The easiest city trip from the quiet coast — two hours down the line for markets, beaches and the boats to Koh Tao.
Find a room before you go.
Every southbound train from Ban Krut calls at Chumphon, and the station sits in the middle of town two minutes from the night market. Go down in the morning, spend the day, and ride an evening service home — or carry on to the islands from the piers.

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The painless option: no junction transfers, arrive in the town centre. Third class is fine for this distance if you fancy the fan-cooled local experience.
Straight down Highway 4, with the Thung Wua Laen beach turn-off 20 minutes before town — the perfect swim stop.
Catamarans and the night boat leave from piers 30–40 minutes from town. Combined tickets from Ban Krut station include the transfer.
Step-by-step transport guides for this stretch of the Gulf coast.