Chumphon, well-known for its lengthy coastline adjacent to the Gulf of Thailand, is home to several beautiful sandy beaches. Among these, Tham Thong Beach stands out with its breathtaking 5-kilometer stretch that extends all the way to Bang Boet in the Prachuap Khiri Khan province.
What makes Tham Thong Beach particularly intriguing is the fine-grained sandy coastline embellished by the peculiar limestone hill formations and idyllic seaside villages. This beach is also blessed with a road shaded by a canopy of casuarina trees, making it an ideal route for a leisurely drive or a scenic bike ride.
One of the first attractions on this picturesque coastal route is the “Bang Boet beach” area, marking the final community before entering the province of Chumphon. Small clusters of houses can be seen scattered around, the thickest of which are located in the “Bang Boet Beach” area, right beside the “Bang Boet hill”. In this area, you can find modest bungalows and sea-food restaurants. It's not overcrowded with tourists and mostly frequented by locals, making it still quite pristine and under-exploited.
If the name “Bang Boet” rings a bell, you're probably thinking of "Bang Boet Melons" — a breed of watermelon renowned for its large size, juicy flesh, and sweet flavor. It is widely enjoyed by consumers and has a robust market in Bangkok and even extends to Penang. Thus, many people associate Bang Boet with these watermelons.
The same road will take you to the quaint fishing village of "Ban Tham Thong," home to the "Tham Thong Hill," a local landmark. The must-see highlight here is Tham Thong Beach itself, a broad and vast beach devoid of artificial modifications. It's perfect for a workout run or a breezy bike ride along the seafront road.
Such unspoiled public spaces are increasingly rare these days where everyone can enjoy them without fear of being chased away by resort owners. Although beaches are public spaces, once a hotel or resort is built along the coastline, it often implicitly becomes a private beach. Thai people, being considerate, hardly dare to cross these territories. But here in Tham Thong, you can relax and appreciate the public beach in its true natural form.
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