Chumphon

This relatively untouristed gateway to the south offers good beaches and diving plus some lively festivals.
Gateway to the SouthConsidered the gateway to the south, Chumphon is often overlooked by tourists who are heading to its neighboring provinces such as Surat Thani, Phang-nga and Phuket. However, Chumphon has a number of natural attributes of interest ranging from high mountain ranges, mangrove forests, offshore islands and fertile coral reefs - especially those found in Chumphon Marine National Park. In addition it has been recently known among international divers as a gateway to Koh Tao. Indeed, touring Chumphon presents a variety of interesting attractions from temples and caves to river rafting and diving.
Geography and weatherLocated 463 km south of Bangkok, Chumphon is bordered by a mountain range and the province of Ranong and part of the Thai-Burma border to the west, the Gulf of Thailand to the east, Prachuap Khiri Khan province to the north, and Surat Thani province to the south. Chumphon is vulnerable to monsoonal rains from the Gulf. There are two distinct seasons: the rainy season from June until January, and summer from February to May. The three rivers of Taphao, Chumphon and Lang Suan bring regular, year-round flows of water to Chumphon.
HistoryInformation contained in the “Three Emblems Law” (Kod Mai Tra Sam Duang), during the reign of King Borommatrilokanad of the Ayutthaya Kingdom (15th century), indicates Chumphon to be 600 years old. There are virtually no ancient places of interest in Chumphon or items of antiquity, maybe due to the sparseness of land and the fact the relatively narrow land mass of the Isthmus of Kra was often the scene of battles, making the area unsuitable for development. A target of enemies since the Ayutthaya Period, this area is a focal point for armed forces to congregate and pray for victory in a sacred ceremony before going to war. Here, where armies receive blessings, lies the source of the name “Chum Num Phon” (“chum” means to assemble, “phon” means blessing). Later, Chum Num Phon was changed to Chumphon. During World War II, on December 8, 1941, Japanese troops amassed at the entrance to the river at Chumphon and launched an attack on Tha Nang Sang Bridge. Local residents and young Thai soldiers fought back courageously; an act commemorated in Chumphon to the present day.
Reference : http://www.circleofasia.com/Chumphon-Thailand.htm
Phang Nga
Though the town is quiet, it is surrounded by natural parkland, featuring caves, uninhabited islands, coral reefs and archaeological sites.
While unremarkable in itself, Phang-Nga town is surrounded by hauntingly beautiful national parks with striking rock formations, limestone cliffs and uninhabited islands.
Colorful Wildlife Ao Phang-Nga National Park, with its famous "James Bond Island" from the 007 film The Man with the Golden Gun, has hundreds of rocks and cliffs with picturesque coves and mangrove forests. The waters of Ao Phang-Nga support several species of sea snake, and giant two-banded monitors (some longer than two meters) live in the mangroves. The islands host various reptiles and mammals, including gibbons, macaques and langurs.
Prehistoric ArtThis wildlife has long interested humans, evident from the wealth of local prehistoric rock art, especially at Khao Khian, Than Nak and Koh Panyi. The latter hosts a 200-year-old Moslem fishing community whose cliff-bottom houses are all on stilts: visit around mid afternoon, after the tourist boats have gone.
Cave WalksSuan Somdet Phra Srinakarin Park also contains limestone cliffs, and some have caverns and tunnels with walkways from which to view the pools below. For cave enthusiasts, Wat Tham Suwankhuha has a 15-meter reclining Buddha in a grand, ornately decorated cavern; a smaller one contains numerous assorted effigies.
Diving & HikingFor good beaches, try the west coast of Phang-Nga Province or cruise out to Muu Koh Similan (The Similan Islands), about 60 km from Hat Khao Lak and Thap Lamu. The beaches here are nice for swimming and snorkeling, while diving offers excellent visibility. Koh Similan, the largest island, has hiking trails and good sea views from its highest point. The island's rich wildlife includes porcupines, lemurs, pythons, dolphins, turtles and up to 32 bird species.
Reference : http://www.circleofasia.com/Phang-Nga-Thailand.htm