Chalong Bay, on Phuket's southeastern coast, is a vibrant hub featuring a picturesque marina and a lively atmosphere. Known for adventure, it offers thrilling diving excursions and island-hopping trips. Conveniently located near Phuket International Airport, visitors can explore local markets, enjoy waterfront Thai cuisine, and relax at beach clubs with stunning views. Nearby Soi Taied, or "Fitness Street," is a hotspot for fitness enthusiasts and Muay Thai training.
Chalong is renowned for its stunning beaches and luxurious villas that offer breathtaking views of the bay. The area is dotted with high-end resorts, wellness centres, and a lively market scene, providing a plethora of options for relaxation and entertainment. Chalong Bay serves as a preferred departure point for boat tours to nearby islands, ensuring a diverse range of activities for guests to enjoy.
Soi Taied, also known as "Fitness Street," is a notable feature in Chalong, famous for its concentration of fitness-related businesses and activities, particularly Muay Thai training camps. This vibrant stretch is ideal for fitness enthusiasts seeking training, healthy food options, and a supportive community atmosphere.
Beaches
Chalong Beach
The main beach in Chalong, located by the pier, is primarily occupied by boats and commercial activity. While the sand is yellow and slightly gritty, it may not be ideal for sunbathing. At high tide, the beach is often completely submerged, making it less accessible for recreational use. Despite this, the beach offers beautiful views of the marina and is a bustling spot for visitors.
Friendship Beach
Continuing south from Chalong Beach, Friendship Beach provides a quieter alternative. This beach is accessible mainly through the hotel resorts that border it. At low tide, guests can enjoy a wide expanse of sand, but when the tide is high, the beach area significantly shrinks, leaving little space for lounging. This beach is popular for its tranquil atmosphere and is an excellent spot for walking along the shore.
Spa and Wellbeing
Spa 42
Spa 42 is Chalong's premier destination for relaxation and rejuvenation. Offering a range of services, including massages, reflexology, and beauty treatments, Spa 42 is the perfect place to unwind for an hour or spend the whole day indulging in self-care.
The Atmanjai Wellness Spa & Detox Center
Located within the Friendship Beach Resort compound, Atmanjai is an internationally recognised healing and detox centre, attracting clients from around the world. Guests can choose from a variety of spa treatments, including intensive detox and cleansing programmes featuring some of Phuket's top therapists and health practitioners.
Visitors to Chalong can engage in a variety of water sports, including snorkelling, diving, and sailing. While the nearby Big Buddha statue was temporarily closed earlier this year for renovations, it is expected to reopen, offering visitors a cultural experience and stunning panoramic views of the island. Yoga classes and wellness retreats are also popular in this area, allowing guests to rejuvenate both body and mind.
The following gyms are popular in Chalong for those looking to maintain their fitness routine:
- Pure Fitness: A well-equipped gym offering various fitness classes, personal training, and state-of-the-art facilities.
- Titan Fitness: Known for its extensive range of fitness equipment, this gym also provides training sessions and group classes focusing on strength training and conditioning.
- Unit-27: A popular training facility that offers Muay Thai, CrossFit, and personal training, catering to all fitness levels.
- Phuket Fit: This wellness centre combines fitness with healthy living, offering gym facilities, yoga classes, and nutrition coaching.
- Tiger Muay Thai: One of the most famous training camps in the world, Tiger Muay Thai offers an intense training experience for those looking to improve their martial arts skills, fitness, and overall wellbeing.
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha, one of Phuket's iconic attractions, stands 45 meters high atop Nakkerd Hill, overlooking the stunning southwestern bays of Chalong, Rawai, and Kata. This spiritual site is a place of reverence and reflection, offering fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can expect to learn about Thai culture and Buddhism, making it a worthwhile stop when the statue reopens.
Wat Chalong
Located near Chalong, Wat Chalong is the most significant of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket. Set within expansive grounds, it features a main temple alongside smaller shrines. Visitors can admire the ornate architecture while observing the daily rituals of the resident monks, providing a glimpse into the spiritual life of the community.
Private Boat Charter
Chalong Bay is home to numerous boat charter companies offering private trips to the stunning islands of Phang Nga Bay and the Andaman Sea. Recommended options include:
- Off Spray Leisure
- Coral Seekers
Coral Island
A quick 15-minute boat trip takes you to Coral Island, known for sensational diving and snorkelling opportunities. With two beautiful beaches, Long Beach and Banana Beach, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Kiteboarding
The expansive sands and shallow waters of Chalong Bay make it an ideal location for kiteboarding. Recommended operators include:
- Kiteboarding Asia (KBA)
- Kite Zone
Fishing Charters
Chalong Bay is a fantastic starting point for fishing enthusiasts looking to explore the abundant waters of the Andaman Sea. There are several reliable options for booking fishing charters, each offering a variety of experiences to suit different preferences:
- Phuket Fishing Charters: This company offers a wide range of boats and pricing options for both day trips and multi-day excursions, ensuring a tailored experience for every angler.
- FishingBooker: This platform provides listings for various Phuket fishing charters, complete with user reviews to help you choose the best option for your fishing adventure.
