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CHA-AM & HUA HIN
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CHA-AM & HUA HIN
Located on the sunrise side of the Gulf of Thailand, Cha-am and Hua Hin are quiet relaxed coastal towns, perfect for family vacations, In contrast to Pattaya, across the Gulf, these sister resorts lack the bustle of an international playground and instead afford a quiet escape.
Both resorts boast long uncluttered beaches, while Hua
Hin, larger than Cha-am, has the added attraction of a
traditional fishing port. Neither place attempts to imitate the
international scene and are content with an enduring Thai
identity. Hua Hin, incidentally, is Thailand's oldest beach
resort, enjoying a vogue among Thai royalty and aristocracy
since the 1920s.
The main joys of both resorts are a peaceful time lazing on the beach soaking up the tropical sunshine, the fun of a variety of watersports and a delight in relishing some excellent seafood dining.
Situated just 25 kilometres apart, Cha-am and Hua
Hin lie a three-hour drive southwest of Bangkok. Several
airconditioned coaches depart Bangkok's Southern
Bus Terminal daily, alternatively there are a number of
daily trains from Bangkok's Hualamphong station to Hua
Hin, the journey taking about four and a half hours.
An excellent choice of hotel accommodation is available at
both Cha-am and Hua Hin. The range is from deluxe resort
style, with full recreational and entertainment amenities,
to inexpensive beachfront bungalows. Hua Hin, where a
number of new luxury hotels have opened in the last few
years, also boasts a grand 1920s property which has
recently been restored to its original splendour to recall
the genteel ambience of a bygone era.
The main attraction of Cha-am and Hua Hin is
the chance to relax on a lovely beach and escape the crowds.
A wide choice of watersports, however; are offered by the
main resort hotels, while the towns themselves afford the
simple pleasure of taking a stroll and enjoying an insight
into traditional lifestyles.
For more active recreation away from the beach, Hua Hin has several delightful international-class golf courses. These combine a challenging game with the pleasure of lush tropical scenery and fine views.
Although the keynote of a stay at either Hua Hin or
Cha-Am is relaxation, the coastline in this region is well
worth exploring. South from Hua Hin, through Pran Buri
and down to Prachuap Khiri Khan, there are numerous
quiet coves and tiny fishing villages, ideal destinations for
day excursions.
There is also Khao Sam Roi 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 breath-taking blend of forested hills, deep valleys, waterfalls, caves, beaches, mangrove swamps and coves. A profusion of tropical vegetation makes the park a sanctuary for various animals and birds.
Further south, Prachuap Khiri Khan, a provincial
capital, is a fishing town with a scenic bay. The beachfront
Mirror Mount, where there is a small pagoda and a troop of
playful monkeys, affords a stunning panorama of the
coastline and seascape.
Visitors interested in Thai history and culture will be
fascinated by Phetchaburi 65 kilometres north of Cha-am.
This old town has a number of superb temples dating from the
late Ayutthaya period, as well as several other important
sights such as Khao Luang Cave and Phra Nakhon Khiri, the
19th century hilltop palace of King Mongkut. The latter,
accessible by a cable railway, comprises an intriguing collection
of regal apartments which, together with a museum, provides an
insight into the culture of the period.
Inland, southwest of Phetchaburi is Kaeng Krachan National Park, Thai land's largest protected area. It is a place of most attractive scenery, and there is accommodation overlooking an extensive landscaped reservoir for visitors who wish to prolong their stay.
Tours and transport to the many sights around Cha-am and Hua Hin can be arranged by the major resort hotels. Alternatively there are regular and inexpensive bus services between the main centres. In the resorts the most common means of transportation is the trishaw, accommodating two passengers.
Resort hotels offer an excellent choice of restaurants serving a variety of cuisines. In addition both Cha-am and Hua Hin have several simple but good restaurants where the local speciality is deliciously fresh seafood.
For evening entertainment there are cocktail
lounges and nightclubs at the major hotels. In a different
vein, Hua Hin's night market affords great pleasure for the
browser and shopper alike. Best buys for the dedicated
shopper are locally produced silk and cotton, as well as the
region's famous dried seafood and various kinds of kanom,
Thai sweets.
Indeed, Cha-am and Hua Hin offer a little of everything--except crowds.
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