Places to eat in Chumphon

Chumphon’s placement along the coast makes it a prime locale for those wanting to tuck into some fresh seafood. Known as the Gateway to Southern Thailand, Chumphon is host to some of the spicier dishes you don’t really find as much in the North.

Chumphon Specialty Dishes

Popular dishes in Chumphon town include spicy beef curry (gaeng neua), chicken massaman curry and a Southern Thai orange curry (gaeng som tai). Curries with a side of rice typically cost upwards of THB40.

Street food

In the mood for street food? Located near the train station, the night market on Krum Luang Rd across the intersection has a number of food stalls with an abundance of classic street foods, seafood, fruit, and juices. Open Monday-Sunday from 6 pm to 11 pm.

The early bird may get the worm, but what about the hungry backpacker in need of a good, cheap breakfast? The Morning Market along Pracha Uthit Rd to Poramin Manka Rd has endless curry stalls and fresh fruit.

Thai Food

Ruen Cha Mao Restaurant on Ao Bo Mao Beach is a cozy wooden building with traditional Thai seafood caught by the local fisherman. Ruen Cha Mao is busiest on the weekend, when locals stop by for a fish fry.

Located on the same beach, Krua Lung Pod is a seafood restaurant comprised of open salas with views of the beach and Ko Khai Island. It features an extensive range of seafood with a full English menu.

For a respite from the heat, enjoy the air-conditioned dining room in Prikhorm Restaurant. The fresh stink beans served with spicy chili paste, turmeric and fresh veggies and the superbly spicy, but super flavourful fish curry are favourites at Prikhorm. Other typical Thai dishes such as cashew chicken or pad Thai are also served. The menu starts at THB100 and up.

More Seafood

Papa Seafood is one of the biggest and most sought after seafood restaurants in Chumphon town. Conveniently located in front of the train station, this restaurant caters to western and local clientele alike. An open air restaurant with a display of fresh “choose it yourself” seafood, Papa Seafood is the go to dining experience for the laid back traveller. Once stuffed to the gills, visit the adjoining Papa 2000 Club and round out a tasty dinner with a no holds barred dance session.

Looking for dinner with a view? Trek o one of the many beaches (such as Pak Nam Champion and Sai Ri Beach) where there is an abundance of cheap seafood.

Western and International Food

For travellers looking for a change in pace from rice and noodles, the Farang Bar on Thatapao Rd has generous portions of Western or Thai food at reasonable prices. Popular with expats, locals and travellers, Farang Bar is never short on good company, cold beers and cocktails with a kick.

Another popular meeting place is Fame, a restaurant with a mix of Thai, Italian, and other miscellaneous food fair. Located on Saladang Rd, both Fame and Farang Bar double as guesthouses and tour operators, making them popular with the travellers.

Cafes and Coffee Houses

In Pathiu Chumphon you’ll find Cafe MeM, a European style cafe with pastries, cakes, coffee, and pasta. Located at 181 Moo 6 Tambon Chumko, Pathiu, Chumphon it’s in close proximity to KMITL University.

Chumphon is definitely the end all be all for the insatiable seafood lover. If you put yourself in this category, or enjoy the spicier side of the south, Chumphon is definitely the place for you.