Categories > Guides and Tips
Everything You Need to Know about Chalong Bay
- Where is Chalong Bay?
- How to Get to Chalong Bay
- What to See and Do in Chalong Bay
- Check out the piers
- Hop between the bars near the bay
- Join a PADI diving course
- Arrange a snorkeling trip
- Book a deep-sea fishing tour
- Charter a yacht at Chalong Pier
- Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Chalong Bay
- Kan Eang at Pier
- Pizzeria Agli Amici
- Chalong Pier Restaurant & Sports Bar
- Where to Shop in and Near Chalong Bay
- HomePro Village Chalong
- Villa Market Chalong Phuket
- Makro Rawai
- Where to Stay in and Near Chalong Bay
- Palm Garden Resort
- Blue Beach Grand Resort and Spa
- Fisherman Way Beach Villa
- FAQs about Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay is Phuket’s one-stop port center. A lively harbor that used to be the first port of call for luxury chartered yachts, deep-sea fishing boats, and ferries visiting the island and those who want to enjoy the best beaches of Phuket.
The bay has always been rich with travel agencies and marinas, making it the prime choice among tourists for island-hopping, diving, fishing, and sailing trips. Swarming with bars and restaurants, Chalong Bay is also a hit with the yachting crowd.
And it’s also a year-round anchorage so the fun never stops.
Where is Chalong Bay?
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Chalong Bay is in the southern portion of Phuket. It’s bounded by the small street along Chalong Pier and the Andaman Sea to the right.
How to Get to Chalong Bay
Plane: The fastest way to get to Chalong Bay from Bangkok is to board a plane to Phuket International Airport. After landing, you can ride an airport bus to Phuket Town and catch another bus to Chalong.
The bus can drop you off at the Chalong Roundabout Clock Tower which is only a 7-minute walk from the bay. You can also ride a taxi in Phuket Town because it can get you directly to Chalong Bay.
Another option is to book a flight to Krabi International Airport. Krabi’s Chao Fah Pier has ferries departing for Rassada Pier which is only a 39-minute taxi ride to Chalong Bay.
Bus: The cheaper alternative is to catch a provincial bus from the Bangkok Southern Bus Terminal to Phuket Town. From there, you can ride a bus or taxi to reach Chalong Bay.
What to See and Do in Chalong Bay
Check out the piers
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Chalong Bay boasts two piers—the longest measuring around 720 meters and the shortest at 240 meters.
Our favorite is the longest pier because it’s adorned with potted flowers on each side, perfect for romantic seaside strolls! You can also visit it during sunset for a more impressive view and atmosphere.
If you like boats, you can also admire the numerous water vessels docked there. Think motor yachts, catamarans, ferries, fishing boats, and more.
Hop between the bars near the bay
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Chalong Bay is actually one of the best bar-hopping spots in Phuket! The bay’s nearby beach road is swarming with restaurants and bars, so it’s a must-visit if you plan to drink and make new friends.
The bay’s bar scene is tamer than Phuket’s wilder beaches so expect a more dignified drinking experience. Most bars can be found along Sunrise Road, but we recommend the ones along the bay, especially for the better sunset view.
Join a PADI diving course
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A visit to Chalong Bay won’t be complete without joining a PADI diving course. The bay is home to numerous top-tier diving schools, so going here gives you the best chance to develop all the necessary scuba diving or freediving skills.
Our go-to diving school is Asian Divers because they offer courses for all skill levels. They also sell diving equipment and offer diving trips to the popular islands near Phuket like Koh Racha Yai, Koh Racha Noi, Coral Island, Mai Thon Island, and more.
Otherwise, you can check the listings on the pier for information about available diving tours and ticket prices.
Arrange a snorkeling trip
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Snorkeling trips to Coral Island and Racha Island are also popular in Chalong Bay, and booking them is convenient since they’re available daily. You can book them online via travel agencies like Evendo, GetYourGuide, and Phuket Dive Tours.
These tours offer pick-up services so you can book them anywhere in Phuket. Still, the meeting point will be at Chalong Pier since that’s where speedboats, ferries, and longtail boats are docked.
Book a deep-sea fishing tour
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If you like game fishing, booking a deep-sea fishing tour in Chalong Pier is an excellent option. Plus, numerous fishing boats depart from Chalong Bay daily, so you’ll most likely be able to join one even without an advanced booking.
But we recommend booking a tour beforehand so you can choose your preferred fishing destination. The fishing boats in the bay can take you anywhere in the Andaman Sea which is a plus.
Charter a yacht at Chalong Pier
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If you want to try various water activities simultaneously, your best option is to charter a yacht in Chalong Pier. A chartered yacht gives you the best chance to enjoy your favorite activities, from fishing to diving, snorkeling, kayaking, and more.
This also lets you choose your destinations on the fly because you’re not stuck to a predetermined itinerary. You can also choose between bareboat and crewed yacht charters.
In case you didn’t know, a bareboat charter means you have to operate the yacht so you must have sailing experience and qualifications. For an easier time, we suggest chartering a crewed yacht so all you have to do is relax and enjoy the experience.
Where to Eat and Drink in and Near Chalong Bay
Kan Eang at Pier
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Address: 44, 1 Chalong Pier
Phone: +66 83 173 1187
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for seafood
Kan Eang at Pier is a popular restaurant and bar along Chalong Bay, so it’s certainly one of the most convenient food spots location-wise. It also has an open-air and rustic seaside dining area, perfect if you want a stunning ocean view.
