Chalong Bay

Chalong Bay (อ่าวฉลอง Ao Chalong) is on the east coast of Phuket.

Understand
This is Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, 11 km south of the town. It is picturesque, but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small islands south of Phuket. A number of restaurants and bars dot the road leading to the bay.

The centre of Chalong is the Chalong Circle, a roundabout two-thirds of the way from Phuket town to Rawai. Five roads converge here. From here:


 * head south to Rawai on Rte 4024
 * head west to Kata/Karon on Rte 4028
 * NNW to Patong on Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd
 * NNE to Phuket town on Chao Fah Tawan Ok Rd
 * east to the Chalong Pier on Sunrise Rd, less than 1 km in length, locus of Chalong's night life.

Get in
Numerous boats sail out from Chalong to nearby islands, including Ko Hae (Coral Island), Ko Racha, (Ko Raya) and more.

Get around
Do yourself a favour and rent and learn to ride a motorbike if you're staying in the area for more than a day or so. Otherwise various types of taxis are your best bet, but they're not easy to find.

Do
As the main boat harbour for Phuket Island, many diving companies have now relocated here from other areas. Most of Phuket's speed boat, fishing boats, snorkelling companies, and yacht charters are also located here. Destinations include Coral Island, Phi Phi Island, and Ko Racha for day trips, snorkelling, diving, and deep sea fishing.

Chalong has a shooting range, elephant rides, go kart track, paint ball, and horse riding. One "must-do" is to drive up to the famous Big Buddha which overlooks Phuket town, Chalong Bay, numerous islands. On a clear day even Phi Phi Island, 60 km distant, can be seen.

Learn
Chalong and Rawai especially is home to almost a dozen muay Thai gyms. If you're interested in a one day lesson or a six month training stint, it's a good place to look. Two gyms below, but there are at least half a dozen more within a 4 km radius.



Buy
In Chalong it's possible to buy scuba equipment at wholesale prices if you're a registered Thai company. Diving professionals will get good deals on equipment from the local distributors. Scuba and freediving day trips to the islands, and fishing trips and boat charters are available.



Eat
Chalong has just about every type of restaurant. Delicious and cheap local Thai food is available as well as Italian, Mexican, burgers, Indian, fish and chips, MK hot pot and Kentucky Fried Chicken and fresh bakeries. The area features some of the very best Thai seafood waterfront restaurants.

Most of the better places to get food are local spots. They tend to be cheaper and better than anything geared towards Westerners. However, there are several cheap guest house/restaurants along Ta Lat Rd just off Rte 4021.



Drink
Chalong now has numerous beach front bars and street bars, mostly centred on Sunrise Rd between Chalong Circle and the pier. Many beer bars with ladies, but the scene is sedate and you would not be remiss taking your family there.

Sleep
Mostly a stepping-stone for heading elsewhere, accommodation in Chalong ranges from 200 baht to luxury resorts. Chalong is a very good spot to stay before going diving or out on the water as it is only a short walk to the boats instead of travelling from the better known tourist areas up to one hour away.