Cha Am Travel Guide: Travel and tourist information, things to do and see in Cha Am

Stretching south from Bangkok, ( about 3 hours drive ) the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand offers the classic ingredients for the perfect family vacation in the sun. Facing the sunrise are the beach resorts of Cha-am and Hua Hin.

Close by are a wealth of historical and cultural sights, as well as the natural beauty of a splendid coastline. Different from Pattaya, on the opposite shored of the Gulf, Cha-am and Hua Hin offer a quieter, more relaxed retreat amid surroundings which preserve a Typical Thai ambience. Although the emphasis is on a tranquil time away from the bustle of the city, both Cha-am and Hua Hin are well in all categories, restaurants suited to all tastes and sufficient sporting and entertainment to please all preferences. At the same time, nothing detracts from the peace of a splendid natural setting.

Hua Hin is further distinguished as Thailand's oldest beach resort. What was a sleepy little fishing port receives royal destination in the 1920's when king Rama VII chose the site for a summer palace, which he named Klai Kangworn, meaning "Far from Worries"

In spite of moving with the times to offer all modern amenities, Cha-am and Hua Hin have retained their own enduring Thai identity. The main attraction of both resorts is a peaceful time lazing on the beach soaking up the tropical sunshine, complemented by the fun of a variety of watersports and a delight in relishing some excellent seafood. All can be enjoyed amid an atmosphere and setting which preserve a true Thai character.

Locality:

Cha Am is halfway down the length of Thailand, on the West ("sunrise") side of the Gulf of Thailand, just over 100 mls south west of Bangkok and its airport. Occupying generally flat, rural land backing a long, sandy beach. The mountains rise in the distance to the west.

The Night Market - This is not something created just for the visitor, rather it is a traditional place and occasion for shopping and pursuing that most delightful of Thai pastimes, pat' teeo -- leisurely wandering about to see and be seen. Best buys for the dedicated shopper are locally produced high-quality silk and cotton, ad well ad the region's famous dried seafood and various kinds of kanom, Thai sweets.

Golf - Hua Hin boasts Thailand's oldest international-standard golf course, a facility which remains one of the country's top venues, where challenging play is enhanced by an exceptionally beautiful landscape of tropical greenery. There five other golf courses close by

Mountain of 300 Peaks - There is also Khao Sam Rol Yot (Mountain of 300 Peaks) National Park, a short way south of Pran Buri. Covering 60 square kilometres, it is a place of wonder where the stunning landscape is a breathtaking blend of forested hills, deep of tropical vegetation makes the park valleys, waterfalls, caves, beaches, mangrove swamps and coves - a sanctury for various animals and birds.

Chumphon - More than a day excursion from Hua Hin, this coastal province is a beach destination in its own right, offering some good hotel accommodation, some fine, near deserted beaches, offshore islands and perfect conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving. Access is by road or rail, and if the journey is long, there is more than ample reward in Chumphon's complete lack of crowds.

Phetchaburi - For visitor interested in Thai history and culture, an excursion 65 kilometres north of Cha-am to Phetchaburi is not be missed. Today a provincial capital, Phetchaburi is an historic town and was a major artistic centre during the Ayutthaya period . This is witnessed today in the superb temple murals of Wat Yai Suwannaram and Wat Ko Kaew, which rank among the finest examples of their kind.

There are other fascinating temples around town, while dominating the northern outskirts is Ara Nakhon Khiri, a hilltop palace and observatory built in the 19th century by King Rama IV. The buildings have recently been restored and a small museum added. A visit is also rewarding for the fine views of the surrounding countryside afforded by the vantage point.

