Where to stay in Cha-am

Cha-am is a long, easy-going beach town on the Gulf of Thailand, about three hours south of Bangkok and a short drive north of Hua Hin. It's a favourite weekend escape for Thai families, with a casuarina-shaded beach, seafood stalls, deckchairs and banana boats.

Most hotels line Ruamchit Road, the beach road, or the streets just behind it. The places we list are all in this central stretch, from small beachfront hotels to a design hotel with a gym and pool.

From Bangkok
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road or train
Nearest airport
Hua Hin (limited flights); most travellers use Bangkok
Getting around
On foot along the beach road, tuk-tuks and taxis
Busiest times
Weekends and Thai public holidays

Places to stay in Cha-am

7 hotels

Resort in The beach road (Ruamchit Road)

I Calm

A boutique pool resort a stroll from Cha-am Beach

  • pool
  • garden
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Cha-am, area by area

Cha-am is compact: almost everything happens along the beach road and the few streets running back to the town and railway station.

The beach road (Ruamchit Road)

Best for sea views and seafood

The beach road runs the length of the town, with hotels on the inland side and the beach, shaded by casuarina trees, on the other. It's lined with seafood restaurants, deckchair vendors and massage stalls, and is busiest at weekends.

The beach is long, flat and shallow, which suits paddling children, and it's lined with shady trees where vendors rent deckchairs and sell grilled seafood. North of the centre, the road continues past quieter stretches and condominium blocks, while the south end runs towards the resorts between Cha-am and Hua Hin. Evenings are relaxed, with local families eating on the sand.

Town centre and station

Best for local food and good value

A little inland, Cha-am's town centre has the railway station, a fresh market and local restaurants. It's quieter and cheaper, and the beach is a short ride away.

Trains from Bangkok's stations stop at Cha-am on the southern line, so staying near the station makes sense if you're arriving by rail. Tuk-tuks and motorbike taxis link the town to the beach road, and some hotels lend bicycles.

Questions about staying in Cha-am

Is Cha-am or Hua Hin better?

Cha-am is quieter, more local and good value, with a long, relaxed beach. Hua Hin, about 25 km south, has more restaurants, nightlife and international hotels.

How do I get to Cha-am from Bangkok?

By bus, minivan or train, or by car in about 2.5 to 3 hours.

Is Cha-am good for families?

Yes. It's popular with Thai families, the beach is long and shallow, and there are family attractions such as water parks between Cha-am and Hua Hin.

What is there to do near Cha-am?

Beyond the beach, visitors head to the Maruekhathaiyawan Palace, a seaside teak summer palace between Cha-am and Hua Hin, as well as water parks, golf courses and the night markets of Hua Hin. Kaeng Krachan National Park is within driving distance.

When is the best time to visit Cha-am?

The cooler, drier months from November to February are the most comfortable. The Gulf coast generally gets less heavy rain in the mid-year than the Andaman side.

Is Cha-am busy at weekends?

Yes. Many Bangkok residents visit on weekends and holidays, so book ahead then; weekdays are much quieter.

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