Located less than 200 km south of Bangkok and just 20 km north of Hua Hin, Cha-am is a quiet beach retreat in Petchaburi Province; a long stretch of silvery sand that is far quieter than nearby Hua Hin. Cha-am is popular with couples looking for a romantic retreat, seniors who like peace and quiet, and families with young children who are looking for an area that is both safe and free from the hassle of beach vendors. It’s also a popular weekend destination for Bangkok residents who enjoy the sea, even if the sand is not as fine as at nearby Hua Hin. While it is relatively quiet, Cha-am still offers visitors a number of beach activities, such as jet skiing and banana boat riding, and the seafood is as readily available and inexpensive as any beach town in Thailand. Cha-am’s beach areas are separated by Naranthip Road, which leads from the unassuming Cha-am town down to Ruamjit Road, which runs parallel to the beach. This intersection is where the closest thing to a beach “town” exists: an area where local festivities are held at the town’s main pier and many fine seafood restaurants are located. North of this intersection is a concentration of businesses catering to European tourists; south of it, the beach becomes gradually quieter and a predominately Thai crowd chills out at relaxing beach resorts, most of which are located on the opposite side Ruamjit Road and along roads leading away from the beach. At the farthest southern end of the road are the most luxurious resorts and golf courses. For a little local character, visitors can travel north to a quaint fishing village that includes a harbor full of fishing boats and a number of seafood restaurants.