Ao Chalong

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Unknowingly, many visitors find themselves briefly in Ao Chalong 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 Ao Chalong'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 Ao Chalong 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 Ao Chalong 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.

 

Orientation
Along with the dive shops, convenience stores, restaurants, and travel agencies, most of Chalong's guesthouses are clustered near the pier. A cheap songtheaw service makes regular trips to Phuket Town, but to go directly to a real beach like Kata you'll either need your own transportation or be prepared to go via Phuket Town.

Text and/or map last updated on 12th August, 2009.

More information

Other spots near here
 » Bang Tao Beach
 » Coral and Raya Islands
 » Kamala Beach
 » Karon Beach
 » Kata Beach
 » Nai Harn Beach
 » Naithon to Mai Khao
 » Patong Beach
 » Phuket Town
 » Rawai Beach
 » Surin Beach
 » Ya Nui Beach

Go back
 » Phuket main page

Maps
  Ao Chalong

Further reading
 » Finding a cheap guesthouse or hotel in Phuket
 » Phuket for Kids
 » Phuket Diving Guide
 » Trisara -- decadent luxury at its best

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Aochalong Villa Resort and Spa
Chalong Bay
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Kantary Bay Hotel
Cape Panwa
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By The Sea
Ao Yon, Panwa Bay
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Cape Panwa
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Radisson Plaza Resort
Cape Panwa
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Bel Air Panwa Resort
Cape Panwa
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Villa Zolitude
Chalong Bay
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Ao Yon, Panwa Bay
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