A quick trip to Cha- Am, Hua Hin

[Dee.Dee]

Hi,

My partner and I are Intl' Chinese couple from HK and will be coming over to (Veranda) Cha Am, tomorrow for a short visit til the end of the week.
What I thought I was expecting to be a lazy getaway under the Sunshine, throw away the Blackberrys and watches and drinking with a grit of sand here and there, however it doesnt seem to be the case as the weather isn't looking promising...

I am now frantically, looking for things to do, see, eat... etc in a space of 36hrs.
We're not quite into the cliche tourist'y attractions, but how would I know?

We're asian, we know what rice tastes like so it would be a real bummer if we landed in a not-so-great-locals-won't even-eat place for our meals.
So, I'm asking from a locals' perspective and what should be included into my trip, please.

I've noticed there will be a Jazz Fest, but no dates have been confirmed
Premium Outlet?
Night market? Chat Chai? Cicada?
Wat Cha Am Temple Cave?
My partner is into his coffees and food and I adore culture and art (we like to pretend at times that we're cool and we're not suckers for the Commercial World ).

I think you are truly awesome for taking your time to reading this and hopefully, help me out as well.

Thanks, in advance.


Another thing to annoy you, please,
What is this H2H3 on Saturday about? Are visitors welcomed?

[GLCQuantum]

Hi Dee.Dee,

I have some 'answers' to your questions but as there are many and I am a little tipsy right now I will give a (what will be a far better than if I was to do so now) reply first thing in the morning.

Whatever you end up doing I am certain you will have a great time in Hua Hin.

[T.I.G.R.]

Don't worry about the weather. It comes and goes, not like BKK. Late in the afternoon the clouds build up and then sometimes it rains, but only for a little while. We live just down the beach from you, a ten minute walk and you'll enjoy your stay if all you want to do is hang out on the beach. Got a good restaurant in the Hotel and several local restaurants and noodle shops nearby. Not a cosmopolitan atmosphere though which I hope was what you were after. Miles of walking either way on the beach at low tide. Night market in Hua Hin every night....same as all of them but still fun.

Tomorrow night there's a local night market near the train station in Cha Am.....not tourist stuff but locals; food, clothes, more food, lots of people. Starts at five but wait until dark, more fun.

Not many decent drinking establishments in Cha Am but if you like someplace really quiet and nice try the Grand Sovereign Hotel......great Italian restaurant with few customers. We ate dinner there last month by ourselves, literally, and it was great fun. Also has Chinese, Japanese and coffee shop.....it's a bus stop and usually not many buses. Its about three years old and gorgeous. Got a little lounge in the main entry so if you're looking for something cozy could be just the place. Otherwise drive into Cha Am, turn right at the light (left to go to railway station) drive all the way down to the beach and you'll find all the usual stuff. Might have something going on at night or not. There's a local winery in Hua Hin near the Big Monk, both worth going to if you like wine and Big Monks. Winery has a restaurant, might be crowded might be empty. Petchburi which you'll pass through has a really cool big cave. Probably could find that on the internet. Also has old Palace that you get to by riding up on a rail to the top of a little mountain. Very interesting. Hua Hin also has a palace that Number Five built near the Army Bases......starts with an M. Good for an hour or two and semi-interesting.

That should get you started, Hotel obviously will have more suggestions if you want to be entertained. If you just want to hang out on the sand, late in the afternoon watch for little old ladies digging clams up on the beach. You can learn how to do it too, it's fun.

For something really wacky that most people will never do, get a cruise on either a local fishing boat or the big wood one in Hua Hin.....forget the name but they serve meals and have official cruises. Cruise up and down the coast from Cha Am to Pranburi......you'll see a side of the beach towns you never thought of.....beautiful. We went out to bury my wife's Mother's ashes in a fishing boat sitting on the coils of rope when I realized what a great experience it was.....mind bogglingly amazing sights.

Have fun!!

[GLCQuantum]

Seems I may not need to make that morning post after all... will certainly try to add though.

Great informative post T.I.G.R

[mermaid]

For something really wacky that most people will never do, get a cruise on either a local fishing boat or the big wood one in Hua Hin.....forget the name but they serve meals and have official cruises. Cruise up and down the coast ... to Pranburi......you'll see a side of the beach towns you never thought of.....beautiful ...

Hi Dee.Dee
We offer different cruises.
If you would like more information, please see our webpage here right or go to our website at www dot huahincruises dot com. We offer river/floating market cruises too if you want to see local life and nature.
Or you can email me - tan at huahincruises dot com.
We also offer special discount to forum members.

[Dee.Dee]

Great replies Super thanks.

I heard about the Wed night market, unfortunately I'll be arriving in the wee drunken hours.




Where do the locals eat? We can stomach pretty much anything without the tablecloth malarkey and glittery dining ware.

I did see a topic titled, Shepherd's pie... (I'm orrignally from Wales, UK) I'm intrigued

have a great evening!

[T.I.G.R.]

Hi Dee Dee - Glad you enjoyed the tips............here's a good one.

Seafood on the beach about a two minute walk from Veranda Hotel. Right on the beach between the Springfield Condo building (big pink one) and the Springfield@Sea Hotel is one of the area's best seafood restaurants......Sung Wean or something like that. It's usually quite crowded with Bangkonians who apparently drive all the way down here to eat lunch. The cooking and staff area is across the street from the beach, which is set up with lots of tables and awnings.....you can't miss it. And don't worry, you won't have to dodge any waiters in Tuxedos.