Wat Cha-Am and Khao Nang Phanthurat National Park

Here is a suggestion for a tour north-west of Cha-Am, three places close to each other.

Wat Cha-Am

It is a temple located west of Cha-Am, with a cave on a small hill. The image of Buddha inside the temple was built in the period of Ayutthaya. Follow the sign that indicates “Wat Cha Am Cave” and you will find the stairs that climb to the cave.

Directions

From the beachfront, take Narathip Road and turn right at the traffic lights (junction with Phetkasem road). Follow the road, pass the flyover over the railway, then look for the entrance of the temple on your left.

San Chao Por Khao Yai

This is the shrine (“San”) of the guardian spirit (“Chao Por”) of Cha-am (“Khao Yai” being the sub-district it is located in). It is highly revered, and people stop by all the time to make offerings. If you pass by without stopping, make sure you honk your horn just like everybody does!

Directions

When coming from Hua Hin or Cha-am, take Phetkasem road in the direction of Bangkok, pass the flyover above the railway and turn right after 1 km. The shrine is at the entrance of Jalaprathan Cement Co. Ltd and Khao Nang Phanturat park.

Khao Nang Phanthurat National Park

This park is a limestone mountain with many caves. There is a large garden at the entrance, then you can follow the trail and climb up the mountain to discover some caves and enjoy a view of the coast. There are steps all the way up, but you still need to wear proper shoes.

Directions

There are three possible ways to go to the park. 1. Take the “hospital road”, pass the bascule bridge then go straight (don’t turn right) for about 2 km. Turn left at the end of the road, then left again after 2 km. The entrance to the park will be on your right. 2. Take Phetkasem road in the direction of Bangkok, pass the flyover, pass the interchange as if you were going to Bangkok, then follow the road for 4 kilometers and make a U-turn. Turn left at Nikhom market (there is a sign in Thai indicating the park) then follow the signs. 3. Take Phetkasem road in the direction of Bangkok. Pass the flyover above the railway, then turn right at the entrance of Jalaprathan Cement Co. Ltd. Beware of the road, it is in bad condition.