Khao Phang Forest Park

Khao Phang Forest Park is a small hill on the boundary between Mueang Chumphon and Tha Sae districts, about 12 km from Chumphon town along the Chumphon-Tha Sae road (Highway 4). Entry is free, open daily from roughly 6am to 6pm.

The park covers around 800 rai and centres on a shrine to Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, Krom Luang Chumphon Khet Udomsak — the naval officer known as the “Father of the Royal Thai Navy” and one of Chumphon’s most honoured historical figures. A shaded rest garden sits at the foot of the hill near the entrance arch; behind it the ground rises steeply to a cliff-edge summit. That steep face is used regularly for paragliding, and the hilltop gives an open 360-degree view over Chumphon town and the surrounding countryside, including the sea-of-mist effect that settles over the valley on cool, clear mornings.

Insider Tip: This is a viewpoint and shrine stop, not a rainforest trek — the walk to the top is short and the appeal is the view, not deep jungle. Set expectations accordingly if “forest park” in the name suggests otherwise.

There’s little in the way of built infrastructure beyond the entrance arch, garden and viewing area — no restaurant or shop on site, so bring water if you’re staying through the heat of the day. It’s a straightforward stop on a Chumphon loop rather than a destination worth a special trip on its own.

Watch out: The summit path and edges near the paragliding launch are exposed and can be slippery after rain — keep back from the cliff edge if you’re not part of an organised paragliding session.

Chumphon town itself has more to see with the same royal connection — Hat Sai Ri beach hosts the main Chumphon Royal Naval Force memorial to the same prince, and makes a natural pairing with a Khao Phang morning viewpoint stop.