Around 25 kilometres north of Hua Hin town centre lies Cha-am, another seaside resort on the Gulf of Thailand. The town belongs to Phetchaburi Province and differs considerably in character from Hua Hin.
Cha-am: A Resort with Local Character
The town developed alongside Hua Hin, yet remained more firmly oriented towards Thai visitors. At weekends in particular, many day-trippers come from Bangkok; during the week, however, it is considerably quieter. As a result, the tourist infrastructure is generally less developed than in Hua Hin. While there are some larger resorts such as the Grand Pacific Sovereign and The Regent Cha-am Beach, smaller hotels and guesthouses nevertheless dominate the offering. Moreover, the five-kilometre-long, gently sloping beach is only partially built up.
Historically Significant: Phra Ratchaniwet Marukhathayawan
Worth seeing in Cha-am is the Maruekkhathayawan Palace. King Vajiravudh (Rama VI) had it built in 1923–24 as a summer residence. Since he suffered from respiratory problems, the palace was designed to be as airy and close to the coast as possible. Consequently, the entire complex was constructed from teak wood, raised on stilts and connected by covered walkways. The concept originated with the king himself; Italian architect Ercole Manfredi ultimately carried it out. Today the palace serves as a museum with an entrance fee of around 90 Baht.
Nature Close to Town: Khao Nang Phanturat
To the west of town lies Khao Nang Phanturat, also known as Cha-am Forest Park. The forested limestone massif offers several walking trails, used primarily by local day-trippers. In addition, a number of restaurants and simple accommodation options can be found at the foot of the hill.
Day Trips to Phetchaburi and Kaeng Krachan
Cha-am also makes a convenient base for exploring Phetchaburi Province. The provincial capital, with its historic temples on Khao Wang hill, is only 30–40 kilometres away. Further inland — around 60 kilometres — lies Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thailand’s largest national park and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2021. It covers 2,915 square kilometres of unspoiled nature; the entrance fee is 300 Baht for foreigners.
Cha-am or Hua Hin?
Although Cha-am and Hua Hin lie close to each other geographically, they differ considerably in atmosphere and audience. Cha-am is generally quieter, more frequented by Thais and slightly cheaper. Nightlife and a wide choice of international restaurants are not to be found here. Those who prefer, however, to experience a seaside town the way Thais enjoy it — with a long, uncrowded beach and good options for excursions — will find Cha-am the right choice.
Summary
Cha-am suits visitors looking for a quiet seaside resort with a local feel. The infrastructure is less developed than in Hua Hin, though prices are correspondingly lower. Furthermore, the Maruekkhathayawan Palace offers a historically remarkable sight. Beyond that, the beaches, woodland areas and national parks of the region provide plenty for nature lovers.
Touren & Aktivitäten in dieser Region
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