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Cha-am Beach in Thailand |
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| Hat
Cha-am Beach in Thailand |
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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.
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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.
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