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Cha-Am: general information

Where to go shopping

Cha-Am is not especially exciting as far as shopping is concerned, but markets and mini-markets are everywhere, so at least it is convenient to buy everything you need.

Markets

Cha-Am market is on the other side of Phetkasem Road, in the direction of the train station. Turn left before the train station and go straight. Mostly food shops.

Cha-Am night market (talat nad) can be found almost every day (except Monday and Wednesday) at the traffic lights junction between Narathip Road and Chao Lay road (Chao Lay being the second road running parallel to the beachfront). You can buy food but also clothes. Friday is the busiest day, with many shops opened. On Monday the market is farther on Narathip road, at the junction where there is a Family Mart, and on Wednesday you can find it near the train station, opposite Cha-Am municipality.

Mini-markets

There are Seven Eleven and Family Marts all along the beachfront and Narathip Road, and there is also a Tesco Lotus Express opposite Cha-Am market (not far from the train station).

Cha-Am market

Tesco Express facing Cha-Am market

Supermarkets

There is no big supermarket in Cha-Am yet. A Tesco Lotus is to be built a few kilometers outside of town, but for the moment the closest supermarkets are either in Hua Hin (like Tesco Lotus in Market Village) or in Phetburi (Big C).

Western products

For expats who are worried about where to buy western products, like cheese, chocolate, jam, and whatever else that can't be found in Thai mini-markets, we suggest you head to Okay Supermarket on Narathip Road. It's a small place but very well-stocked, and it can save a trip to Bangkok.

Cha-Am Memory (Ram Leuk in Thai) is also worth mentioning. It's on the north part of the beachfront, close to Narathip junction. It is a Thai mini-market, but with a lot of western products. The place itself is not very engaging, a bit old and decrepit, but the stock is well maintained.

Cha-Am Memory

Okay Supermarket on Narathip Road

Where to buy souvenirs

You can buy souvenirs from shops along the beachfront. Mostly you will find tee-shirts or sea-shell garlands! If you are after "khong fak", those Thai style gifts that you bring back from anywhere you have been "teeo", then head on for Cha-Am South, soi 4, or just spot one of the many pick-ups selling them to groups of people about to board buses or checking out of hotels.

Hats and handbags made from hemp are also available at Hup Kapong village, a few kilometers before Cha-Am. We will add more detailed information and pictures, as we plan a visit there some day.

Sea-shell garlands

Thai tourists buying "khong fak"

Factory Outlet

A few kilometers outside of Cha-Am is a factory outlet, where you can buy branded shoes and clothes at discounted prices. It is located on Phetkasem road, on the left side of the road in the direction of Bangkok, between km 197 and km 198.

Premium Outlet Cha-Am

A shopper's paradise!