Day 179 – Chumphon, Thailand

August 4th, 2019

Chumphon was a nice break from the hustle and bustle of the top tourist spots we have been recently.  We had a nice room and even though we were in the city center close to the night markets and train station we still woke up to roosters calling.  Brendan started his day by hitting up the buffet breakfast at the hotel and I stayed in the room opting for a cup of noodles that I found last night for only 13 baht (42 cents).  It’s hard to find instant noodles here that are not seafood flavor, and when you do you have to take advantage.  Brendan rented a scooter and we had a really fun day!  I think this was the first time since Singapore I put on my tennies to do a hike.  I have been living in flip flops because it is too dang hot to do much exercise.  Before we come home I would like to do some trekking in the Himalayas, so I probably need to get back on some sort of program and lay off the fried rice, fried noodles, fried spring rolls, and Oreo smoothies. 

I read about a view point that required a little hike, so we went to that.  Once we found it there was a nice bottom view point with a little raptor center as this is the destination for many raptors that migrate here during winter. 

The hike was fairly steep and got my blood pumping, but it wasn’t long.  Probably about an hour to go up and back.  There were really nice views along the way and the top was a platform with a 360-degree view which was really cool.  This was also free which was great! 

After that we continued to scooter around, and it was cool to see some of the Thai mainland.  We definitely were not in a main tourist area anymore as when we were riding, random people would yell at us either from the side of the road or passing by in another vehicle.  At first it would startle me but once I would look up the people were always just smiling really big and waving.  I think they were just saying “hi”.  I was guessing they must not see too many white folks on scooters!

We went to a big beach called Thung Wua Laen.  It was a nice beach and behind it there were little shops and restaurants.  We did not do this, but you can order lunch at one of the restaurants and they will set it up as a picnic for you on the beach with a little table and beach mats which I thought was cool.  It wasn’t really a great day for the beach as it looked like it was about to rain all day.  Lucky for us, we only got mildly sprinkled on one time during our day out.  Being overcast also kept the temperature at a more tolerable level which was nice. 

After the beach we continued scootering and found a temple.  We then went to a second view point but this one did not require any hiking as you could drive right up to it.  I thought this one was really cool and also free.  It had great views overlooking a fishing village below and the Gulf of Thai.  The only thing the pictures and words do not capture was the smell.  It definitely smelled like you were right above a fishing village.  I thought the views were great though and we had a little snack while we were up there. 

After that we came back down to the central part of Chumphon and arranged transportation for tomorrow to go to Bangkok.  You can take a train or a bus and they both take 7-hours and cost the same (500 baht or $16.23).  We opted for the train since we have surprisingly not traveled by train yet during this trip.  We went back to the hotel for a bit and rested before going back out to the night market.  Brendan tried some various street food for dinner.  Chicken skewers with lots of bones and sushi with some of the most interesting toppings.  Some pieces had I don’t know what, along with imitation crab and then a little piece of American cheese on top.  Others were topped with a piece of ham or what looked like a little Vienna sausage.  Kind of different but the good thing is Brendan thought they were really good. 

I wasn’t really feeling the street food, so I got a Thai iced tea and had some Pringles and peanut butter crackers once we got back to the room.  Boy, do I miss those Luna bars.  I really just wanted a regular iced tea (the Thai tea is super sweet) but it is so strange how you cannot find it here.  Unless you want a can.  Maybe in Bangkok. 

I think Chumphon street food is known for these little fried oysters and pad Thai.  Unfortunately, I missed the Pad Thai vendors and wasn’t brave enough to try the oysters.  They also had fried chicken.  Literally, it was a little fried chicken with only its neck and head (including eyes).  I don’t even get how the neck and head could be sold separately?  Seems like there is virtually no meat on those parts.  There is obviously a market for it though as I saw it at several booths, and I respect the fact they are not being wasteful.  I know… I need to be more open minded when it comes to food.  I do not consider myself a picky eater, but I am also not a very ‘adventurous’ eater.  Especially if it comes to meat and seafood.  Any plant-based food is no problem, but I don’t know if that is considered very daring.  I tried that fried carrot cake dish in Singapore, and it was no problem because I knew it was 100% vegetarian. 

It was a great day though, and I enjoyed exploring the somewhat sleepy town and surrounding areas.  I don’t think I would go out of my way to go to Chumphon but since it is very likely to pass through it in transit, I definitely think it is worth staying for a day or two.  I think this is a place where other Thai people come to vacation, which is kind of cool.  I read that you can hire a boat to take you to some really nice beaches and snorkel spots.  Since we have had a lot of beach time lately and been diving we will save our $ for other places on our trip and continue on to Bangkok.