About Cha-am
Cha-am is a quiet beach town on the Gulf of Thailand, north of Hua Hin. It is popular with Thai weekenders from Bangkok and much calmer than its better-known neighbour. The long beach is fringed by food stalls, parasols and guesthouses, and you often see families and fishermen. In Cha-am Forest Park you can watch birds and, with luck, spot gibbons. A short ride from town stands Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathaiyawan, a summer palace from the early 1920s with wooden galleries. There is also the Wildlife Friends Foundation, a wildlife rescue centre with no elephant rides. Cha-am suits anyone looking for a simple beach holiday, or a stop on the way to Hua Hin. Cha-am lies about 180 km south of Bangkok, and Hua Hin is only some 25 km further on, so you can easily combine the two places.
Best time to visit (indicative)
Best from November to April on the western shore of the Gulf, with sun and little rain. October is one of the wettest months here (peak about 250 mm); March to May is hot but fine for the beach. Weather varies from year to year; this is a guideline based on the climate.
Getting there
From Bangkok by bus or minivan (about 2.5 to 3 hours); Hua Hin lies about 25 km further south. Distances and travel times are rounded estimates.
Things to do in Cha-am
- Cha-am beach A long beach with seafood, pony rides and quiet loungers.
- Cha-am Forest Park A small nature reserve for birdwatchers, sometimes with gibbons.
- Marukhathaiyawan Palace A 1920s summer palace of polished teak, about 9 km from town.
- Wildlife Friends Foundation A wildlife rescue centre with no elephant rides or shows.
