The Thai beach resort town of Cha Am attracts weekenders for the sun, sand and sea, but during my recent visit I headed straight for the morning market.

As you would expect, the produce is predominately fishy.

It’s a great little market and well worth the early rise. Plan to get there for around 6:30 a.m.

The street along the back of the main market building is the most interesting as that’s where the fresh seafood is sold.

Around 7 a.m. colourful characters from nearby food stalls get busy delivering khao tom to vendors.

Last week I was invited on a three day media trip to Hua Hin and Pranburi. The first stop on the agenda was Maruekhathaiyawan Palace.

The former royal Thai residence is known as “the palace of love and hope” and claims to be the longest teak palace in the world, although I suspect there are few other contenders for the prize. It’s an impressive structure with three long covered walkways leading down to the beach. Unfortunately, although visitors are allowed up to the first floor pavilions, access to the walkways is denied.

According to historical records, Maruekhathaiyawan Palace was built in 1923 by royal command of King Rama VI. The teakwood used in the construction came from the demolished Hat Chao Samran Palace in nearby Phetchaburi.

Maruekhathaiyawan Palace is within the grounds of the Phra Ram IV Military Camp, midway between Cha Am and Hua Hin. It is open daily from 8.30 – 4.00 pm.

I’ll be posting more images from the trip over the weekend.