Chalong Bay - Phuket Travel Guide

Chalong Bay is used mainly as a boat anchorage, due to its unique location. It is protected on all sides from winds, which blows almost throughout the year. This is the boarding point for all boats leaving for diving, snorkeling and fishing expeditions to other islands.

Many pass through Chalong Bay, without being aware of it, while boarding boats bound for other islands. If you want to save money while hiring boats by avoiding travel agents, this is the place to be. The muddy waters of Chalong Bay are normally filled with boats of all sizes and speed.
Chalong Bay is not suitable for swimming even without all these boating activities. The water is muddy and shallow. During low tide, when the water recedes, mud tracts with rocks are revealed that are unsightly.

The only area in Chalong Bay suitable for swimming is the Friendship Beach near the southern end. Even this is only average. This area used to have some budget accommodations, but the expensive resorts have taken over the whole place now. Though this is not one of the best beaches of Phuket, tourists are willing to pay to stay there. They can’t even go for a swim in the beach here. They are happy inside the complex during their entire stay.

Chalong Bay with its limitations is still becoming a popular destination for tourists, for its affordability and marked difference from other beaches. There are no big crowds here like the popular Kata beach or Patong beach. As not many come here, the facilities are also not well developed.

Due to its proximity to Phuket town, you can come here for a relaxed evening. Chalong Bay offers comfortable stay at rates cheaper than elsewhere. There are affordable guesthouses and hotels here, which expats of Phuket prefer. With them came the Western restaurants, which offer excellent International cuisine.

How to Reach

For budget travelers, songthaews are the best option. They run frequently between Phuket and Chalong Bay from 8.00am to 5.30pm. The fare is 20 baht. Cabs are costly at 350 baht (negotiable) and tuk-tuks charging in between.

Places to see

Nakkerd viewpoint off Chaofa Road near Chalong is worth visiting. The 45m tall golden Buddha statue kept here is visible from all over Southern Phuket.

Wat Chalong, the Buddhist Temple is quite famous for the ornamental work. It is located on the highway near Chalong and is included in the Phuket City tour. Visit to this vast golden temple will get you acquainted with the local culture. Two things to remember while visiting the temple are to dress suitably and to avoid sitting with your sole pointing towards the Buddha statue. There is no entry fee, but donations towards temple maintenance are welcomed.

Phuket Aquarium, which is located in Cape Panwa, is close by. Families with children usually visit this place. There are around 150 species of fishes and other sea creatures here. The ‘walk-through’ is interesting, where you can walk under the water. The facilities are not up to international standards, but are good enough for spending half a day away from the crowd. The entry fee is 50baht for Thai nationals and 100 baht for foreigners. For foreign children, it is 50 baht.

Another tourist spot is Phuket Zoo, which is best avoided. Do not expect international standard here. The animals are kept in small cages and some even chained. They are ill-treated before you, to make them do tricks to amuse you. Children may enjoy it, but if you are an animal lover, keep away. Just for information, there are animal shows of monkeys, crocodiles and elephants. The zoo is open for visitors from 08.30 to 18.00. The admission rates are too high at 500 baht for adults and 300 baht for children. The show timings are – Monkeys – 09.00, 12.00, 14.30, 16.45, Crocodiles – 09.45, 12.45, 15.15, 17.30, Elephants – 10.30, 13.30, 16.00.