Banks: 09:00 to 16:30, Monday to Friday
Post Offices: 08:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday; 09:00 to 12:00 Saturdays
Government Offices: 08:30 to 15:30, Monday to Friday
Business Centres: 09:30 to 17:00, daily
Shops: 10:00 to 20:00/22:00, daily; some closed on Sundays

There is virtually no crime to worry about when visiting Cha Am. This town is even sleepier than Hua Hin, so unless you wander into the Fishing Village late at night you’re unlikely to encounter any trouble. Even so, don’t encourage a crime of opportunity by leaving your bag unattended while you swim in the sea. Theft does occur occasionally in Cha Am, especially at hotels and at the beach so carry your valuables and cash with you at all times. When swimming in the gulf, keep your valuables in an in-room safe or at your hotel's reception area.

Tourist Police: 3251 5995 (from inside Thailand)

The water and food in Cha Am should be considered a potential health hazard. Do not assume you can drink the tap water, even in a fancy hotel. Bottled water is cheap and always the safest choice. Restaurants have no hygiene enforcement, so use your best judgement. The more crowded a place, the better the chances are that it’s clean and has tasty food. Sunburn is naturally another concern in Cha Am, so cover up and use sunscreen.

Although uncommon, mosquitoes in Cha Am can carry malaria and dengue fever, so cover up after dark and use repellent. Pharmacies in Cha Am are stocked with anything you would need for a minor illness or an upset stomach. Thonburi Hospital is adequate for basic emergencies, but for anything serious head to Bangkok. It’s advised you buy travel insurance just in case.

Thonburi Hospital: +66 3243 3903

Thai is spoken throughout the country, although English is understood by those working in the tourism industry.

Thailand uses the baht as its official currency. Banknotes come in denominations of Bt1,000, Bt500, Bt100, Bt50 and Bt20. Coins come in denominations of Bt10, Bt5, and Bt1.

All visitors arriving in Thailand may bring in 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, one litre of spirits, and a small amount of perfume. Prescription drugs may require a doctor’s note. You may not take any Buddha images or antiques out of Thailand without government permission.

Thailand has many rules of etiquette, but sometimes at the beach these things are more relaxed. Dress here is less conservative than in other parts of the country, but the Thais generally cover up more when they go out into town and visitors should follow suit. Also, try to keep a cool head if you encounter a frustrating situation. Yelling will get you nowhere in the Land of Smiles.

Whenever visiting a Buddhist temple you must wear proper clothing. Always remove your shoes before entering any temple or personal home. When dining out, don’t expect your food to come all at the same time. Thai style is to share common dishes and eat them with rice. Above all, enjoy the smiling faces of the locals. An offered smile from a foreigner is a welcome gesture in Cha Am.

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months prior to entering Thailand. Citizens from 41 countries can get a free visa upon arrival for a stay of up to 30 days. A 60-day tourist visa can be prearranged at Thai consulates for a fee. Be sure not to overstay your visa, however, because the fine is steep and may jeopardise your ability to obtain future visas.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) office in Cha Am is not in the most convenient location, so you may need a taxi to get here. They have maps, brochures and other useful information.

Tourism Authority of Thailand
Corner of Phetchkasem Road and Narathip Road
Cha Am
Phone: +66 3247 1005