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Chalong Bay (อ่าวฉลอง Ao Chalong) is on the east coast of Phuket.

[edit] Understand

This is Phuket's principal boat anchorage and the island's largest bay, 11 kilometres south of the town. It is very picturesque but not suitable for swimming. Boats can be chartered to go to some small island south of Phuket. A number of restaurants are on the road leading to the bay.

[edit] Get in

[edit] Get around

Numerous boats span out from Chalong to nearby islands, including Ko Hae (Coral Island), Ko Racha (Ko Raya) and more.

[edit][add listing] See

• Wat Chalong (วัดฉลองหรือวัดไชยธาราราม). A beautiful Buddhist temple located on the southern end of the island. This is where stands the cast statue of Luang Pho Cham, who helped the people of Phuket, put down the Angyee, or Chinese Coolie Rebellion, in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. There are also statues of Luang Pho Chuang, and Luang Pho Cham, abbots of the temple during later times. Wat Chalong is about 8 kilometres outside town. Take Wichit Songkram Road to the bypass and turn left, and drive for about 10 minutes. Wat Chalong is on the left.

[edit][add listing] Do

As the main boat harbour for Phuket Island, most Scuba Diving companies have now relocated from other areas to Chalong. Most of Phuket's speed boat,fishing boats, snorkeling companies and yacht charter are also located here. Destinations include Coral Island, Phi Phi Island, and Koh Racha for day trips, snorkeling, diving and deep sea fishing. Chalong has a shooting range, atv, elephant rides, go kart track, paint ball and horse riding. One "Must Do" is to drive up to the famous Big Buddha which over looks Phuket Town, Chalong Bay, numerous islands and on a clear day even Phi Phi Island, 38 miles away can be seen. Steve Anderson.

• 1800Phuket at 48/12 Soi Sunrise for information and bookings. email: info@1800Phuket.com, tel toll free 1800Phuket or 0760383581.

[edit][add listing] Buy

At Chalong it is possible to buy scuba equipment at wholesale prices. All scuba, day trips to the islands, and fishing trips and boat charters are available. There is a large supermarket with just about everything one could need.

[edit][add listing] Eat

Chalong has just about every type of restaurant. Delicious and cheap local Thai food is available as well as Italian, Mexican, Burgers, Indian, fish and chips, MK hot pot and Kentuky Fried Chicken and fresh bakeries. The area features some of the very best Thai Seafood waterfront restaurants.

• Mr. India - Best Indian food in Phuket. Patak Rd, going towards the Chalong Pier.

• Thatssani Seafood (ทัศนีย์ ซีฟูด), Ao Chalong.  edit

• Kan Eng, pier Ao Chalong, ☎ 0 7638 1212.  edit

[edit][add listing] Drink

Chalong now has numerous beach front bars and street bars catering for a quiet, relaxed feeling for families and ranging to adult themes.

[edit][add listing] Sleep

Mostly a stepping-stone for heading elsewhere, accommodation in Chalong now ranges from 200 baht for a share room to 5 star resorts. Chalong is a very good spot to stay before going diving or out on the water as it is only a short walk to the boats instead of traveling from the better known tourist areas up to one hour away.

• Ao Chalong Bungalow (บังกะโล อ่าวฉลอง) 9/1 Mu 9, Ao Chalong (Tel: 0 7628 2175, 0 7638 1190), 20 rooms: 250 baht
• Big A Resort (บิ๊ก เอ รีสอร์ท) 67/18 Mu 4, Soi Suksan, Wiset Road (Tel: 0 7628 0786, 0 7638 3080 E-mail: bigasail@samart.co.th), 18 rooms: 700-1,000 baht
• Boomerang Bungalow (บูมเมอแรง บังกะโล) 58/16 Mu 10, Patak Road (Tel: 0 7628 1068-9, 0 7638 1690 Fax: 0 7628 1070), 10 rooms: 600-1,500 baht
• 1800Phuket 48/12 Soi Sunrise, Chalong. ( tel free call 1800Phuket, 076 383581, email info@1800phuket.com ), roomms from 200 baht/night

[edit] Get out