After a trip from Samui, Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan, Chumphon was our last destination before heading back to Bangkok

The ferry arrived the port but we still didn't know to go and stay. We first choose Sairee beach, just next to Paradonparb beach. It's nice there but the staffs at our resorts were not so friendly. So we decided to find somewhere else after a 2-night stay at Sairee.

We hopped on a motorbike and head North to Thung Wua Laen beach and it caught our eyes at first touch. We also looked around the beach for an accom but realised that the beach in front of Chumphon Cabana Resort was the best area to stay at

So we spent our last 4 nights here and just felt like our holiday was full filled. The beach was so amazing, white sandy beach and the water was so clear and inviting. Plus, it's quiet and perfectly suit for relaxing (It can be a bit busy during weekend, but not that much as other parts of Thung Wua Laen beach)

Our room was in a building. We had a feeling that this resort is in need of maintenance improvements. It looked so old now and the room reflected this. It probably excellent many years ago but not now. Cramped bathroom, ancient furniture and the stains all over the floor but the room was in good size and quite a big balcony overlooking the gardens

The service at the reception was exceptional, the staffs though not looked so welcoming but very helpful. The restaurant was good for Thai food. Fresh and tasty but the atmosphere was a bit boring. We went to other restaurants outside the resort for a couple of nights. Not really far and many restaurants and bars in walking distance

Swimming pool was large. Must be good for a lap swim. We didn't bother to swim anyway as the beach was so beautiful and we spent most of the time swimming in the sea or relaxing under the shade of trees

The resort also provided diving and snorkeling trip. They took us to Chumphon marine park which was great that expected. The marine lives in this area was so stunning. lots of fish and the water was a very clear

Overall i would recommend this resort s it's on the best beach of Chumphon and especially it's located in the nicest part of the beach. Just don't expect for any luxurious things here. I think it already passed its best for many years

The Chumphon Cabana resort is a hidden gem! Located 12km from Chumphon township on a pristine beach. The resort, although titled as a dive resort, caters to all travellers. The resort was designed to have little impact on the environment and has a number of systems to process waste products with no environmental impact. No powered watercraft are allowed on the beach, just the occasional sound of a fishing boat chugging past.
Accomodation is in hotel rooms in 3 separate blocks or in bungalows in the well kept grounds. We stayed in a bungalow but in the past have also stayed in the hotel rooms. All were immaculately clean.
All the usual facilities such as a large swimming pool, gift shop, restaurant etc.
Seems to cater predominately to Thais though quite a few Europeans also were seen, very few Australians or Americans.
Because of the monsoon winds the diving tours were not operating, we were disappointed as we have been on the snorkelling tour each time we have visited previously. However it would have been unsafe and unpleasant.
There seems little staff turnover, usually a good sign for such an establishment, as we have met the same people each time over the past 6 years. Ye is still the best waitress in Thailand, Pai Rin runs the gift shop, Werner is still the divemaster.
The restaurant was moved a few years ago from the main building to a new site overlooking the beach. It was a bit windy with the monsoons but they had blinds installed to shield the wind. A great place to eat breakfast.
The resort runs a shuttle bus into town twice a day. Chumphon town is quite good for shopping, some nice markets, lots of restaurants, internet cafes. Even a department store (Oceans). Thai massages are available at a local Wat. It is a training school for masseurs but they are all closely supervised by the master.
The Chumphon museum is well worth the visit.
Chumphon is accessed from Bangkok by train or bus. I would recomment the No.43 railcar train, leaves Bangkok at 8am, arrives Chumphon at 2pm. Snacks and lunch included in the fare.
My family and I have been visiting Chumphon and the Cabana for 6 years. We originally discovered it on the internet and took the chance, great move.

We stayed in this Hotel for 2 days prior to our departure to Ko Tao island. The hotel is located a long way from Chumphon town, about a 30 min drive, so not an ideal location as a stop over for the islands as the wharf is about 45min drive. The hotel offered an excellent transfer from the train at 4am and our rooms were ready to move into immediately on arrival. They were very spacious and clean. The location of this resort is excellent, right on the beach and diving trips leave from in front of the hotel.
This is a very big complex with a lovely clean swimming pool and restaurant right on the beach.
The only negative comment I would make is about the restaurant.
There must be a huge wasp nest somewhere very close and the bees are swarming all over any food left lying around, including your meal if you are not fast enough. Also the entire breakfast buffet is cold, including the fried eggs, bacon, fried rice, none of the burners are going to keep the food warm.

Stayed here for a week in a basic bungalow, although I can't find this as an option on their web site. Room was nice & clean, had a mini bar & adequate bathroom. Resort was deserted during the day as most people go on excursions, so you only see people at breakfast & dinner time. We went on a diving trip to the local islands, not too many people on the boat & diving as great. The swimming pool is a large pool perfect for cooling off in the heat, surrounded by their own paddy fields so lovely & quiet. We tended to stay away from the restaurant as it was quite expensive, but we found an amazing little restaurant just 2 mins walk up the main road then take a left at the junction the restaurant is on the left. Can't remember the name(if it had one) but it was run by a family of 4 with a cute little dog called Cola. The food was amazing & very cheap.