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Cha-am

Cha-am is a small town on the western coast of the Gulf of Thailand about 180 km southwest of Bangkok. The town attracts a lot of Thai vacationers and most foreigners end up 25 km south at the better known resort town of Hua Hin.

The beach, one of the longest in Thailand if not the longest, is a nice white sandy one. The beach has vendors selling everything you will need for an enjoyable day in the sun. The southern part is less crowded.

Accommodations are available for all budgets. Restaurants are plentiful and generally cheaper than Hua Hin. Nightlife is fun here but not as busy as Hua Hin which is easily reached by taxi.

Markets: There is a daily market just to the south of the train station off Thanon Rachaphlee. The mornings are when everything is fully stocked and fresh. The colours and smells of the fruit and spices are wonderful. The night market is only on Wednesday.

Palaces: Royal Palaces are scattered throughout the area. Klai Kangwon Palace in northern Hua Hin was built by King Rama VII in 1926 and is used by the current king as a summer palace. The Palace is not open to the public but Mrigadayawan Palace between Cha-am and Hua Hin is open to visitors. It was built by King Rama VI in 1923 as a summer palace. There are three large wooden buildings connected by raised walkways set in lush, well landscaped, tropical gardens. The Palace is open daily from 9-4 and has a small admission fee. Khao Wang Palace also known as Phra Nakhon Khiri can be found 40 km north of Cha-am on top of Khao Wang in the Phetchaburi Town. Built in 1860 by King Rama IV as a summer palace, it is now a park and museum. Open Wed-Sun, 9-4. In 1916 King Rama V built Phraram Ratchanivet Palace and planned to use it in the rainy season. The palace was instead used to house state visitors to the area. The palace is located 40 km north of Cha-am in Phetchaburi Town.

Golf: There are a few good golf courses within easy reach of Cha-am. The green fees are reasonable and the service and amenities are good.

Snorkelling and Diving: Koh Thalu and a few other Islands far to the south provide good snorkelling but if you are looking for something close or want to do some diving, you are better to head to another destination. There are a couple of diving trips to Koh Tao but it is a very long day trip.

Kaeng Krachan National Park: Located 60 km to the west of Cha-am, this is the largest National Park in Thailand. The main attraction is the large lake created by the naturally camouflaged Kaeng Krachan Dam. Boats are available for rent to explore the small Islands. The park also has lots of multi tiered waterfalls, caves and a mountaintop camp site. If you can tear yourself away from the beach for a day, this park is the perfect place to go. There is a restaurant and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Khao Sam Roi Yod National Park: Located 90 km south of Cha-am, between highway 4 and the coast, is this small coastal park. There are a few caves, including Tham Phraya Nakhon which has a Royal Pavillion and has been visited by many Thai Kings, Including the current King Bhumipolone who came twice. The park also has some fantastic limestone mountains and a bunch of small Islands. There are 3 restaurants and accommodations on site. Phone +66 2562 0760 to reserve.

Cha-am Forest Park: Located on the western edge of town, this small park is a nice place to go relax after the heat and activity of the beach. There are a couple of paths to wander around as well as a park restaurant.

Rafting: The Petchaburi River, half an hour north of Cha-am is a nice spot for some mellow rafting. No class 4 rapids here but the scenery is beautiful and it's a great way to see the countryside.

Fishing: Charters can be arranged for day and night fishing.

Thanarat Infantry Camp: This Royal Thai Army camp can be found 50 km south of Cha-am off highway 4. The camp offers climbing, trekking and rafting outings as well as commando training courses. A museum onsite is dedicated to the life of Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat, a famous soldier and past Prime Minister. The Royal Thai Army's weapons and uniforms from the past are also on display. Open daily from 9-4.