Animal Life at the Beach

Exotic places are thought of being full of creepy crawlies, snakes and other things that live in the jungle just waiting to pounce on you.

Cha-Am was quite quiet on that front. We never really experienced any kind of problems with infested rooms or massive amounts of insects trying to eat our food. There were quite an abundance of dogs around the beach. Mostly there were lazing in the shade and just occasionally opening an eye as you walked past. I Guess they were just making sure you were not going to stumble and step on their paw.

Our resort, Baan Pantai, which seemed like a well manicured jungle with it’s abundance of trees and foliage and would be the ideal home for animal life . Most of what we seen added to our enjoyment. The frequent sight of brightly colored tropical birds occasionally passing by. A nest of ants lived near the pool and seemed to be well trained with not bothering the guests and only coming close to clear up any food that may have been accidentally dropped.

Outside our balcony we did have a little bird building a nest in the trees not really caring we were there. Each day the nest grew bigger and more sound but we left before it became occupied. I guess the little chicks will be flying around and maybe building their own nests by now.

The beach and sea was not the best and at this time of the year seemed to have a few jellyfish floating around. They were all small around the size of a small hand and appeared harmless.

There was nothing during the whole holiday to cause us any problems and especially notable was the absence of any flying insects that may have liked to bite us.

Fisherman’s Village

At the north end of Cha Am Beach the is a fisherman’s village which is worth a visit. If you happen to stay on the southern side of the town then the distance makes securing suitable transport a necessity. The walk is probably too long and especially if the weather is somewhat warmer quite draining.

Bicycle hire is available along the beach front and quite cheaply too. Rental is paid in advance by the hour and perhaps a deposit and proof of your hotel may be required but generally it is walk up and away you go without any problems.

It is probably best to see how your bike feels, and looks, maybe we did not make the best choice for us which brought some laughter from the locals but it was fun.

Following the beach, with lots of restaurants and cafes on the inland side along with the local mobile fast food sellers on the sea side you’ll be wanting to take a rest and enjoy a bit of food or drink along the way. As you approach the northern sided the beach becomes quieter and the options to replenish a bit more scarcer so make sure you have at least some water at this point.

The beach gives way to a thicker forest of trees and soon has a more thoughtful feel. Temples and shrines replace the hotels and restaurants of tourism giving a complete change to the feel of Cha Am.

A little bit further along the road comes the edges of the fisherman’s harbour and village. Some great views can be had along the edges of the pier especially if some of the local fishing vessels are unloading their catch for the day. You might get a look of what you could be eating later than night.

Whatever your mode of transport here, ideally do not walk, bring some water. Ours ran out but luckily we found a supply at the harbour and it only cost around 10THB for the refreshment.

Cha-Am Beach

Running from north to south, Cha Am Beach faces east and catches the morning sun as it rises over the Gulf of Thailand.

A road runs the complete length of the beach with pine trees acting as a barrier between the two. At places this barrier is only a few meters while at others areas it could nearly be called a forest. This makes some stretches of sand more busier than others with the ease of access. The hotels, resorts and restaurants run up the landward side of the road and provide easy access.

For a quick cooling off after breakfast this is extremely convenient. If your after a bit more relaxation than fun then quieter stretches of the beach can be found a short walk up or down the road. We found the northern end of the beach much more deserted and of better quality.

The northern end of Cha Am beach nearly completely deserted apart from a few people under the trees.

In close up these turned out to be Buddhist Monks taking the solitude to contemplate something spiritual.

The busier places of the beach are the places for fun. Sitting under the shades hired for the price of a few Bhatt or taking and exhilarating ride on the inflatable's plus much more and all this is just a few steps from your resort.

While we can’t honestly say Cha Am beach is the best beach in Thailand is does score lots of points for it’s ease of access. Just a few hours from Bangkok along with a good range of affordable accommodation. Spend a just little more money and you have a luxurious resort like Baan Pantai where we stayed for a relaxing few days.

The beach slope was quite gently and there was never much risk of suddenly falling in to a hole and being over your depth. At the time we too to the waters a few jelly fish were spotted. These seemed to be quite harmless and the only stinging we had was from salt water in our eyes as we pretended to be 20 years younger and had a little fun in the waves.

Cha-Am Town

Moving inland from the cooling beach area is the town of Cha-Am. Around half a mile will take you to a more commercial and industrial location with a lot less sand. Most international vacationers might not find much to entice them here but it still worth a visit and say you’ve been there.

Walking all the way in the heat could be too far and it might be a better idea to take some transport. Motorcycle or bi-cycle hire are plentiful around the beach as well as the local form of Taxis, the back seat of a motorcycle so hold on tight. Even if you do not go all the way to town there are a few restaurants, mini markets and a stall market near the beach side.

Once in the town the beach life is left behind and we find a place more suited for Thailanders to work and live. These photographs are from a bridge over the road looking south (above) and north (below). At the time it did feel quit high and the railings a touch too low.

