The premier beach resort of Phetchaburi, Hat Cha-am is just as beautiful as the neighboring Hua Hin Beach. Located approximately 163 kilometers south of Bangkok, 40 kilometers south of Phetchaburi and 20 kilometers north of Hua Hin, the beach is famous for being long and clean. In addition, it serves excellent fresh seafood. Originally a fishing village, Chaam received much attention after the royal palace, Maruekhathaiyawan, was built near Hua Hin in the reign of King Rama VI.
At that time, the Royal Family and the elite occupied the land in Hua Hin and its vicinity as a holiday seaside resort. When people started looking around for twin seaside resort town for Hua Hin, Cha-ams beauty was discovered and quickly developed. Today, Cha-am is a popular lively resort town offering a large variety of accommodations and challenging activities. Boredom is rare in Cha-am as there are a variety of water sports that can be enjoyed, while a possible alternative to water sports is bicycle riding along a 6-kilometer sandy white beach. During the weekdays the beach is virtually deserted and there are beach umbrellas and sling chairs are available for hire.
The State Railways of Thailand operates a special trip to Cha-Am at every holiday. Detailed information can be obtained from Travel service Section, Tel. 02 237- 010, 2237020. Hat Puek Tien has been developed as a tourist attraction since 1982. The charm of this broad casuarinas-lined white beach has attracted many visitors. Of particular interest are the beach’s cast sculptures of characters from Phra Apai Manee, a story penned by Thailand’s greatest poet, Sunthornphu.
Sculptures include Phra Apai Manee, the pipe-playing hero and Pi Suea Samut, a demon-woman. The sculptures can be found on a man-made hill, 100 meters offshore, built to stem coastal erosion in the area. Hat Puek Tien has a selection of seafood restaurants to serve the visitors. It is located at Puek Tien Sub-district of Tha Yang District, about 22 km from Muang District and 7 km from Chao Samran Beach. There are two ways to get to the beach by car.
The first is the same as the route to Hat Chao Samran; follow Ratchadamri Road and then straight along Route No 3177. After passing the Phetchaburi Ratchaphat Institute and the local police station (around 13 km), turn right and drive about 7 km, along the coastal road. The other route is a bypass passing Phra Nakhon Khiri cable car station.
Turn left at Tha Yang Intersection and then follow Route No 3187 along the irrigation canal for about 15 km. Songthaew services leave Phetchaburi every 15 minutes from 7.30 am to 6.15 pm and from 6.30 am to 4.00 pm for the return trip. The route passes Hat Chao Samran and takes about 45 minutes with a fee of about 20 baht per person or 200-300 baht to charter a songthaew. The station is next to Krung Thai Bank and Wat Tor, not far from the clock tower.
