Cha-am is an extremely popular destination for Thai day trippers and weekenders probably due to it's long strip of beach and it's relatively inexpensive seafood. Cha-am can become very crowded on holiday weekends. The area is also home to a sizable amount of expats, mainly Scandinavians. aside from the beach there is still plenty to see in this unique town. A fishing village north of Ruamchi Road features Thai shops, fishmongers, and restaurants. You could spend half a day touring the area and immersing yourself in one of the town's most important industries, fishing.

Because of the mix of tourists here, most things are written in both Thai and English.

Mainly served by a regular fleet of minivans from both the South (Hua, Hin, Pranburi) and from Bangkok. Long distance buses also stop at Cha am from Bangkok en route South or en route North. Minivans are much quicker but driving can be very erratic. There is a train station but the trip is long and arduous. Only a handful of trains stop at Cha-am. Private Taxis from Bangkok should be no more than 2000baht, although 1600baht -1800baht is possible with some bargaining.

A minibus from Rangsit will cost B180 and drop you on the highway as it continues to Hua Hin.