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Population: 65.444.400
Languages: Thai (Siamese), English (secondary language of the
Currency: baht
Currency code: THB
Local Times:
Thailand - Bangkok

Country Dialling Code: +66
Voltage: 220V 50Hz
Electrical plugs:
2 Parallel circular prongs

Thailand is the geographical heart of South-East Asia. The infamous golden triangle, located at the nation's northernmost point, is where Thailand's borders meet those of both Laos and Myanmar (Burma). The border with Myanmar continues to the west and then south as far as the Malay peninsula, much of which is occupied by Thailand. On the east, the border with Laos meanders southeast along the Mekong River until it reaches Cambodia, which is due east of Bangkok, the Thai Capital. In the south is the Gulf of Thailand. Roughly the size of France (200,000 sq. miles),

Thailand is composed of four main regions. The northern mountainous region contains numerous ruins and temples, the ancient city of Chieng Mai, and Thailand's highest peak, Doi Inthanon . This region is also home to the hill tribes of Thailand , distinct ethnic groups which settled in the area thousands of years ago after migrating from as far away as Tibet and central China.

The north-east of Thailand occupies the semi-arid Korat plateau, the most desolate and least-visited part of the country. An interesting blend of Thai, Lao, and Khmer influences characterise the culture of the Korat.

Central Thailand, which consists of the fertile plains surrounding the Chao Phraya River, is the country's most populous region and its rice basket. Thailand's alluring and congested capital city of Bangkok is located along the banks of the Chao Phraya, near the river's outlet into the Bight of Bangkok and the Gulf of Thailand.

The southern region of Thailand, which stretches for hundreds of miles along the Malay peninsula, abounds with stunning beaches and scores of tropical islands.

Thailand's tourist economy has shaken off the political unrest of 2010 and is back with a vengeance. Milking the hollywood movie industry, the country has been the setting for The Man with the Golden Gun (now tackily known as James Bond Island), The Bridge over River Kwai and more recently Alex Garland's The Beach. The country is well equipped with a large variety of mid-range and expensive luxurious international hotels and resorts to cater for the tourist hordes. Those on a cheaper budget can still experience the beaches with a variety of cheap and comfortable accommodation options.

Thailand's size and geographical diversity allow for a variety of activities. Snorkelling, diving and a host of watersports are very popular around the Islands, while inland, tourists can trek into the mountains or cycle across the flat river areas of the NE.

Thailand's climate is generally hot particularly between mid Feb and June. The monsoon season is mid May to Oct when the climate is hot with torrential rain. The most comfortable time for travelling is Nov to Feb.

Thai culture is the result of historical interchange between India; China and most recently the west. Subsequently the culture appears at times confusing and exploitative of women and children. In recent years there has been a steady migration; including many young women; from rural areas to the cities; resulting in overcrowding; poverty and forced labour. Be vigilant if travelling alone. It may be advisable to travel around Thailand with a companion.

Thai; English; Malay and Chinese are also spoken.

Bangkok

Bangkok has dominated Thailand's urban hierarchy as well as its political, commercial and cultural life since the late 18th century. Although you can shop in air-conditioned comfort in its Western-style malls, the city is a long way from being tamed by commercial homogeneity.

Ayuthaya Historical Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ayuthaya's historic temples are scattered throughout this once magnificent city and along the encircling rivers. Several of the more central ruins - Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Wat Mongkhon Bophit, Wat Na Phra Meru, Wat Thammikarat, Wat Ratburana and Wat Phra Mahathat - can be visited on foot.

Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai has a striking mountain backdrop, over 300 temples and a quaint historical aura. It's also a modern, friendly, internationally-flavoured city with much to offer the visitor - food, accommodation and shopping are all top quality and cheap, and the nights are relatively cool.

Koh Samui

This beautiful island off southeastern Thailand is covered with coconut plantations and circled by (call us clichéd but it's true) palm-fringed beaches. It was once an 'untouched' backpackers' mecca, but is now well on its way to becoming a fully-fledged tourist resort.

Phuket

Dubbed 'Pearl of the South' by the tourist industry, Phuket is Thailand's largest, most populous and most visited island. A whirl of colour and cosmopolitanism, Thailand's only island province revolves around and thrives on tourism, but still retains a spark of the real Thailand.

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Cha Am Travel Guide

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