Travel Eye on Cha Am (Thailand)

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Overview:

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.

Entertainment/Activities/Things To Do:

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.