Cha-am

A quiet seaside town popular with Bangkok residents on weekends. Enjoy seafood on the long beach, and visit the teak-built Palace of Love and Hope and the trendy theme parks, which suit family trips.

Cha-am lies on the west bank of the Gulf of Thailand in the south of Phetchaburi Province, about 170 km from Bangkok and about 25 km south of Hua Hin. It is a seaside town that Bangkok residents often visit by car on weekends. Its pace is quieter than Hua Hin’s, with more local atmosphere. November to April is the dry season, with clear skies, little rain and calm seas, making it the best time for beach holidays. March to May is the hottest period. May to October is the rainy season, with frequent showers, but there are fewer tourists and lower hotel prices.

Areas to visit: The town center has a long beach lined with seafood restaurants and night markets. The Cha-am Forest Park is at the south end. Along Highway 4 to the northwest are family-oriented theme parks such as Santorini Park and Little Switzerland Sheep Farm. About 12 km south of town, by the sea, stand the teak-built Palace of Love and Hope and the adjacent Sirindhorn International Environmental Park. Further south is Hua Hin’s Venice Water Village. To the north, you can see the giant sea sculptures at Pu Tian Beach.

Transport: From Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal or Victory Monument, take a bus or minibus for about 3 hours. You can also take a train to Cha-am Station. Locally, songthaews (shared pickup trucks), motorcycle taxis and self-drive cars are the main options. Plan for 2 to 3 days, often combined with a trip to Hua Hin. Beach hotel prices rise noticeably on weekends and during Thai public holidays.

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