Cha Am is a pretty resort on the Gulf of Thailand, less than three hours from Bangkok. Despite being popular with Thais as one of the country's oldest beach resorts, the region is fairly under-developed but is slowly making an impression on British holidaymakers.
The beautiful white beach, said to be Thailand's longest, is Cha Am's main draw card, and is home to a wide variety of beachside restaurants.
There's a good selection of accommodation set back from the beach, with lots of options for people on a budget, like the three star Golden Sands Hotel and the Holiday Inn Resort, and also a number of luxury properties. It's worth considering combining a few days in the capital with a beach stay in Cha Am.
The beautiful white beach, said to be Thailand's longest, is Cha Am's main draw card, and is home to a wide variety of beachside restaurants.
There's a good selection of accommodation set back from the beach, with lots of options for people on a budget, like the three star Golden Sands Hotel and the Holiday Inn Resort, and also a number of luxury properties. It's worth considering combining a few days in the capital with a beach stay in Cha Am.
Beaches in Cha Am
The beach is sandy with warm gentle water and perfect for swimming. But it's not quite the picture postcard tropical paradise you might usually associate with Thailand.
The southern part of Cha Am beach is quieter than the northern part, particularly at weekends when busloads of Thais arrive from Bangkok.
Chao Samran Beach, 31 miles from Cha Am, used to be a royal favourite, with King Naresuan the Great and King Eka Thotsarot making frequent visits.
The beach is sandy with warm gentle water and perfect for swimming. But it's not quite the picture postcard tropical paradise you might usually associate with Thailand.
The southern part of Cha Am beach is quieter than the northern part, particularly at weekends when busloads of Thais arrive from Bangkok.
Chao Samran Beach, 31 miles from Cha Am, used to be a royal favourite, with King Naresuan the Great and King Eka Thotsarot making frequent visits.
Sightseeing in Cha Am
There isn't a lot to see in the town itself, but most people come here for the beach, Cha Am's laid-back charm and its royal heritage in the region, as it was once the summer retreat of kings.
Film fans might enjoy a trip to Hua Hin's Railway Hotel (Hotel Sofitel Central), as this was one of the locations used in the filming of the TheKilling Fields.
The province is also well-known for its splendid parks, ancient temples and wonderful beaches and caves, such as Khao Luang Cave.
There isn't a lot to see in the town itself, but most people come here for the beach, Cha Am's laid-back charm and its royal heritage in the region, as it was once the summer retreat of kings.
Film fans might enjoy a trip to Hua Hin's Railway Hotel (Hotel Sofitel Central), as this was one of the locations used in the filming of the TheKilling Fields.
The province is also well-known for its splendid parks, ancient temples and wonderful beaches and caves, such as Khao Luang Cave.
Eating in Cha Am
Seafood features heavily in Cha Am and it's easy to see why as its some of the freshest seafood you're ever likely to taste.
Jumbo shrimp, chili crab, fried fish and crab-fried rice are just some of the specialities you can look forward to.
Dine in open-air beach restaurants, the more traditional can be found dotted around the resort or perched on stilts over the water.
Seafood features heavily in Cha Am and it's easy to see why as its some of the freshest seafood you're ever likely to taste.
Jumbo shrimp, chili crab, fried fish and crab-fried rice are just some of the specialities you can look forward to.
Dine in open-air beach restaurants, the more traditional can be found dotted around the resort or perched on stilts over the water.
Nightlife in Cha Am
Cha Am isn't big on nightlife, but many of the bars and restaurants spill out onto the beach, where you can relax and enjoy a candlelit cocktail under the stars.
Hua Hin is only 15 miles away and you'll find a variety of nightlife choices on offer, including the buzzing Night Bazaar, or an evening kick-boxing tournament. Cha Am also has its own smaller night market.
Cha Am isn't big on nightlife, but many of the bars and restaurants spill out onto the beach, where you can relax and enjoy a candlelit cocktail under the stars.
Hua Hin is only 15 miles away and you'll find a variety of nightlife choices on offer, including the buzzing Night Bazaar, or an evening kick-boxing tournament. Cha Am also has its own smaller night market.
Shopping in Cha Am
Many of the shops in Cha Am sell beautiful items made out of shells, including lamps, jewellery and ornaments.
Woven cloth, known as khomapha', is famous throughout the region and can be found in some of the shops around the resort. If you can't find it here, try Hua Hin.
Don't forget to haggle with shops and street vendors. The asking price will often come down by half, or less, depending on how good you are.
Many of the shops in Cha Am sell beautiful items made out of shells, including lamps, jewellery and ornaments.
Woven cloth, known as khomapha', is famous throughout the region and can be found in some of the shops around the resort. If you can't find it here, try Hua Hin.
Don't forget to haggle with shops and street vendors. The asking price will often come down by half, or less, depending on how good you are.
Family fun in Cha Am
Beach-based activities include jet skiing, a hair-raising ride on the banana boat or horse riding along the sand are favourites.
You'll also see people riding around on tricycles, which you can hire in town.
At the north end of Cha Am you'll find no more roads along the beach, just untouched sand dunes which are great for exploring.
Beach-based activities include jet skiing, a hair-raising ride on the banana boat or horse riding along the sand are favourites.
You'll also see people riding around on tricycles, which you can hire in town.
At the north end of Cha Am you'll find no more roads along the beach, just untouched sand dunes which are great for exploring.
Day trips in Cha Am
Sam Roi Yot National Park covers an area of more than 24,000 acres. Here you'll find limestone mountains, Thailand's largest freshwater marshes, caves, a huge variety of plants and trees, and a number of wild animals.
Snorkeling at Bang Saphan is a must for anyone who wants to see coral reefs and tropical fish.
Petchburi is a charming historic town, home to a number of interesting temples. King Rama IV also had a summer palace built here in the 1850s. Or visit the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, or the notorious Bridge on the River Kwai at Kanchanburi.
Sam Roi Yot National Park covers an area of more than 24,000 acres. Here you'll find limestone mountains, Thailand's largest freshwater marshes, caves, a huge variety of plants and trees, and a number of wild animals.
Snorkeling at Bang Saphan is a must for anyone who wants to see coral reefs and tropical fish.
Petchburi is a charming historic town, home to a number of interesting temples. King Rama IV also had a summer palace built here in the 1850s. Or visit the floating market at Damnoen Saduak, or the notorious Bridge on the River Kwai at Kanchanburi.
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