CHA AM
Area: Thailand


Location:
Halfway down the length of Thailand, on the W ("sunrise") shore of the Gulf of Thailand, just over 100 miles SW of Bangkok and its airport.

Telephone code from UK:
66 32

Position:
Occupying generally flat, rural land backing a long, sandy beach. Mountains rise in the distance to the W.

Description:
Once a tiny fishing village, Cha Am became a favourite in the 1920s with the Thai royal family, who built a palace here. Though no longer frequented by the aristocracy, the resort nevertheless retains a genteel charm, with tasteful, well-spaced and predominantly low-rise development creating an open, uncrowded feel. The resort lies within a peaceful, sleepy area, relatively unspoilt by mass tourism and typifying the true Thai way of life. Though quiet during the week, the resort tends to liven up at the weekends, when Bangkok residents pull into town for a bit of relaxation and low-key fun.

Suitability:
Family groups, convention-goers and those seeking a peaceful, relaxing, tropical holiday.

Accommodation:
Some holiday bungalows and economy hotels, but the vast majority are more expensive, good-standard resort options, some set a fair distance from the resort centre.

Shopping:
Mainly essentials. Daily market (mornings) selling fresh fruits, vegetables and fish. Greater choice in Hua Hin, 15 miles. Far greater variety and quantity in Bangkok.

Beach:
With the exception of some rocky promontories at Hua Hin, the whole 40-mile coastline is one long, golden beach of powdery fine sand; the sea is clear and swimming is safe. Generally quiet, but busier at weekends.

Entertainments:
Daytime: beach and water sports (including scuba-diving, banana-boat rides and jet-skiing). Beach strolls. Deep-sea fishing. Several international-standard golf courses. Horse riding. Nightlife: a few discos and karaoke bars.

Eating:
Good, simple restaurants specialising in seafood, plus Thai and European fare. Numerous hotel-dining options, although expect to pay more.

Public-transport:
Comprises tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws) seating one or two passengers and "pick-up taxis" that charge a flat rate and accommodate up to 20 passengers. If you can handle this claustrophobic way of travelling, it's a cheap option for short distances; just point in the direction you're going and if the driver is going your way, jump in. Long-distance bus and train service to nearby beach resort of Hua Hin and more distant Bangkok.

Local-excursions:
Half day: Hua Hin fishing pier; local temples; picturesque coastline and local fishing villages. Full day: Pa-La-U waterfall; Khao Sam Roi Yot (Three Hundred Peaks) National Park; Phra Nakhon Khiri (summer palace of King Rama IV). Two days: Kanchanaburi and Bridge over the River Kwai; Bangkok, Floating Market at Damnoen Sauak and Rose Garden cultural centre.