Khao Rad Viewpoint

Location: 10.5668367, 99.2322139

Khao Rad Viewpoint is 14 km northeast of Chumphon town. Take road 3180 heading for Thung Wua Laen and after 12km take the road to the left, just before the Technical College. It is signposted.

1.5 km down this road take the track to the right. Again signposted.

About 100 meters along the track you have to take the track to the right where it forks. From here the track gets very steep so unless you are in a 4 wheel drive best to park up here. The guys in the house beside the track kindly allowed us to park here, where the red car is in the picture.

The walk to the viewpoint certainly feels more than 800m stated on the sign, as it is all up hill and very steep in places. 

On the walk up it does not take long before you are at an elevation higher than Wat Uthaitham Viewpoint which can be just made out in the distance, looking southwards.

The walk up took us about 40 minutes and most of the way you are under tree cover. Some of the trees have a reddish brown trunk which is a little different.

At the summit there is a raised platform to take in the view.

Sadly we visited twice now and whilst they were lovely sunny days, it was misty which spoilt the view a bit. The view east looking towards Thung Wua Laen and the sea.

The view southeast towards the headland of Laem Hua Mong-Kho Kwang.

You are really at a high elevation and can look down upon the plantations.

It is worth bring some drinks and snacks with you as there are table and chairs under the trees. Nice way to enjoy the view. 

On the summit there is a statue of the Prince of Chumphon, Prince Abhakara Kiartivongse, 28th child of King Rama V.

There is also this small shrine.

Guarded by two tigers.