The day was hot and the heat was starting to have it’s effect so we really just had a short look around and decided to head back to a cooler location, the beach.

We never came back to see if the evening had more to offer, it might have became a bustle of activity as the day got cooler. This was a short break and we already had enough for us down nearer the sea front to keep us occupied for a few days.

Baan Pantai Boutique Resort

We had pre-booked our hotel online really through a process of elimination. Striking a line through the resorts that seemed on the large side, removing the ones that had no pool or what seemed like a long walk to the beach. That left us with just a few and prices to consider. We choose Baan Pantai or rather that is what we were left with on our list.

Having never been to Cha-Am before and nor really knowing much about the resort we did not have any idea what to expect apart from a few references from the web.

Just taking those few steps from outside on the beach road revealed what seemed like a different location. We were transported to a lush tropical garden with a massive pool. The busy beach road and bustle, although just a few meters away, seemed to vanish.

Altogether the hotel has just over 30 rooms, some are garden villas sprinkled around the pool. Sometimes it seemed that we were the only people staying there but even with full capacity I can still see this place being extremely quiet and spacious around the poolside.

We lazed around the gardens and pool and our only noticeable companions were the pool boy keeping the pool clean just in case we decided to take a cooling off and the wildlife in the garden. Birds singing as they hopped around the trees and the floating colours as large butterflys passed by.

The pool was actually three pools in one artistically set amongst the garden and water features to seem as natural as possible. The large pool was divided between a shallow side suitable for children or us adults who just wanted to immerse ourselves from the heat, the other side was a bit deeper but not deep enough to go over your head. The water overflowed into the third pool not that we needed more than one.

Baan Pantai hosts with a fitness centre where you could work off your overindulgence should you feel guilty. Somehow we never felt that guilty. Adjacent to the road side is the bar and restaurant with brilliant open views of the beach.

Staying here does cost a bit more than the cheaper places but you do get an extremely lot of quality for the cost. Other places that cost less might not even have air conditioning never mind a pool.

When we go on holiday we see a room as really a place to sleep and all the luxurious extras a bit unnecessary when you should be there for the culture, people, food, beaches and locations. The room was not the most luxurious available at the resort but was extremely high quality never the less. The house keepers were attentative every day, spacious and quality decoration thorough. But for me the balcony was a nice place to site out and enjoy the last moments of the night. To give an idea of how relaxing it felt, every day we had our morning coffee with a little bird no more than a few feet ways building its nest. So even the wildlife felt comfort here.

Walk Around Cha Am Beachfront

Our little resort appeared just as we turned on the the road that runs up and down the beach front. From the road  side it looked pleasant and not really revealing much of anything.  Check-in was quick and  helpful. A young little Thai, no more than 4 feet tall, grabbed our bags and started to lead us to our room.  I quickly grabbed them back at the first sight of her struggling to lift them. Unseen from the road side the gardens and pool came in to view. A large inviting pool surrounded by coconut trees and well kept shrubs. Wooden walkways and paths led us to our room which was on the second floor of a small block.  Room was excellent and the gardens seemed like a little Eden to enjoy.

Towels were on the bed moulded in the the shape of two kissing swans, but a shower was needed and the artistic creation ceased to exist and ended up in a crumpled pile in the bathroom. The large Television was checked out and then a stroll through the gardens. The resort comprised of a few two stored blocks of rooms and a few garden huts, maybe 50 or 60 rooms in total. Not too big and again we seem to have hit a quite time. There were a few other guests but you would hardly notice.

Out on to the road. This is pretty long, running from a fishing village in the north and down in the direction of Hau Hin in the south. I`d guess 5 km or so long. The resorts on one side and a few side roads heading inland. On the beach side, Trees. A band of of large pines trees leading onto the sand and the cooling water.

The road was quite busy, lots of resorts and hotel, an abundance of 7-11 stores. Enough places for us to east and extras like internet cafes, tourist centres, clothe shops. Selling most things that you would need while still not feeling built up.

The beach was quite busy, many of the locals having a cooling off and making use of the available activates.  The inflatable tubes and sausage rides seemed popular.

The afternoon was coming to an end and as Cha-Am is on the Gulf of Thailand the sunsets are over the land. It was getting dark quickly and this seemed to be a signal for the locals to pack up. And they do..the resort does close down quite a bit. There are still the restaurants and some shops open enough to keep us happy in the evening.

The evening meal was taken close by, well practically next door to the resort. Great tasting Thai food and we did have a couple of beers here. It was a long day travelling and it was nice to unwind a little bit sitting by the side of the road watching the people and traffic passing.

Then wandering home  and having a sit on the balcony enjoying the coolness of the evening.

Travelling to Cha Am

Getting to Cha Am was relatively simple. Fly in to Bangkok, take the bus in to the city then catch a mini van down to Cha am.  Not much could go wrong and nothing really did .. apart from our regular holiday companion the Monsoons.

