Southern Spectacled Langur Viewing Point

Open Days: Daily

Opening Hours: 06.00 - 19.00

 

Southern Spectacled Langur Viewing Point in Moo 3, Chum Kho Subdistrict, Pathio District, Chumphon Province, is a nature-based attraction closely connected with Wat Tham Khao Plu and the Tham Khao Plu wildlife conservation area. The highlight is the chance to observe dusky langurs, also known locally as southern spectacled langurs, in a landscape of limestone hills, temple grounds, and local community surroundings. The langurs live around the hill near the temple and are often seen moving or feeding near the lower hillside in the morning and late afternoon.

 

The southern spectacled langur is easily recognized by the pale rings around its eyes, which make it look as if it is wearing glasses. Adult langurs usually have grey, brownish-grey, or dark-toned fur, while young babies are born with bright yellow-orange fur before gradually changing color as they grow. This striking appearance makes the species memorable for travelers, especially those interested in wildlife, photography, and nature learning.

 

This viewing point is more than a place for taking animal photos. It sits within a limestone hill environment near a living temple and local village. Limestone terrain creates caves, cliffs, shaded trees, and natural shelters that support wildlife. Watching langurs moving along trees or around the hillside gives visitors a direct sense of how wildlife can still exist close to a community when the habitat is respected.

 

The viewing point is associated with Wat Tham Khao Plu, an old temple in Pathio District and one of the well-known cultural sites of Chumphon. The temple area includes Tham Khao Plu Cave, a sacred water well, important Buddha images, and the limestone hill landscape that forms the natural background of the site. A visit here can therefore combine wildlife observation, temple visiting, cave exploration, and local cultural learning in one stop.

 

Wat Tham Khao Plu is located at 121 Ban Na Tham, Moo 3, Chum Kho Subdistrict, Pathio District, Chumphon Province. The temple grounds include hills and caves, and the name of the temple is linked to the cave and the betel vines traditionally associated with the hillside. Inside the cave area are natural water features and revered Buddha images. The shaded temple environment and surrounding limestone hill help make the area suitable for langurs.

 

Visitors should understand that the langurs are wild animals, not pets or show animals. They may come close to the lower hillside or temple area during certain times of day, but their behavior depends on weather, quietness, food sources, and natural movement patterns. Travelers should observe calmly, keep a respectful distance, avoid chasing or touching the animals, and avoid any behavior that could startle them.

 

The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon. These are the periods when the langurs are more likely to move or feed near the hillside. The weather is also more comfortable than midday, making it easier to walk around the temple, take photographs, and enjoy the natural setting. Travelers visiting in the afternoon can first explore the temple and cave area, then wait quietly for the langurs to become more active later in the day.

 

Safety matters during wildlife viewing. Although the langurs may appear calm or familiar with people, they remain wild animals. Visitors should not place hands near their mouths, should not hold food too close, and should not allow children to approach without adult supervision. If feeding is permitted on site, it should be done only according to the instructions of the temple or local caretakers. Processed food, sweets, salty snacks, and seasoned food should be avoided.

 

Local guidance often mentions simple plant-based foods such as bananas or yardlong beans, but the main purpose of visiting should be observation rather than feeding. Feeding wild animals too much or giving inappropriate food can change their behavior, create dependency, and affect their health. The best travel approach is to watch quietly, learn from the setting, and help keep the place clean and safe for both people and wildlife.

 

For photography, visitors should use a zoom lens or take photos from a suitable distance. Do not use flash at close range, do not make loud noises to attract attention, and do not throw food to force the animals into a better position. The strongest photographs from this place are not always close-up shots. They are often images that show the relationship between the langurs, the trees, the limestone hill, the temple, and the local landscape.

 

Getting There is straightforward by private car or motorbike. From Phet Kasem Road on the Chumphon - Pathio route, reach the Pathio intersection and take Highway 3201, the same route used for Chumphon Airport. After entering Chum Kho Subdistrict, follow the signs toward Wat Tham Khao Plu for about 2 kilometers. The langur viewing area is around the temple and lower hillside.

 

Private transport is the most convenient option because it allows visitors to combine this stop with other attractions in Pathio District. Travelers using train or bus services can continue from Pathio or Chumphon town by hired vehicle, rental car, or arranged transfer. If visiting in the late afternoon, return transport should be planned in advance, as local transport options may be limited later in the day.

