Mu Koh Chumphon National Park

General Info

It is an archipelago that consists of 40 islands, suitable for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

Islands for snorkeling include Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Matra, Koh Thonglang, Koh Rangkajiu, and Koh Lawa. And islands for scuba diving include Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai, and Koh Lak Ngam.

This national park is the first place in Thailand that hosts an underwater nature trail. One of the trails is for scuba diving (at Koh Lak Ngam). The other two are for snorkeling (at Koh Matra and Koh Ngam Yai). All of which have underwater information signs, and tourists will receive a guide sheet to lead the way.

Most islands are small rocks without residence, except for some islands where there are huts of locals who get concessions to collect swiftlets’ nests. There are only two islands that have accommodations for tourists: Koh Matra and Koh Kula. On Koh Matra, there is only one accommodation called Baan Lung Khao, while on Koh Kula are accommodations provided by national park and camping grounds.

The park office is on the mainland, where nearby is the Thung Kha nature trail. You can take a boat tour to see the mangrove forest. At night, you can take a boat ride to see fireflies at Tha Taphao Canal.

Interesting Marine Life

• This archipelago is one of the places where whale sharks offen make an appearance so that it becomes the symbol of the area. Koh Ngam Noi, Koh Ngam Yai and Koh Lak Ngam are the top three for ones who want to see whale sharks.
• Green sea turtles and hawksbill sea turtles are also common.
• According to the national park’s website, this sea has the highest diversity of fish species in the Gulf of Thailand, as well as the highest number of black coral in Thailand.

Dive Site (Detail)

Koh Ngam Yai : As the most popular scuba diving spot in the area, this site has vast sea anemone fields with their resident clownfish. There are beautiful fishes such as angelfish and have a high chance of encountering whale sharks. Above the water, there is a landmark called the “Buddha Palm”, which is a yellow cliff that stands out from the background gray limestone, making it look like the palm of a Buddha image.

Koh Ngam Noi : There is a large field of staghorn corals and sea anemones. Other marine life includes moray eels, batfish, groupers, pufferfish, lobster, giant clams, and whale sharks, which can be seen even by snorkelers.

Prap 741 Wreck : Located in the south of Koh Ngam Noi. Maximum depth is 23 meters. It was a US landing craft that has been through the battlefields of World War II on Normandy beach in 1944. When the World War ended, the ship was given to Thailand. After serving in the Thai Navy for approximately 60 years, this ship was decommissioned and was sunk to become an underwater park in 2011.

Koh Lak Ngam (Hin Phae) : Located to the north of Koh Ngam Yai, this rock is another beautiful scuba diving spot with hard corals, soft corals, sea anemones and a large field of black corals. You may find pipefish hiding In the crevices and stingrays hiding in the sand. Looking up, you may see schools of barracuda in mid water, or even a whale shark on some occasions.

Koh Talu : The highlight is the hole in the middle of the island where you can swim through to the opposite side. Underwater is home to many types of corals and large schools of fishes such as sailfish, fusiliers, etc. Blacktip reef sharks can be seen.

Koh Kalok (Skull Island) : It is an island that has the shape of a skull with dense coral reefs and schools of fishes.

Koh Matra : There is a shallow reef suitable for snorkeling with many colorful giant clams. On land, there is a white sandy beach interspersed with rocks and you may see land crabs that can climb a tree and their calls sound like chicken.

Koh Lawa : It is a steep rocky island with beautiful sea anemone fields and clownfish.

Koh Lak Rad : It’s another popular spot for snorkeling with hard corals, soft corals, and sea anemones.

Koh Kula : This island has fine white sandy beaches and clear water, suitable for snorkeling, especially in the area in front of the pier bridge. It’s also a good spot for kayaking. You can purchase a tour package from the park office or rent a boat from Aow Kram Homestay. The island also has a sea turtle nursery that you can visit.