Sapli Beach (Hat Sai Ri)

## Overview Sapli Beach, officially known as Hat Sai Ri, is a quiet crescent of white sand about 20 kilometers north of Chumphon town. Unlike the more developed Thung Wua Laen Beach further up the coast, Sapli Beach has retained a genuinely peaceful character with minimal commercial development and crystal-clear water that is excellent for swimming. The beach is a favorite weekend escape for Thai families from Chumphon and the surrounding provinces, but it sees very few international tourists, giving it an unhurried, local atmosphere. ## The Beach The sand at Sapli Beach is fine and white, and the water is remarkably clear for the Gulf of Thailand coast, with a gentle slope that makes it safe for children. The beach stretches for about one kilometer in a gentle curve backed by casuarina trees that provide natural shade. A handful of simple restaurants and food vendors operate along the beach road, serving fresh seafood and cold drinks at local prices. The swimming conditions are best from February through September when the sea is calm. ## Prince of Chumphon Shrine The beach's main landmark is the Prince of Chumphon Memorial Shrine, which sits on the rocky hilltop at the northern end of the beach overlooking the water. This shrine is dedicated to the Father of the Royal Thai Navy and offers panoramic views of the Gulf coastline. The combination of a beach visit with the shrine makes Sapli Beach more than just a swimming stop, adding a layer of cultural and historical interest to the experience. ## Practical Information Sapli Beach is accessible 24 hours with no entrance fee. A few simple guesthouses and bungalow resorts in the area offer overnight stays from 400 to 1,200 THB per night. Getting here from Chumphon town takes about 25 minutes by car or motorbike heading north along the coast road. The beach is most pleasant on weekday mornings when you may have the sand almost entirely to yourself. On weekends and Thai holidays the beach gets livelier with local families....