Their alfresco dining area also has several trees, so the cool shade they provide is a plus. This restaurant excels at seafood dishes like tom yum goong, deep-fried fish, fish curry, and buttered lobster.
But our favorite is their special seafood platters. These are packed with various seafood, from shrimp to oysters, lobsters, squids, and more.
Pizzeria Agli Amici
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Address: 40/24 39, 32/9 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road
Phone: +66 76 282 172
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. (Tuesday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for pizza
Pizzeria Agli Amici is arguably the best pizza place near Chalong Bay. They use a wood fire oven, so expect authentic Italian pizza.
We also like that this pizzeria serves over 40 pizzas, so you’ll likely find the perfect flavor that suits your taste buds. Their portions are also massive, so their regular pizza is like the typical large pizzas other restaurants in Thailand serve.
They’re also fully loaded with toppings, perfect for heavy eaters and group sharing. Moreover, their expansive menu includes numerous Italian pasta, salads, bruschettas, and desserts.
Chalong Pier Restaurant & Sports Bar
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Address: Sunrise Road
Phone: +66 86 945 6480
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 11 a.m. – 12 a.m. (Wednesday – Monday)
Good to know: Good for drinks
Chalong Pier Restaurant & Sports Bar is a fan favorite. This place is well-known for its affordable ice-cold beers and delicious food, perfect after a day of sea adventures in Chalong Bay.
Moreover, the modest bamboo interiors offer casual and relaxed tropical vibes. And the stunning direct view of the bay, especially during sunset is a plus.
Their menu includes Western and Thai dishes so expect excellent food variety. Our top pick is the mixed grill. It’s a medley of grilled steak and seasonal veggies with a special peppercorn sauce.
Where to Shop in and Near Chalong Bay
HomePro Village Chalong
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Address: 61, 10 Moo 10 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road
Phone: +66 76 602 399
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for home supplies
HomePro Village Chalong is a one-stop shop for home supplies. This chained-brand home improvement store sells a wide range of home appliances, hardware tools, toiletries, kitchen utensils, and more.
We particularly like shopping for appliances here because they provide free installation for some of their products. Think washing machines, air conditioners, heaters, dishwashers, and more.
If you’re planning a home makeover, you’ll also love their selection of furniture pieces, home ornaments, and building materials.
Villa Market Chalong Phuket
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Address: 61/9 Moo 10 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road
Phone: +66 2 502 7364
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Operating Hours: 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for imported goods
If you’re searching for imported products, Villa Market Chalong Phuket is your best option. They focus on international brands, so expect to find numerous products from other countries.
Think Japan, Korea, the US, the United Kingdom, and more. They also sell various products like wet goods, home goods, potted plants, hardware tools, and more, perfect for all-around shopping.
Makro Rawai
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Address: 5/47 Moo 5, Wiset Road
Phone: +66 76 687 043
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 6 a.m. – 10 p.m. (Monday – Sunday)
Good to know: Good for wholesale
Marko Rawai is a well-known supermarket that focuses on wholesale products. It’s a great place to shop for large quantities of grocery supplies because buying wholesale offers more value for your money.
This supermarket’s inventory includes wet goods, toys, home goods, wines, and more, so expect good product variety. Their nice selection of imported products is also a plus.
Where to Stay in and Near Chalong Bay
Palm Garden Resort
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Address: 4, 10 Moo 5, Soi Romutit
Phone: +66 76 383 107
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Palm Garden Resort is a relaxing hideaway near Chalong Bay. Their garden-filled property offers pleasant natural scenery and numerous walkways, perfect for morning and afternoon strolls.
We also like that their standard rooms can accommodate up to three guests which is great for small families. These rooms are decked out with modern amenities, from en-suite bathrooms, minibars, hot shower facilities, cable TVs, and more.
This resort also has rustic bungalows with separate living rooms if you like more space. Guests can also expect an outdoor pool, massage room, and library.
Blue Beach Grand Resort and Spa
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Address: 80 Soi Rouam Jai 2
Phone: +66 91 381 3888
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 12 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Blue Beach Grand Resort and Spa is a swanky hideaway offering sublime views and comfy private villas. Their villas have elegant traditional Thai interiors, modern amenities, and floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize the scenery.
We particularly like their mountain-view villa because it faces Chalong’s Nakkerd Hill and Karon’s Big Buddha. Meanwhile, their sea-view villa is known for its direct view of Koh Lon, Koh Bon, and Koh Hey in the Andaman Sea.
Their Blue Whale Kid Club is also ideal for family holidays. Here, kids can play and join various activities while parents make the most of their vacation time.
Fisherman Way Beach Villa
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Address: 5, 11 Wiset Road
Phone: +66 76 381 189
Pricing: ฿฿
Operating Hours: 2 p.m. (Check-in) & 1 p.m. (Check-out)
Good to know: Good for couples and families
Fisherman Way Beach Villa is an excellent luxury accommodation near Chalong Bay. Their newer units, in particular, are great options for their top-tier amenities and stylish modern interiors.
The animal lovers on our team also like the mini zoo where you can observe geese, deer, horses, chickens, and more. They even have a rare white peacock which is a plus.
Their property is also massive so you’ll have a blast strolling and biking along its tree-lined nature areas. They also have outdoor pools and kiddie playgrounds.