photo by foter.com
C H A - A M
GET UP EARLY TO VISIT THE CHA-AM FISHING HARBOUR
Many people who visit Cha-Am take the time to go to the breakwater on the Southern side of the fishing boat harbour. This is because at the end of the one kilometre breakwater pathway, the giant squid statue that is visible from much of the Cha-Am beach can be seen ‘up close and personal’. However visitors often quickly pass through the entry to the breakwater and miss out on seeing what the squid statue celebrates and what the fishing harbour is all about; a fishing industry that provides local restaurants and vendors as well as the rest of Thailand with THE BEST sea food! At daybreak every morning fishing boats return to the sanctity of the harbour with their catch of squid, fish and a variety of shellfish. This is one reason why Cha-Am is so popular with visitors whether they are Thai people or foreigners; really fresh seafood.
This is a working fishing village, not built as a tourist attraction or contrived in any way, but well worth a visit if you want to see how the ‘catch of the day’ arrives. Boats of various sizes and shapes ply the inlet before offloading their catch. The catch is sorted on the spot and may be quickly sent on its way to Bangkok markets but is also purchased for local consumption. Anyone who is looking for seafood fresh from the ocean can bargain for their preference straight from the boat. At the entry to the fishing village, on the nearby beach front and within the village there are many restaurants where ocean delicacies can be enjoyed from morning ‘til night. You can be assured that this is about as fresh as seafood can get! Many of the families who are operating these seafood restaurants have been involved in the fishing industry over generations; they really know their seafood!
Where To Go The fishing harbour is at the Northern end of the Cha-Am Beach. Just follow the beach road North then cross a small bridge and you will see the entry. It’s an easy bicycle or motor bike ride or you can just walk along the beach, you won’t miss it! To visit the Squid Statue turn right and the path to the breakwater may be followed out to sea. Another option is to turn left then cross a narrow bridge across the inlet to the Northern breakwater. This part of the fishing village is not often considered by visitors but may give you an even more authentic taste of the fishing village.
A Final Word The Cha-Am Fishing Harbour is a very significant local resource and is the main reason why visitors to our town are able to enjoy the best seafood available anywhere! Every year in September Kin Hoy Doo Nok Tok Meuk, Cha Am’s annual seafood festival, celebrates this local industry with live music and concerts every night, as well as a large number of food stalls offering a great range of seafood cuisine. The question is how can the fishing harbour and village be included in the tourist experience without challenging the simple and untainted lifestyle of the Thai people whose way of life is an important part of the Cha-Am community. We hope that careful and well considered management results in the retention of this traditional lifestyle but also allows visitors to enjoy this important part of the Real Thailand!