To be fair the rains were not torrential or long lasting, they just made the already horrible Bangkok traffic much worse. The flight with Cathay Pacific arrived and immigration and customs were passed through swiftly.  The bus terminal was on the ground floor and they have around 5 or 6 routes to various parts of the city and to some of the long distance coach stops on the edges of the city. We were going right in the the heart of Bangkok and It wasn't long before we were on our number 3 or 4 bus. The weather outside was warming up but there was the occasional wet spot we passed through and sometimes the rain was quite heavy.

The trip was pretty quick, at first, and if you are some kind of fan of taxi cabs then the trip will be a happy one. The taxis seem to come in all colours here and some look pretty good. Not being a great taxi fan I just looked at the flatness of the land as it passed.

As we started to get nearer the city the bus started to go slower  and slower. Traffic was starting to build up and making the journey quite a bit longer. The great thing about Thai Drivers is they know where YOU are going even if you have no idea.  With the traffic at a standstill and the coach doors opening, the diver gesturing in some direction and saying something it Thai, it seemed instinctively that he thought we should walk.

Victory Monument was just around the corner and we hauled our baggage leaving the bus behind and waving to the driver. They were probably inching forward for the rest of the afternoon.

Now we knew where we were and what we wanted but we never knew where that was!! A little bit lost but it was time for some food. It was just a snack, some noodles and a cooling drink, but it was a welcome as a stress reliever after the start stop of the traffic and we were not even driving. We asked the waitress for a little bit of help in directions, we had to find our mini van stop for the trip down to Cha-Am. This was quite funny in a way, I guess she never spoke any English but she brought somebody else who spoke a little and so we asked again. Not quite getting the message across a third waitress was pulled in to the conversation who understood the question but never knew the answer. Finally a guy who could have been the manager was called and he never knew either but he did say he would find out. This is what I love about Thailand, the people will do their best to help if you are stuck.

So eventually we were pointed across the road and in a certain direction and finishing our food and stopping at 7-11 for some liquid for the trip we were on out way again. Now a hand pointing a direction to something far away does offer up some error. So were soon lost again. But not really lost, more asking for help and more pointing soon guided us closer. Looks can be deceiving, a guy quite different from your normal Thai, Burly and covered in chains made from expensive metals  approaches you asks where you are going then you kind of step back and think HEY!. Nothing to be fearful of here, he was just looking for trade for his own transport, but did give us the final hand pointing we needed.

The little terminal was a hive of activity, people and vans coming in and out, being herded in different directions. I have no idea how they remember who is going where. So tickets bought, I think it was around 150THB each for the trip and then the heavens opened. It was heavy and a little bit unpleasant, especially the dripping down the neck.

Not long passed before seats were available and we were leaving Bangkok and the wet behind and heading south. Getting out of the city was a lot quicker then getting in and it was back to flat land and rice fields as we sped down the highway. It was a couple of hours trip but never seemed too long, the mini van was packed but not really too cramped even with luggage. Just as the journey was beginning to lose it appeal, we pulled off the highway and the van came to a stop. We had arrived, or just about.

The stop was in Cha Am town which is about 1km inland from the beach. There is a long straight road and I was sure I could already hear the waves and smell the sea. Taxis here are more of a motorcycle, you hang on the the back but that didnt quite appeal at the moment. The locals eager for business or just helpful made a few calls and a more appropriate bit of transport with seats arrived and soon were were on the last part of our trip and soon at the resort.

The bustle of Bangkok was gone , the rains had gone, the beach was before us. Time for a bit of relaxation and food to enjoy.

Cha Am Beach Thailand

Thailand has lots of tropical islands and sandy beaches with names that are familiar with tourist around the world. One little sedate  place we found is Cha-Am.

Well known to Thailanders as a getaway from the city of Bangkok than as an international destination for tourist. It still can offer a well needed bit of relaxation and slower bit of life but quite easier to get too than other places.

Situated in a Thai  province of  of Phetchaburi about 150 KM (100 mi)  south of Bangkok which is much closer  than the more well known Hau Hin resort.

We found this place by accident, having originally planning to take a well earned rest in Hau Hin. Cha Am made itself noticed and became more desirable as a quick place to pop in and out off.

No really knowing much more about it than there was sand and it wasn’t an island, we were not disappointed and it did offer something different from the typical place orientate at overseas tourism.

As with most of our journeys, how to get there was all up in the air. We had a vague idea of flight and bus but not much more. Thailand's transport can be daunting especially with language problems, but as always passing over the most basic of information like pointing on a map the Thai people spin in to action and you are ushered in the right direction even if you do not realize.

Cha Am does not present the best of Thailand's beaches and the location and facilities are mainly aimed for the home tourist industry but that did no really do much to spoil our enjoyment. Mixing in with the locals on the beach front and in the waves was a great way of feeling part of Thailand. Needless to say the food did, as always, offer great tasting dishes.

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