Cha-Am’s beachfront will take on a distinctly festive glow from 12–19 September 2026, when the town’s much-loved Shellfish Eating and Squid Fishing Festival returns for its 25th year.
Held at Cha-Am Beach Viewpoint, around 22 kilometres north of Hua Hin, the eight-night celebration brings together the flavours, traditions and easygoing atmosphere of this neighbouring seaside community. Food stalls and restaurants from Phetchaburi and nearby provinces will serve freshly prepared seafood and local dishes, while producers from the One Tambon One Product programme will present regional specialities and community-made goods.
The festival’s signature experience takes place offshore. From 7pm until midnight, jet skis transfer participants to squid boats waiting at sea, offering a rare opportunity to try night-time squid fishing. Tickets are priced at THB 100 for adults and THB 50 for children, making it an accessible adventure for families as well as curious first-time visitors.
Back on shore, live music will set the rhythm each evening. The programme opens with Choo Choo on 12 September, followed by FC Band, Chaem Chaemram, Mang Mum, Saithong ST Band, Saen Naga, Sai the long-haired singer and Mai Lueay Band on the festival’s closing night.
The setting is an essential part of the occasion. Lights shimmer along the beachfront, the scent of seafood drifts through the evening air and music carries across the sand. It is a lively expression of Cha-Am’s fishing heritage and a reminder of the variety found along this stretch of the Gulf of Thailand.
For those based in Hua Hin, the festival makes an appealing evening excursion. A short drive north leads to a celebration that feels both festive and firmly rooted in local coastal life.
The Cha-Am Shellfish Eating and Squid Fishing Festival takes place from 12–19 September 2026 at Cha-Am Beach Viewpoint, Phetchaburi.
