Safety · Destination Guide
Quiet national park islands now, Koh Tao pinnacles next
Chumphon is generally a straightforward destination, but the sea can change quickly in monsoon months and the region is best enjoyed with conservative planning. Use licensed operators, keep a buffer day for weather, and treat reefs, turtles, and any large marine life as strictly no-touch.
Plan dives for conditions, not just the wish list. In stronger current areas, descend and ascend on the guide's signal and carry an SMB for boat pickup. Watch your depth and gas on wreck and pinnacle profiles, and stay conservative if you are repeating dives across multiple days. For snorkel and freedive, use flotation when needed and avoid breath-holding in busy swim zones. If you feel unwell after diving, treat it as serious until evaluated.
Chumphon has regional medical facilities, but diving-specific care may involve consultation and evacuation. For suspected decompression illness, contact your dive operator immediately and call a diving emergency service such as the SSS Recompression Chamber Network for guidance. Thailand's emergency medical number is 1669. Carry dive accident insurance and keep your policy details accessible offline.
Northeast monsoon sea state
From roughly Oct to Jan, wind and waves can cancel ferries and dive boats. Build buffer days and avoid tight same-day connections between flights, ferries, and dives.
Currents at points and pinnacles
Currents can pick up around headlands and deeper structures. Carry an SMB, stay close to your buddy, and follow the guide's plan for descents and ascents.
Boat traffic in popular coves
Snorkelers should use a float and stay aware of longtail and tour boat paths. Divers should deploy an SMB on blue-water ascents.
Heat, sun, and dehydration
Even cloudy days can burn. Use sun protection, drink water between dives, and plan strenuous hikes early.
Mu Ko Chumphon National Park includes coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass habitats. Follow these baseline rules:
These habits protect fragile reef flats, seagrass zones, and the broader food web that supports turtles and marine mammals.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when northeast monsoon sea state. Confirm local briefings before committing.
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thailand Tourist Police | Tourist assistance and coordination with local authorities | 1155 | 24/7 |
| Thailand Emergency Medical Services | Ambulance and medical emergency dispatch | 1669 | 24/7 |
| Royal Thai Police Emergency | Police emergency dispatch | 191 | 24/7 |
| SSS Recompression Chamber Network (Koh Tao) | Diving injury consultation and hyperbaric chamber coordination | +66 81 081 9777 | 24/7 emergency |
| SSS Recompression Chamber Network (Koh Samui) | Hyperbaric chamber and diving injury support | +66 81 081 9555 | 24/7 emergency |