Only 4km from Chumphon, but deep in the countryside, Villa Varich is unlike any other Chumphon hotel. The large rooms, half sitting along the jungle-clad Tha Taphao River, are comfortable and attractive, and you'll wake to birdsong. Some balconies have hammocks. Tang and Khom are great hosts.
There's free use of bikes and kayaks, and motorcycles start at 200B. A túk-túk from the train station or bus station at Choke Anan Tour, as well as car transfer from the airport, costs 200B. Booking ahead is recommended.