Cha-Am attracts a diverse range of visitors seeking different experiences. Couples seeking a romantic escape, seniors yearning for tranquility, and families with young children in search of a safe and hassle-free environment all flock to this charming destination. Even Bangkok residents consider it a preferred weekend getaway, relishing the seaside atmosphere, despite the sand not being as pristine as in nearby Hua Hin. While Cha-Am exudes a serene ambiance, it doesn't fall short in offering beach enthusiasts various activities like jet skiing and banana boat rides. Moreover, this coastal town boasts readily available and affordable seafood, characteristic of any Thai beach town.
Visitors to Cha-Am are encouraged to explore nearby attractions, such as the Maruek Kathayawan Palace, Wednesday Night Market, Kang Krachang National Park and Camel Republic. Exciting activities abound, including water activities, horse riding, exploring mangrove forests, and biking.
Mrigadayavan, or the Palace of Love and Hope, was built in 1923 as a summer palace by King Rama VI (King Vajiravudh, 1910-1925) with Italian architect. Mrigadayavan Palace is located on Bang Kra Beach in Cha-am County is a summer palace that comprises three charming interlocking groups of teakwood pavilions set in a beautiful tropical garden with majestic trees and magnificent sea views. The palace is located on the grounds of Rama VI Military Camp and is open to the public from 8.30am-4pm Thursday to Tuesday.
If you are in town during the week, the Wednesday Night Market is a Cha-Am institution that is a must visit, as the usually quiet part of town comes alive with a huge range of stalls with hundreds of vendors offering everything imaginable from sunset to around 10 pm every Wednesday. The Wednesday Night Market is a great chance to see authentic Thai lifestyle in action, as the vast majority of the shoppers are locals. However it’s a great Thai experience for travellers and you can see many examples of local produce and products in one venue. The Market entrance is on Narathip Road starting at the roundabout about 500 metres before the Cha-Am Railway Station and stretches through a network of lanes alongside the railway tracks, Government offices and permanent shops.
Covering an area of 2914 km² Kaeng Krachan is the largest national park in Thailand. Kaeng Krachan was declared as a national park in 1981 and has been included in the list of ASEAN Heritage Parks. The forests contain a great biodiversity of tropical vegetation, including tropical and subtropical broad leaf tree species and palms. Fifty-seven species of mammals and more than 400 bird species have been counted in the park, including colorful examples like the yellow-throated marten, streaked spiderhunter, and the ruddy kingfisher. The best time to visit Kaeng Krachan National Park is around December to March, especially early in the morning to see the famous dense morning mist covering the park with hill tops sticking above clouds for a spectacular view.
With Moroccan inspired architecture complete with golden spires, Persian styled tiling and archways reminiscent of a medieval castle in Casablanca, Camel Republic is like a zoo and amusement park all in one. The zoo is home to giraffes, alpacas, colorful birds such as flamingos, and, of course, camels which you can take for a ride. The thrilling amusement rides include the Eagle Zipline, Drop N Twist Tower, Flying Macaw, Sky Flower and Zero Gravity. Camel Republic is on Phetchakasem Road at KM187, across the road from Santorini Amusement and Water Park.