Things To Do
in Cha-am
Cha-am is a laid-back beach town in Phetchaburi Province, just north of Hua Hin, known for its long sandy shoreline and relaxed vibe. Its palm-fringed promenade, family-friendly resorts, and vibrant seafood markets attract visitors seeking a mellow coastal escape. Life here moves at a slower pace, with easy cycling, sunset strolls, and casual beachfront dining.
Located within reach of Bangkok by road or rail, Cha-am also serves as a gateway to nearby national parks and hillside trails.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Cha-am and check into your hotel to unwind after your journey. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a beachfront café, soaking in the stunning sea views. Take a stroll along the tranquil beach to get a feel for the area and its vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the local markets, where you can sample delicious street food and shop for handicrafts. Visit the nearby Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, a magnificent seaside summer palace with beautifully landscaped gardens. Relax on the beach while enjoying the gentle ocean breeze.
Dine at a beachside restaurant, choosing from a variety of fresh seafood options. Watch the sunset paint the sky in hues of orange and pink while enjoying your meal. Conclude your night with a leisurely walk along the shore, listening to the soothing sounds of the waves.
Start your day with breakfast at the hotel before heading out to visit the Wat Neranchararam temple. The serene atmosphere and beautiful architecture offer a glimpse into Thai culture and traditions. Be sure to respect local customs while exploring this peaceful site.
Visit the Plearnwan Vintage Village, an open-air marketplace that captures the essence of old Thailand. Enjoy lunch at one of the local eateries featuring traditional Thai food, then browse through the shops selling handmade crafts and antiques. Engage with friendly vendors to learn more about the significance of their wares.
Head back to the beach to witness a spectacular sunset. For dinner, choose a restaurant that offers a fusion of local and international cuisine. After your meal, enjoy live music at a nearby bar and mingle with locals and fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $5-8 |
| ☕Coffee/tea at cafe | $2-4 |
| 🍤Seafood dinner for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🏖️Beach chair or sunbed rental | $2-5 |
| 🚲Bike or scooter rental (per day) | $6-12 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful, long beach with calm waters
- Family-friendly atmosphere and affordable seafood
- Proximity to Hua Hin and easy Bangkok access
- Relatively relaxed nightlife and many outdoor activities
- Good base for nature trips and nearby parks
- Less vibrant nightlife and fewer big-scale attractions than Hua Hin
- Certain areas can be crowded on weekends and holidays
- Some restaurants and services rely on cash; card acceptance varies
- Humidity can be high year-round
- Public transport within Cha-am is limited; a scooter or car helps
- "Sawasdee ka/krub" - Hello (female/male)
- "Khop Khun ka/krub" - Thank you (female/male)
- "Tao-rai?" - How much?
- "Hong nam yoo thîi-nai?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "Aroi mak" - Very tasty
- "Chai" - Yes
- "Mai sai nam pla" - No fish sauce
Places to Visit in Cha-am
Visit one of these nice places.
A royal seaside residence with classical Thai architecture, lacquered pavilions, and ocean views—popular for architectural and landscape photography.
Long stretch of sand with palm-lined horizons and gentle morning light, ideal for wide-angle and silhouette shots.
Themed architecture and bright colors offer striking photo opportunities, especially during golden hour.
A coastal pine forest area with tranquil trails and shaded viewpoints, great for nature photography.
A continuous sea-drenched walkway perfect for sunset photos, casual portraits, and candid street scenes.
Food in Cha-am
Cha-am Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hot-and-sour shrimp soup with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chilies.
Must-Try!
Salt-crusted grilled fish served with herbs and dipping sauces.
Green papaya salad with chilies, lime, peanuts, and a balancing sweetness.
Stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, sprouts, peanuts, and a tangy tamarind sauce.
Coconut galangal soup with chicken, mushrooms, and cilantro.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Evening market along the beachfront offering grilled seafood, skewers, noodles, desserts, and local snacks.
Freshly caught seafood grilled to order along Cha-am Beach Road.
Casual stalls offering satay, fried rice, momo-style dumplings, and fruit desserts.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet with a wai (hands together, slight bow). Dress modestly when visiting temples; remove shoes before temple entrances.
Show respect to the Thai monarchy; avoid negative comments in public.
Keep voices low, avoid pointing feet at sacred objects, and cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Keep noise and disruption to a minimum in residential areas; be courteous to locals and shop staff.
Safety
Tipping in Cha-am
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. 20–50 THB for small services (bellhops, taxi drivers for short rides); 10–15% at upscale restaurants if service is exceptional. Rounding up is common in casual settings.
Cash (Thai Baht) is widely used, especially at markets and street stalls. Cards are accepted at hotels, larger restaurants, and tourist-focused venues. QR payments (PromptPay) are increasingly common in urban areas and some shops.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and humid with strong sun. Peak temperatures typically reach the 30s°C. Hydration, sunscreen, and shade are essential; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
June to October brings frequent short showers and higher humidity. Sea conditions can vary; carry a light rain jacket and be prepared for sudden weather changes.
November to February offers milder temperatures, lower humidity, and pleasant beach conditions. This is the best season for outdoor exploring and photography.
Cha-am at Night
Hiking in Cha-am
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Nearby coastal mountains with limestone formations, caves, and coastal hikes offering scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Gentle forested paths along the coast, ideal for easy hikes and nature photography.
Airports
How to reach Cha-am by plane.
Local airport serving regional destinations; easy drive from Cha-am for domestic flights.
Bangkok-based airport offering many domestic and regional flights; about a 2.5–3 hour drive to Cha-am depending on traffic.
Major international gateway; longer drive to Cha-am but frequent connections to domestic routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Thai families and daily workers in hospitality and fishing sectors.
Domestic and international visitors seeking a relaxed beach retreat.
Foreign residents attracted by the climate, affordability, and golf courses.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Several scenic courses in and around Cha-am, including Springfield Village Golf Club, offering year-round play.
Local gyms and staged exhibitions can be found in nearby Hua Hin for a cultural snapshot of the sport.
Jet skiing, banana boat rides, and family-friendly activities along the beachfront.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Cha-am.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Thai dishes often use fish sauce or shrimp paste. Look for options labelled Jay (vegetarian) or ask for mai sai nam pla (no fish sauce) and mai sawsai goong (no shrimp paste). Fresh vegetables, tofu dishes, and fruit-based snacks are readily available.