Ao Chalong

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 overflow with speedboats, ferries, long-tails, and moored yachts. If you want to cut out the travel agency middle man, this is the place to hire a private boat for fishing or sightseeing trips off the south coast of Phuket.

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 and murky. 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, which is 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. For less murky waters, head to Laem Ka Beach just a bit south of Friendship. It's still quite rocky in parts but there are open areas fine for swimming.

Friendship Beach was once home to a few budget choices, but they've mostly given over to mega- and boutiquey- resorts. From a guest's perspective, one assumes it doesn't matter that 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.

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. What budget guesthouses and hotels there are 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. ATMs are abundant in Ao Chalong and if you are in need of cash before hopping on a boat, the 7-eleven on the road leading to the pier has an ATM.

There are many cafes and restaurants with free WiFI. Head to Post Café Internet and Tour shop on the road leading to the pier if without a computer — it's just a stone's throw from Chalong circle.

With the soar in development over the last few years a Home Pro Village complex now lies just north of the Chalong circle and a Tesco Lotus is just south of the circle, handy if you need to do any grocery shopping or get a fast food fix.

A cheap songthaew 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.