The 26th Chumphon Marine Festival 2016 got underway on the weekend to promote local tourism in the southern province.

According to Chumphon Governor Somdee Kashayongyeen, this year’s festival is being held on the theme 'Colorful Ocean, the door to ASEAN’ at Muang district. Various tourism concepts are being promoted throughout the festival, which will come to an end tomorrow.

The 26th Chumphom Marine Festival features clever sand sculptures of ten ASEAN landmarks and sand paintings. The event is also providing fresh seafood free-of-charge and barbecue gridirons. Visitors can sit on the beach, while cooking themselves a seafood meal.

Lighting decorations can be seen along the beach in the evening. The event has allowed visitors to enjoy affordable local products, traditional performances as well as exhibitions on marine life, underwater photography and eco-tourism. Beach sports such as volley ball and soccer are also being held at the 26th Chumphon Marine Festival.