Cha-am offers days for leisurely walks by the sea, as well as occasions when people gather for food festivals, music and local traditions. Choosing when to visit can begin with what you would like to do. Keep an eye on the annual festival and event calendar, as dates vary from year to year. If you are planning a relaxing family holiday, you can also visit outside these events, taking the weather and public holidays into account.
Festivals and activities in 2026
January–February: Start the year at an easy pace
Plan a break with time to walk along the beach, enjoy meals and visit places that interest you, without filling every moment with activities. Families might explore Cha-am Forest Park or visit Sirindhorn International Environmental Park, checking each site’s opening hours and visitor requirements beforehand. For those who simply want to unwind, leaving some free time between meals and walks may be all a seaside day needs.
March: Discover the local fishing way of life
The Pu Chak Crab Festival is one of Cha-am’s notable events in March. Its 11th edition took place from 14–21 March 2026 at the Cha-am Beach Viewpoint, featuring seafood stalls and musical performances. The name “pu chak” refers to a method of keeping crabs alive in mesh bags submerged in water, then pulling them up when they are ready to be sold. Knowing this story gives a seafood meal a direct connection to the everyday practices of the fishing community.
April–May: Seaside days with sunshine and rain
During Songkran, you might combine a holiday with traditional celebrations announced by local organisations. Beach walks and other outdoor activities should be planned around the weather. Thailand generally enters its hot season around mid-February, with the rainy season beginning around mid-May, so it helps to have an alternative plan for rainy days.
June: Local traditions in Cha-am
The annual Chao Pho Khao Yai celebration gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the faith of the local community. The 64th edition in 2026 was scheduled for 21–29 June in front of the Cha-am Municipality Office. The programme included a ceremony to bring out the deity’s image and a procession through the town, along with entertainment and stalls.
July–August: Family breaks or evenings of music
For these two months, consider staying overnight and choosing activities that suit your family’s interests, with room to adjust your plans according to the weather forecast. For music lovers, Cha-am Music Festival 2026 took place from 7–9 August at the Cha-am Beach Viewpoint.
September: Seafood and squid fishing
Cha-am’s Shellfish, Birdwatching and Squid Fishing Festival is another local highlight. Its 25th edition took place from 12–19 September 2026 at the Cha-am Beach Viewpoint. If you would like to join a squid-fishing boat trip, check the service details and sea conditions before booking.
October–December: Plan a year-end trip your way
Towards the end of the year, you might visit for a relaxing break or join Loy Krathong celebrations and year-end activities announced locally. Loy Krathong follows the lunar calendar, so it should not always be assumed to fall in November. Outdoor plans should also take account of the weather forecast close to your travel dates.
Before booking a trip around a festival, check the dates, times, venue and event details with Cha-am Municipality or the Tourism Authority of Thailand. Leave some room in your itinerary for meals, walks and unplanned downtime, giving yourself another way to enjoy the town.
