It is the most developed district in the state, the capital for Kemaman district is Chukai, Some basic infrastructure such as shopping mall and cinema can be found in the city area. Kemaman is famous for stuffed crab, seafood and good coffee.

Just on the outskirts of town, along the river sits a little fishing village little known to outsiders, which is famous of otak-otak, satar and ikan bakar. The jetty at Kuala Kemaman river are crowded with home coming fishing boat every evening. Noises from fishermen sailing in after a day's catch can be heard from afar, blown in with the sea breeze. During the hot afternoons, the fishermen are seen mending their nets and traps under the shady trees nearby.

Besides that, at Ma’ Daerah there is a Turtle Sanctuary Centre located 1.7km sandy beach surrounded by coastal hill forest, is a newly established hatchery and interpretation centre for the conservation of sea turtles under the sponsorship of BP Petronas Acetyls Sdn. Bhd.

Chukai, Kemaman was once a busy port. During the years, Chukai was visited by many traders from the distant shores. Many of them were captivated by the beauty of the land and decided to settle for good. Bringing along their traditions and skills.