae with support of her family. Kae and her brother Khun are great fun and Kae's cuisine is getting quickly famous among tourists. The place also provides motorbike rental and all sorts of tickets and tours.

NEW CHUMPHON GUESTHOUSE (KAE HOUSE)
27 Krommaluang Soi 1, Chumphon, Thailand
tel. (+66) 084 192 92 44
email: kakaekookik@hotmail.com
You can find more info and some pictures at www.chumphontour.com

JATUKAM AMULET SHOP IN CHUMPHON: Jatukam amulets have gained massive popularity among  Thai people during the past year. These round and fairly big amulets can be seen literally everywhere - despite their size most of people wear them, you can see them pictured on posters and T-shirts, they are being main topic of various amulet books and  magazines as well as TV programmes and  newspapers. Many temples all around Thailand started releasing them because the current demand is simply unbelievable and the price people are willing to pay is growing far above the well known "oldies".
Since Jatukams have their origins here in Southern Thailand (Nakhon Sri Thammarat) the South is probably "the" place to rent one. Thus for those of you who haven't your Jatukam yet, i have to recommend:

Mr. Seksak Kratinhom (Tum) who has precious collection of Jatukam (Nakhon Sri Thammarat, Khun Pantarakrachadej and the other batches) for rent. Eventually also call +6677571074 or +66874199853
or possibly Mr. Bank (+66866296219 or +66841929244). Thai is preferred but English communication is also possible.

Don't get cheated at markets, visit this reliable shop.