Understand

Cha-am, a popular destination for Thai day trippers and weekenders, attracts a considerable number of visitors due to its expansive beach and affordable seafood. However, it can become quite crowded during holiday weekends. Lively and diverse, the town is also a favored location for many expatriates, predominantly from Scandinavia. Beyond its beautiful stretch of beach, Cha-am offers a range of captivating attractions worth exploring. North of Ruamchi Road lies a charming fishing village that showcases authentic Thai shops, fishmongers, and restaurants. Immerse yourself in one of the town's most significant industries by taking a half-day tour of the area, becoming intimately acquainted with the fascinating world of fishing. Given its diverse visitor population, Cha-am caters to both Thai and English-speaking tourists, with most signs and information available in both languages.

Map & Climate

Popular Foods

Pad Thai: Pad Thai is a signature Thai dish consisting of stir-fried rice noodles with a uniquely balanced blend of sweet, sour, salty, and tangy flavors. It typically includes shrimp or chicken (though can be prepared with tofu for a vegetarian version), scrambled eggs, bean sprouts, and is garnished with crushed peanuts, lime wedges, and fresh herbs like cilantro and green onions. The dish is served with a side of som tam (green papaya salad) and mango sticky rice for a complete meal.

Tom Yum Goong: This spicy and aromatic soup is a beloved Thai classic that features a fragrant broth made from stock, kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, galangal, lime juice, fish sauce, and chili paste. It's packed with succulent prawns, mushrooms, tomatoes, and other vegetables, with optional additions like snakehead fish or even chicken. The dish is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkling of pepper.

Mango Sticky Rice: This iconic Thai dessert is a delightful combination of sweet, creamy mango and glutinous rice. The sticky rice is cooked in coconut milk and sugar until it achieves a chewy texture, then served alongside ripe, juicy mango slices. The dish is sometimes garnished with toasted coconut flakes or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. It's typically enjoyed during the mango season (May to September) as a sumptuous, refreshing treat.

Historical Appearance

Traditional Male Clothing

Traditional Female Clothing