 
Hat
Chao Samran
The 4-km-long stretch of Hat Chao Samran, located about 15
km from the provincial capital, is popular for its beauty
and solitude, with only a few small shops and residents.
The beach is known from the Ayutthaya period, when legend
has it that King Naresuan the Great and his younger brother
Eka Thotsarot visited the spot. They were so fond of the beauty
of the area that they spent several days there, prompting
villagers to name the beach 'Hat Chao Samran' or 'Beach to
Please Kings'.
During the reign of King Rama VI, in 1918, a beach palace
was built at Tambon Bangtalu, called 'Kai Luang Bangtalu',
later changed to 'Kai Luang Chao Samran', that the king visited
to recuperate from rheumatism. Later, King Rama VI spent several
private holidays here before moving to Phra Ratchaniwet Marukataiyawan
with its better supply of fresh water. Today, no traces of
the beach palace remain.
To get to Hat Chao Samran by car leave the main town by Ratchadamri
Road, then turn left at Route No 3177. On the way you will
see the Phetchaburi Ratchaphat Institute and the local police
station on your left. Go straight ahead at the intersection
to access the beach.
Songthaew
(mini-van) services leave the station at Krung Thai Bank and
Wat Tor Temple near the clock tower every 15 minutes, from
7.30 am to 6.15 pm and from 6.30 am to 4.00 pm for the return
trip. The trip takes around 30 minutes and costs about 10
baht per person or approximately 200 to 300 baht for charter.
Before
Hat Chao Samran, the white sandy cape at Laem Luang is worth
a stop-off. Located at Laem Phuk Bia sub-district, the cape
juts out 2 km into the sea. It is an ideal spot for viewing
both sunrise and sunset. Watch out for Laem Luang on the left
hand side, just before Hat Chao Samran.
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