 

The Southern Spectacled Langur Viewing Point works well as a half-day or full-day itinerary in Pathio. Visitors can begin at Wat Tham Khao Plu, see the cave and sacred water well, pay respect at the temple, observe the langurs around the lower hillside, and then continue toward nearby coastal attractions. This route combines limestone hills, wildlife, temple culture, and Chumphon’s coastal scenery within one practical trip.

 

Chum Kho Subdistrict is also linked with several seaside destinations. Ao Bo Mao has a fishing-community atmosphere and access to nearby island trips in suitable conditions. Ao Thung Zang is a quiet curved beach with white sand and clear water. Thung Wua Laen Beach is one of Chumphon’s better-known beaches and offers more tourist facilities. A visit to the langur viewing point can therefore connect naturally with a broader Pathio coastal route.

 

From an ecological perspective, this place shows why small limestone hill habitats near communities are important. Even though the area is not far from roads or local homes, it still supports wildlife. If the habitat is disturbed too heavily, the langurs may lose natural shelter or develop risky behavior around people. Responsible tourism helps protect the animals and the experience for future visitors.

 

Visitors should keep the temple and natural area clean, avoid giving unsuitable food, avoid handing plastic bags or packaging to animals, and avoid entering steep or unsafe hillside areas. Families with children should explain that the langurs are wild animals and should be watched quietly. Teaching children to observe without touching or chasing animals makes the visit more meaningful.

 

One of the strongest charms of this site is the way nature, temple life, and community coexist. The sight of langurs moving through trees near limestone cliffs, combined with the quiet temple atmosphere and the setting of Ban Na Tham, creates a very different experience from a zoo or animal show. Visitors see the animals within a real landscape rather than in a staged environment.

 

For travelers interested in local history, Wat Tham Khao Plu also adds cultural depth to the visit. The temple is associated with respected monks of Pathio and Chumphon, and its cave contains revered Buddha images and natural sacred-water features. Allowing enough time for the temple, cave, water well, and langur viewing area makes the visit more complete.

 

Travelers who want to stay overnight can choose accommodation in Pathio District, Chum Kho, Bo Mao Beach, or the Thung Wua Laen Beach area. Staying near Chum Kho or the Pathio coast is practical for visitors who want to focus on nature and quieter seaside areas. Staying around Thung Wua Laen or Saphli provides more restaurants and traveler services, while still allowing a half-day trip to the langur viewing point.

 

Food options around Pathio include local restaurants, seafood restaurants, cafés, and casual roadside eateries. Travelers can visit the langurs in the morning and continue to lunch nearby, or spend time at the coast during the afternoon and return to the viewing area later in the day. Planning the schedule around the morning and late-afternoon activity of the langurs creates a smoother trip.

 

The Southern Spectacled Langur Viewing Point in Chum Kho is suitable for travelers who want to see real nature, observe wildlife respectfully, visit an old temple, and connect the trip with the coastal scenery of Pathio. Its value lies not in large-scale facilities, but in the close relationship between people, temple grounds, limestone hills, and the langurs that continue to live in this landscape.

 

 

A: It is located in Moo 3, Chum Kho Subdistrict, Pathio District, Chumphon Province, in the area connected with Wat Tham Khao Plu and the Tham Khao Plu wildlife conservation area.

 

A: The site is open daily from 06.00 to 19.00. Morning and late afternoon are the best times to see the langurs.

 

A: It has pale rings around the eyes that look like glasses. Young babies have bright yellow-orange fur before their color gradually changes as they grow.

 

A: From Phet Kasem Road on the Chumphon - Pathio route, take Highway 3201 near the Pathio intersection toward Chumphon Airport. After entering Chum Kho Subdistrict, follow signs to Wat Tham Khao Plu for about 2 kilometers.

 

A: If feeding is allowed on site, visitors should follow instructions from the temple or local caretakers only. Processed food, sweets, salty snacks, and seasoned food should be avoided because the langurs are wild animals.

 

A: It is suitable for nature lovers, wildlife observers, families, photographers, and travelers interested in temples, caves, limestone hills, and local community landscapes.

 

A: Nearby options include Wat Tham Khao Plu, Tham Khao Plu Sacred Water Well, Ao Bo Mao, Ao Thung Zang, Thung Wua Laen Beach, and Khao Yai Hap / Laem Saphli Viewpoint.

 

A: Keep a safe distance, do not touch the langurs, avoid loud noise, do not offer unsuitable food, keep the temple and natural area clean, and supervise children closely.