Chalong Bay
Chalong Bay, Chalong's muddy East Coast shoreline makes it rather unsuitable for swimming but it's an ideal and natural spot for yacht mooring. As well as the Boat Lagoon, Yacht Haven and Royal Phuket Marina, Chalong is a centre for intense boating activity. Early mornings and late afternoons are the busiest times at Chalong, when diving and day trip groups are bundled on and off boats. The Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which organises regular sailing races, makes its base here, and its bar is a favourite spot for sailors to swap yarns and party.
Chalong's most noticeable feature is its 720-metre long, seven-metre wide jetty, which replaced the rickety old wooden pier in 2001. A parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve the many visitors passing through. There's also a one-stop customs, immigration and harbour master service to assist visiting vessels, as well as a new marine rescue centre.
Chalong's many informal restaurants, bars and cafes are worth exploring, particularly the two Kan Eang restaurants, notable for their fresh seafood and attentive service. Another well known seafood restaurant is 'Palai Seafood' past the Phuket Zoo. Another favourite spot is Jimmy's Lighthouse, where a sundowner is not just a drink - it's an event.
Yachties, divers and water sports enthusiasts are well served by Chalong's many amenities, ranging from motor repair services to maritime equipment sales and rentals, to fishing and charter tour companies, all found along and around the road leading to the pier. For accommodation, there are a few bungalow and apartment-style spots to stay right in Chalong and further inland as well as B&B's along nearby Chao Fa (East) Rd.
