Hat Cha-am

About 160 km southwest of Bangkok, the white strand of Hat Cha-am is a popular spot for Thai holidaymakers. Cha-am was originally developed by HRH Prince Narathip, who was looking for a new alternative to the beach at Hua Hin. The Prince led the project to bring road and rail access to the beach, and built a new community called Sahakham Cha-am. The village was later upgraded to a district in its own right. The first headman of the village erected a monument in Prince Narathip's honor and named the road from the railway station Narathip Road.

Hat Cha-am is distinct from Hua Hin's with its easy road access and no private ownership of beachfront land. Its atmosphere is said to be similar to that of Bang Saen in Chonburi in former times. Water sports facilities such as jet skis and banana boats are available, and lots of deck chairs, vendors and shops line the beach. If you're looking for a slightly more tranquil spot, try the beach area close to Neranchara Temple.

The strip between Nongjang Road and the Siam Cement lodgings is a small dock of ring-net boats. A temporary seafood market sets up here from 5 am to 10 am. The fresh sea crabs are particularly sought after. Prices here may actually be higher than the permanent market, but the freshness is guaranteed.

The main fishing port of Saphan Pla is at the northern end of Hat Cha-am, near Neranchara Temple. The local fishing boats in the harbor make a picturesque scene. The fresh market and restaurants here are open daily, all day. Dishes can be cooked on demand and cost from 10-30 baht each depending on the order and availability. The best time to buy fresh seafood is before 7.00 am.

To get to Cha-am by car, take the Phetkasem Road (Route No 4), past Phra Nakhon Khiri and Tha Yang District, and then turn left at Hoob Krapong Flyover. At the crossing, turn left and travel a further 2 km to the beach. The total distance from Phetchaburi town to the beach is about 41 km and takes less than an hour to get there.

On holidays, the State Railway of Thailand offers one-day tours to Cha-am. The train departs Bangkok at 6.30 am to visit Phetchaburi's Kao Wang Historical Park, Cha-am Beach and Marukataiyawan Palace. The fee, including a meal, is 480 baht for adults, 440 baht for children. For more details, contact the promotion counter at Hua Lampong Railway station from 4.00 am to 11.00 pm or Tel +66 2 220-4334 ext 5217 and +66 2 225-6964.

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