Must-Visit Diving Spot in Chumphon - “Ko Thalu”
When visiting Chumphon during the summer, a destination on many people's lists is the Chumphon Archipelago National Park. And your trip wouldn't be complete without diving at Ko Thalu, a renowned spot in the Chumphon Archipelago. Known for its rare underwater flora and a distinctive heart-shaped cave, it's definitely a place worth checking out.
Ko Thalu is a small limestone island located in the southern part of the Mu Ko Chumphon National Park, or Chumphon Archipelago, a famous diving spot in Chumphon province. It's approximately 13 kilometers from Chumphon River Mouth. Despite its small size and lack of sandy beaches, the beauty of the underwater world surrounding the island makes Ko Thalu just as charming as any other island.
An iconic feature of "Ko Thalu" is a large hollow spot in the middle of the island, formed by the erosion of seawater, big enough to swim through. At sunrise and sunset, you can see the sun shining through the hollow, creating a truly mesmerizing view. Another highlight is the heart-shaped cave on the other side of the island. This cave entrance, shaped like a heart, adds a quirky and charming touch to this tiny island.
But Ko Thalu is more than just an island with an interesting shape. It stands out for its rich underwater life, especially the small coral reefs and colorful sea anemones found only in the waters of Chumphon. Although the island is perfect for both deep and shallow diving, if you're able to deep dive, we highly recommend it. You'll get a closer look at the beautiful corals and sea anemones and you might even get the chance to swim with a school of fusiliers, angelfish, and blacktip reef sharks.
How to Get to Ko Thalu?
Given that it's a small island with no accommodation or other facilities, Ko Thalu is ideal for a day trip, best combined with a package tour of the Chumphon Archipelago. In fact, you can set sail from several locations, including Chumphon River Mouth or Thung Wua Laen Beach. However, if you plan to visit Ko Thalu, the closest departure point is from Chumphon River Mouth, only about 13 kilometers away. If you have time left after visiting Ko Thalu, you can continue your underwater adventure at other islands in the archipelago.
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