While the beaches of Phuket and Samui were discovered only recently and have since undergone rapid over development, Hua-Hin has already been the favorite Thai resort for over 70 years. The resort was discovered in the early 1920’s by King Rama VII as an ideal getaway from the sultry metropolis of Bangkok. The tranquil fishing village was turned into the Royal resort and consequently became popular among Siam’s nobility and upper class. The construction of a railway line from Bangkok ensured its accessibility and popularity with a wider part of the Thai public.
Hua-Hin continued to develop in its own leisurely way, both as an aristocratic resort with added attraction of an 18-hole golf course, and as a fishing port. Cha-Am is a younger version of Hua-Hin, a leisurely family weekend resort which has maintained its unique identity. During the week it is all peace and quiet, the ideal place to get away. Thai people come to the beach for their picnics, swimming and relaxing. On the weekends and public holidays both Cha-Am and Hua-Hin come alive as the Thai people enjoy themselves, as you will see them dancing and singing on the beach; Over the past few years many tourists have discovered these two resorts that remain relatively unspoiled.
Hua-Hin is 25 Km to the south of Cha-Am with lots of Western restaurants and with more of a city atmosphere than Cha-Am.
The two resorts offer miles of clean sandy beaches, which are protected by tall trees that help keep the hot midday sum off. The swimming is ideal for children in the safe shallow waters on the Gulf of Thailand seashore.
Around Cha-Am and Hua-Hin and around the towns there is plenty to see and do such as the temples, caves with Buddha images, national parks, waterfalls, and the King’s Palace. Both towns have local markets that are open daily from 6 AM to 11PM where you can obtain all the local Thai fruits.
