Chalong is Phuket’s largest bay and one of the major boat anchorage points. This scenic area located on the eastern coast of the island hosts numerous chartered boats that bring travellers to the nearest divine islands to swim and soak the sun, as Chalong itself is not suitable for swimming.
Chalong beach stretches for 11 kilometres from the eastern to the southern coast. Being the island’s principal boat anchorage, Chalong houses several chartered boat services that depart the harbour to the nearest islands south of Phuket.
Travellers flood Chalong to take a chartered boat to the nearby Phi Phi, Ko Hae and Ko Racha islands, famous for its fantastic dive spots and incredible silvery beaches. This coastal village is a home to Ao Chalong Yacht Club that organises regular regattas and gets filled up with sailors in between sailing races to party and relax in one of the numerous eating and drinking establishments spread around the area.
Visitors are usually pass through Chalong on their way to the small islands, missing the opportunity to explore this naturally beautiful area stuffed with natural attractions and sightseeing spots. Several splendid Buddhist temples and an impressive Big marble Buddha worth a visit especially if you are interested in Thai historical and cultural heritage.
Chalong provides the fantastic possibility to shop the scuba diving and free-diving equipment at very reasonable price. Diving professionals and registered Thai companies get the great deals on diving gear, and if you are fortunate enough, you can also get a great deal.
Those not interested in shopping fins and masks can get the basic necessities at a couple of stores and supermarkets located in the area. Sunscreen, bug repellent, flip-flops and beachwear can be found in these shopping hubs scattered through the area.
For the more serious shopping head Phuket Town, Kata or Karon areas, located nearby Chalong. The vast selection of clothes, shoes, accessories, spa products and souvenirs will not let you leave empty-handed.
The traditional Thai boxing is one of the must-try activities once in Chalong. Numerous Muay Thai training camps spread around the area invite both novices and experienced fighters to join training and learn one of the most efficient and oldest martial arts, also called as the “Art of Eight Limbs”.
The highly intensive Muay Thai training during which you will be taught how to protect yourself, and rebuff will make you feel confident and safe. These workouts are focused on helping you to de-stress and unwind both your body and mind, and you will be amazed by the results at the end of the training.
Besides Muay Thai, Chalong boasts other sports activities, which will contribute to your relaxation. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling or horseback riding are only a few to number, so you can be sure to find something for yourself.
Chalong offers surprisingly lavish range of cuisines as well as dining venues to satisfy your hunger and delight your eyes.
Located within walking distance from the pier or facing the boat mooring, Chalong restaurants serve an incredibly wide range of Thai and international cuisines. You can finally diversify your seafood diet with the favourite pizza, mouth-watering burger or crispy taco.
Of course, there is no lack of seafood eateries in Chalong. As the major seaport, the city boasts of the great seafood restaurants serving the freshest daily fish, tiger prawns, calamari and oysters cooked to your liking. Chalong is an ideal place to satisfy your taste buds and get the exceptional dining with feet on the sand.
When the sun goes down, the area comes to life. The nightlife in Chalong is not as bustling and hassle as in Patong, however, it has its own charm. Most of the drinking establishments are located nearby the Chalong bay and can be easily reachable on foot.
Numerous bars lining the bay attract yachtsmen and occasional visitors to party and celebrate one more exciting day spent in the sea. Sailors swap yarns over the bottle of local beer, and you will immediately feel yourself in the same boat with clientele as the friendly atmosphere is appealing to chatting and sharing stories.
The area houses several beer bars too, where frankly dressed hostesses drum up visitors to buy a few drinks and play a table game.
Situated towards the south of Phuket International Airport on the eastern coast of Phuket island, Chalong is the ideal base to take a one-day boat trip to the nearby paradisal islands.
Kata is a stunning coastal village featuring with the postcard blue water, swaying coconut palms, and soft sand ideal for building sand castles.
Shredded by the stunning lagoon, Nai Harn beach is a favourite place among tourists and locals to soak in the naturally formed pools.
Rawai village is located in the southmost tip of Phuket island. Rawai seduces visitors with its secluded bays and natural beauty.
Chalong houses one spledid Ministry Approved villa. Big Buddha Hill Villa is a gorgeous 8-bedroom property located on the foothills of Phuket’s major landmarks – Big Buddha. Accommodating up to 16 guests, the villa offers palatial retreat at a reasonable price of USD $829 per night for this fabulous property.
Big Buddha Hill Villa has dedicated staff including villa manager, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”
Although it is possible to get to Chalong, Phuket over land or water, the best way is to fly.
It can take between 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Chalong from Phuket International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi.
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private vehicle with a driver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
Even though Chalong is one of the largest bays on the island, it can be covered on foot within a couple of hours. It is a splendid area for walking as most of the streets are wide and shaded, so you will not feel the exhausting tropical heat.
There are a couple of motorbike rental shops in Chalong, if you decided to move around on two wheels. Take into account that you must always have an international drivers license on your person at all times, otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
There are a couple of rental shops in Chalong, so if you are travelling from the Phuket International Airport, it is highly recommended to hire a car from one of the offices located in the arrival terminal. The car travel in Chalong is a fast and convenient way to explore the area and travel further afield at your own pace.
There are several taxi companies operating in Chalong area, but it is highly recommended to opt the one equipped with a meter as fixed prices can be inflated. Most of the taxis stay in the parking lot at Chalong Bay, so if the inland transfer is not included in your day trip, you can always find a taxi at the park.
There are hundreds of chartered boats serving daily scuba diving trips to the stunning Ko Rocka, Ko Hae, Phi Phi and many other islands. Fast boat services depart Chalong Pier at scheduled times so if you are keen to dive or wish to explore the nearby paradisal islands, Chalong is an ideal base to stay.
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