Meet the Local Whale Sharks in Chumphon Sea Unseen: Ko Ran Ped and Ko Ran Kai

     When talking about popular diving spots in Chumphon, many people would instantly think of Langka Jew Island, Talu Island, Ngam Archipelago, or Mattra Island. Today, we're taking you to another burgeoning island of Chumphon - Ko Ran Ped and Ko Ran Kai, which have just opened for tourists to dive in and marvel at the underwater beauty not too long ago.

     Ko Ran Ped and Ko Ran Kai are located in the Pattiew district of Chumphon province. Both are small limestone islands with no beaches, residences, or accommodation. The only inhabitants are Bridled Tern and Black-naped Tern birds. Beneath the crystal-clear turquoise water, a plethora of coral reefs, including soft yellow coral, white coral, gold coral, barrel coral, orange cup coral, exist. Not to mention, a multitude of fish species such as Yellowstripe Scad, yellow-sided fish, parrotfish, rabbitfish, and clownfish, highlighting the richness and diversity of the ecosystem.

     If you're lucky, you might encounter the local marine giants: Manta Rays and friendly Whale Sharks who might pop up to say hello. Tourists can swim close, but should refrain from touching, patting, or rubbing them as it could cause them injuries or transmit unknown pathogens.

     Besides the highlight Whale Sharks, there are numerous undersea rock walls, countless fan-shaped corals, and don't miss diving through the heart-shaped cave or as it's known in English, "The Heart of the Sea".

     Most tourists who come to dive at Ko Ran Ped and Ko Ran Kai usually purchase tour packages. Options for day trips or overnight stays are available. Accommodations can be found at Bang Burd Beach because there are no accommodations available on Ko Ran Ped or Ko Ran Kai.

     Getting there:

     By car: From Bangkok, use Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) through Buddha Monthon, Nakhon Pathom - Phetchaburi, or Thonburi - Pak Tho route (Highway No. 35), then separate at Pak Tho district to Phetkasem Road (Highway No. 4) through Phetchaburi province, Prachuap Khiri Khan to the Pathomporn intersection. Then, turn left into Chumphon city via Highway No. 4001, about 8 kilometers more. The total distance is about 463 kilometers, with a travel time of approximately 7 hours.

     By bus: Regular and air-conditioned buses leave from the Southern Bus Terminal, Borommaratchachonnani Road, every day, with several trips per day. The journey takes approximately 6 hours.

     By train: Trains leave from Hua Lamphong Station, with both rapid and express trains to Chumphon every day.

     By plane: Some airlines fly directly from Bangkok to Chumphon, with a travel time of about an hour.

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