We leave for Thailand in 2 weeks. We will be in Chiang Mai and Bangkok and have a few days to spend at a beach close to Bangkok. Any recommendations on which beach is better or is there anoter close to Bangkok that is a must? <BR>Thanks

Hi! <BR>The nearest beaches to Bkk are Cha-Am and Hua-Hin. But donīt expect tropical beaches with coconuts, itīs far from a paradise beach. But for 3 days walking and dining at the beach I can recommend it. Specially in Cha-Am the prices are reasonable because its more for Thai-People. <BR>You will love the food there. <BR>And itīs only 2, 5 rs by bus from Bangkok. <BR>Ko Samet s on the East-Cost of the Gulf takes you 5 hours, but there are Coconuttrees and nice beaches-but a harder way to go there.

Herbet is so right. Ko Samet is beautiful but takes longer to reach. Hua Hin and Cha Am are very developed which may be a disadvantage, but for many it is a district 'advantage. If you go do visit both, just 20 minutes apart. If you can afford it the Golden Sands hotel ( between the two ) does have a lovely beach. Yes, the food is wonderful and people are great.

Thank you for your responses. We have decided to go to the Hua Hin/Cha Am area. I've been looking up how to get there from BKK and I haven't determined the best way: train, but, private car? <BR>Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Well done Jil, its easier to reach. Ok..train, you will need to book in adavance. If you are in BKK before Chiang Mai ask Hotel concierge to arrange, he will need to go/send someone to the station so it's worth giving him a decent tip to arrange, otherwise you must hike to the station, but up to you. Personally I would say take a car from your hotel, should be about $40. But naturally the hotel cars themselves may be pricey. A good concierge or travel desk will 'find' a decent car for you, remember $40-50 max. <BR>Then you can 'train' back from Hua Hin! Very easy in Hua Hin to book the train back to Bangkok. http://www.asiatravel has good hotels, click on their site for Thailand and then Hua Hin/Cha am. Very good descriptions plus rates. Asiatravel have an excellent reputation. <BR>Also it shows details of the area so easier to choose a hotel to your liking. <BR>Travel agent opposite Hilton in center of Hua Hin did us well on tours, especially to the national park.

Jill: When in Cha-Am/Hua-Hin, don't miss to visit the Sofitel Hotel in Hua Hin. Lovely colonial style hotel and very nice animal-shaped trees in the garden. Go for a drink or tea. Also go to see the beuatiful old railway station in Hua Hin. Have a nice trip!

The Sofitel for 'tea' is marvelous in the Museum cafe! You can get a rickshaw ride to the rail station, do take your camera. If you like seafood 'La Mer' overlooks the whole coast, simply marvelous. We found Hua Hin 'so' clean and tidy, head towards the fishing harbour, delightful cafe's and restaurants. Souvenirs are so cheap. Have a lovely time, 'we did'. Highly recommend Hua Hin. <BR>Margaret.