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Cha-am is a quiet beach retreat in Petchaburi Province, located less than 200 km to the south of Bangkok and 20 km north of Hua Hin. Thanks to its proximity to Hua Hin, Cha-am slowly developed into a tourist destination, though a far quieter one than its popular neighbour to the south. 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. For a little local character, visitors can travel north to a quaint fishing village that includes a harbour full of fishing boats and a number of seafood restaurants.Apart from beach activities, there are more interesting places to see and explore around Cha-am. The best way to get around town is by bicycle. You can rent a bicycle locally and getting around town on your own or by taking a bicycle tour with a group of experienced cyclists, or with certified guides, who will show you more unseen places which are off the beaten track. This is highly recommended for visitors who wish to see the daily way of life and Thai culture, to take up this opportunity.

things to do & see in CHA-AM

STORY: Golf Jutamas ENGLISH TRANSCRIPT EDITOR: Richard Campbell PHOTOS: fotoplushuahin.com

Unseen Cha-am Cycling Tours is a small Thai/Dutch company that are able to offer two relaxed and unique cycling tours in and around Cha-am. The company is run by experienced cyclists, who love to share their knowledge and experiences of cycling in and around the Cha-am area. Tours are offered for those in good general health, who are able to ride a bicycle. The tours are designed for all abilities, so that you are able to ride at your speed with light to moderate inclines, allowing you to enjoy the scenery of the surrounding areas and have an interesting and yet relaxing bike ride. All bicycles provided are of a good standard and high quality. Bicycles for children are also available upon request.

WHO IS THE OWNER?“LIVE HAPPIER BY DOING WHAT YOU LOVE”, is something that Fon Sudkeaw the director, of Unseen Cha-am Cycling Tour’s, believes in greatly. Her passion and happiness that she was able to introduce the visitors to the real treasures of Cha-am and Its Thai cultures, was evident when she told us more about the company and her goals for the future. Her aims are to have high quality cycles with knowledgeable and experienced guides who are able to introduce both varied and interesting tour packages, with something for all tastes, be it a cultural trip or just a relaxing scenic bike ride, something to suit everyone. Fon Sudkeaw is an experienced cyclist who has amassed more than 8yrs of experience. 4 years ago she joined the Cha-am Bicycle Club undertaking many long distance rides from Cha-am and Into the Kang Krachan National Park. Her longest being from Cha-am to Ampawa Samutsongkram, a distance of 12km approx.

Bicycle Tourssee in CHA-AM

She is one of the best riders In Cha-am and the winner of 3 cycle competions whilst at the club, she has enormous cycling experience which she uses to great effect when putting the tours together.Aside from cycling she is a mother to 2 children and un-dertakes other sports and Interests in her free time such as aerobic dance and running.

IS IT TOO HOT TO RIDE A BICYCLE IN THAILAND?It’s not too hot, if you choose the right time to ride bicycle. Early in the morning is the best time for road cycling. For cy-cling during the daytime, you should prepare stuffs to protect yourself from strong sun. Get things ready before you start; use the right clothes and shoes, bring enough drinks and cold towels with you, plan your routes and time schedule, etc. This couldn’t be a reason, why you shouldn’t go cycling.

ONLY THE POOR RIDE BICYCLES IN THAILAND?A Bicycle is a cheap form of transportation, that’s why so many people use this means of travel. A good bicycle is not cheap and you need to maintain it regularly too as you would with any car. As with other sports, cycling can cost you money; you need proper clothes, shoes etc; in order to do it safely and the right way

There are many good reasons why you should go cycling. When you ride your bicycle, you are doing a lot of good things, many of which are to the benefit of others and the environment, but ultimately, the one who benefits the most is you, through better health, peace of mind, increased con-fidence and self-reliance. So for all these reasons, get out there on your bicycle today. Even if you don’t save the world in the process, you’ll still have fun trying!

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• EVENING BEACH-BBQ TOUR Visit various unique locations such as local hospital, authentic farmer’s village, fishing harbor, ghost house and temples. Enjoy the countryside and tranquility of Cha-am, watching cockfighting and Thai boxing demonstration. End up with seafood BBQ on the beach.

Available: Monday, Wednesday and FridayDuration: 5 hours (16:30 to 21:30 hr.)Distance: 8 km.Starting point: Sea Zabb Restaurant /Coffee house, Klongtien Road, Cha-am Price: Cha-am 1,500 baht, Hua Hin 1,750 baht, Children 6-12 years 900 baht (including transportation from hotel)

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• MORNING AUTHENTIC CHA AM TOURExperience real Thai life and the hospitality of the local villagers with their ancient traditions. Visit local food market, old farm, temples, farmers museum, Buddha caves, nursery school, ghost house, a 80 years old rice mill and local family compound. End up with Thai lunch.

Available: DailyDuration: 5 hours (08:00 to 13:00 hr.)Distance: 12 km.Starting point: Sea Zabb Restaurant /Coffee house, Klongtien Road, Cha-am Price: Cha-am 1,250 baht, Hua Hin 1,500 baht, Children 6-12 years 800 baht (including transportation from hotel)

TOUR CHOICES

CONTACT INFO:Unseen Cha am Cycling Tours Ltd.Telephone: +66 (0)9 0793 6668 E-mail: chaamcyclingtours@gmail.comWebsite: www.chaamcyclingtours.com