Cha Am has remained quiet and unpopular with partying beachgoers, but it is this distinct absence of tourism and all its frills and action that makes Cha Am so charming. You won’t find rows of bars or a night market, but Cha Am does sport a nice clean beach, clear waters and enough amenities to have a great holiday.
The highlights in Cha Am include lounging on the sand and making brief excursions to nearby nature parks. A traditional fishing village still hauls in the goods every day just next to the tourist section of town, making a nice diversion. But if you really want a dose of culture then head north about an hour to Petchaburi, an ancient Thai town loaded with royal, religious and military history.
Hua Hin, the much livelier cousin of Cha Am, is just a few minutes south along the coast if you need to cut loose, stay out late or indulge your shopping needs. There’s a lot going on in Hua Hin, including dozens of bars, more beaches and many more people, so visitors often tend to stay in Cha Am and head to Hua Hin for frequent forays into the action.
Cha Am is popular mostly with Thais and the town boasts a full range of accommodation, from five-star luxury resorts to humble bungalows. Beach Road has plenty to offer in the mid-range and budget hotels. The most exclusive resorts tend to be on the edges of Cha Am or even a bit farther out. You get good value for your money with the lower-end lodging in Cha Am compared to other Thai beach destinations. Booking online in advance will guarantee you the greatest savings.
Since it’s almost as easy to get to Cha Am by train or coach, few travellers choose to take the daily flight on the single domestic airline to neighbouring Hua Hin’s humble airport. It’s cheaper to catch a train, bus or even a private taxi cab from Bangkok to Cha Am, with the journey taking less than three hours. Renting a car is another fun and easy way to get here.
Cha Am has a balmy tropical climate year round. The only real difference in weather is influenced by the rainy and dry seasons, as well as slightly cooler temperatures during the height of winter. Average daytime temperatures hover around a comfortable 27oC, although during the hottest months of April and May they often hit the upper 30soC.
The finest season in Cha Am falls between November and February, when temperatures average a wonderfully cool 21oC and the skies are bright and blue. This is also Cha Am’s high tourism season, so expect the highest room rates and the most crowds during these prime months. Be sure and make room reservations well in advance.
By March the mercury begins to rise to uncomfortable levels. Sea breezes often temper the heat, but expect hot and dry conditions at the end of Cha Am’s dry season. May brings the welcome monsoon, opening with dramatic and refreshing afternoon thunderstorms before the rains grow stronger by the end of August and September. Many resorts close for the peak weeks of the rainy season, as the seas are too rough for boating excursions. However, most of the time the rain comes and goes quickly, often leaving visitors with the whole beach to themselves.
I liked most the excellent beach front and the hotel rooms which is big and spacious. The ground flr unit with balcony to the pool is awsome. F&B is good. bft is fantastic with good choice of bread...
