Chalong Bay

Chalong is a bay protected on all sides. The water is muddy, but it makes the most popular boat anchorage on the island, affording shelter from prevailing winds during the two major seasons, the Southwest Monsoon (May-October) and the Northeast season (Nov-April). Also, the largest jetty on Phuket was recently opened to boat traffic here, and most boats taking visitors out on day trips to nearby islands, on fishing and diving trips load their passengers here. This port area of Chalong Bay is a hive of boating activity each morning and evening.

Unknowingly, many visitors find themselves briefly in Chalong Bay while they wait for a tour boat from the massive wharf that juts out into the sea. The broad waters of Chalong Bay overflows with speedboats, ferries, long-tails, and mooring yachts. If you want to cut out the travel agency middle man, this is the place to hire a private boat for fishing or sight-seeing.

While the multitude of boats is a bit unsightly, don't fret about missing out on any A-grade swimming -- even if it weren't full of anchored boats, the beach isn't suitable for swimming, as the water here is shallow. Come low tide, the water retreats significantly, leaving mud flats strewn with sharp oyster-covered rocks -- it ain't pretty.

There is some swimming though, towards Chalong Bay's southern end -- better known as Friendship Beach. It's still not great, but if you're desperate for a dip, this is the area to head to. Friendship Beach was once home to a few budget choices, but they've mostly given over to mega- and boutiquey- resorts. From the guests perspective, one assumes it doesn't matter they're paying top dollar to stay on one of Phuket's most average beaches -- the only time they set foot outside their salubrious digs is probably when they're coming from- or leaving for- the airport.

While it's certainly not one of Phuket's premier destinations, increasing numbers of visitors are finding Chalong Bay an affordable and pleasant alternative to the more typical beach scene. Hassle and hustle are rare compared to busier spots like Patong or Kata Beach, and Chalong Bay sees but a fraction of the custom of Phuket's busier beaches -- so don't expect the hordes to be in attendance.

The bay is close to the amenities of Phuket Town, allowing you to replace the exhaust fumes and tooting horns of Phang Nga Rd with a fresh sea breeze and blissfully quiet evening strolls. The budget guesthouses and hotels are generally of a higher quality than you'll find elsewhere and, there's a growing year-round expat community. With this community comes the associated selection of Western restaurants that tends to accompany expats -- the eating is excellent.

Getting to Chalong

Regular 20 baht songthaews from 08:00 to 17:30 leave from the market in Phuket and drop you off by the pier, where you can also jump on for your return. If you miss the songthaew, taxis from Chalong Bay to Phuket town are 350 baht , open to negotiation. Tuk-tuks will charge a comparable rate.

What to Do + See

A lesser known viewpoint in this part of Phuket is the Nakkerd Viewpoint, off Chaofa Road near Chalong. The 45-metre golden Buddha that sits here is visible from nearly anywhere in Southern Phuket.

For an injection of Thai culture into your beach holiday pay a visit to Wat Chalong, the most revered and the most ornate of the Buddhist temples on Phuket. The large golden temple is on the highway near Chalong Bay and, as it's part of the Phuket City tour, you won't have to worry about being the only clueless tourists there. Just remember to dress appropriately and not point the bottom of your feet at the Buddha image when you sit down. Entrance is free, but small donations are appreciated and will go toward temple maintenance.

Aside from using it as a launching point for boat trips out to Coral and Raya Islands, Chalong Bay is also home to a couple of typical tourist attraction style places. One is worth a look, the other we'd suggest skipping.

Actually on Cape Panwa, Phuket Aquarium is a part of the Phuket Marine Biological Centre and makes for a reasonable half-day jaunt -- especially if you have kids in tow. Completely renovated and reopened in 2005, the aquarium's attractions include over 150 species of aquatic life and a submerged "walk-through" where you're able to walk underneath the water. Don't expect world-class standards, but it's a relaxing and surprisingly little-touristed attraction. Admission is two tiered 50 Baht for Thai adults, 100 Baht for foreigners and 50 Baht for foreign children.

With a collection of tigers, monkeys, elephants and thousands of crocodiles, kids may enjoy a visit to Phuket Zoo, but their parents may be put off by small cages and unhappy looking animals. There have been numerous complaints from readers about how the animals are treated -- in particular there is a tiger which is chained up and often prodded to get a reaction for onlookers. This is a not in anyway an international standard zoo. Set on around a dozen acres of land not far from Phuket Town, if you do decide to visit, try to time your visit for at least one of the performances. Daily shows include monkeys at 09.00, 12.00, 14.30 and 16.45, crocodiles at 09.45, 12.45, 15.15 and 17.30 and elephants at 10.30, 13.30 and 16.00. The zoo is open daily from 8:30 to 18:00. The zoo has inflated admission rates for tourists (yet another reason not to go) and costs 500 Baht /adult and 300 Baht /child.

See Hotels in Chalong Bay