- GetYourGuide: Featuring a selection of fishing tours in Phuket, GetYourGuide makes it easy to find and book exciting fishing experiences.
Diving and Snorkelling Trips
Many operators in Chalong offer diving and snorkelling excursions to the islands south of Phuket, where you can discover incredible marine life in crystal-clear waters.
Shopping
While Chalong may not be a major shopping destination, it offers two shopping malls with supermarkets that cater to everyday needs. For a wider variety of shopping and souvenir hunting, visitors can venture to Phuket Town or the west coast towns and villages.
Sailing trips in Phuket provide a fantastic way to explore the breathtaking Andaman Sea. Enjoy day trips to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, or Phang Nga Bay, with opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on pristine beaches. Experience the stunning coastline and create unforgettable memories on the water!
Surfing in Phuket offers thrilling waves for all skill levels, with popular spots like Kata Beach and Kalim Beach providing ideal conditions. The best surfing season runs from May to October, when the southwest monsoon brings consistent swells. Experience the excitement of riding the waves in this tropical paradise!
Experience the thrill of water skiing at Phuket’s premier wake park, where both beginners and seasoned pros can enjoy exciting cable-driven rides. With smooth waters and expert instructors, it’s the perfect spot for an adventurous day of wakeboarding, water skiing, and fun in the sun!
Phuket is a paradise for diving and snorkeling, featuring stunning reefs and diverse marine life. Explore the Similan Islands and Phi Phi Islands, or snorkel at Coral Island and Khai Nok Island for crystal-clear waters and vibrant sea life, ensuring unforgettable underwater adventures!
Chartering a yacht in Phuket offers a luxurious way to explore the stunning west coast and the beautiful Andaman Sea. Enjoy flexibility and comfort while discovering hidden coves, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life for an unforgettable nautical adventure!
Phuket boasts exciting water parks that provide thrilling fun for all ages. From adrenaline-pumping slides to relaxing lazy rivers, these parks offer a fantastic way to cool off and enjoy a day of adventure with family and friends in the tropical sun!
Kiteboarding in Phuket is thrilling, with ideal spots like Nai Yang Beach and Bang Tao Beach. The best season is from November to April, when consistent winds create perfect waves. Whether you’re a beginner or expert, Phuket’s beautiful coastline offers an unforgettable kiteboarding adventure!
Kayak rentals in Phuket offer an exciting way to explore stunning coastlines and hidden lagoons. Popular spots like Phang Nga Bay and the clear waters around Hong Island are ideal for kayaking adventures. Paddle at your own pace, discovering beautiful beaches and vibrant marine life along the way!
The Phuket Cup Regatta is Asia's biggest and most popular regatta.
Inaugurated in 1987 to celebrate the 60th birthday of His Majesty King Rama 9 of Thailand, the event has been held every year during the first week of December.
Explore the stunning temples of Phuket, including the iconic Wat Chalong, which showcases intricate architecture and rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views that these spiritual sites offer, making them a must-visit during your stay on the island.
Phuket is a golfer's paradise, featuring world-class courses for every skill level. Notable options include the prestigious Blue Canyon Country Club, scenic Red Mountain Golf Club, and beautiful Laguna Golf Phuket, all set against breathtaking tropical backdrops. Enjoy exceptional facilities and stunning views playing in this tropical haven!
Phuket offers thrilling go-karting and off-road adventures for enthusiasts. Race at Patong Go-Kart Speedway on a well-designed track, or head to Phuket Off-Road Adventures for an unforgettable journey through rugged terrain on ATVs or buggies. Enjoy an action-packed day filled with excitement at these fantastic venues!
Phuket offers diverse entertainment options, including modern cinemas like Central Phuket and Major Cineplex for the latest films. For bowling, visit Strike Bowl in Jungceylon, which provides a fun atmosphere for friends and families. Enjoy an exciting night out filled with movies and bowling!
Immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich culinary culture with Thai cooking classes in Phuket. Led by skilled chefs, these hands-on sessions teach you how to prepare authentic dishes using fresh local ingredients. It's a fun and flavorful way to deepen your appreciation of Thai cuisine while creating delicious meals to enjoy!
Phuket is a shopper's paradise, offering a variety of experiences from vibrant night markets to upscale shopping. Explore Central Phuket for a mix of luxury brands and local shops, visit Boat Avenue for high-end boutiques and dining, and don’t miss the lively street markets for unique souvenirs and delicious street food!
Thailand's national sport, Muay Thai, is a thrilling spectacle enjoyed worldwide. In Phuket, you can watch exciting boxing matches at local venues, where enthusiastic crowds create an electric atmosphere. With fans engaging in friendly betting, it's a vibrant experience that captures the excitement of this traditional sport!
Chalong offers a diverse culinary scene with a mix of international and local dining options. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants like Chalong Seafood and Koh Poda Restaurant or indulge in authentic Thai cuisine at charming local eateries such as Krua Chalong. For those craving Italian flavors, Pizzeria Agli Amici da Michele & Jimmy is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, known for its authentic wood-fired pizzas and homemade pasta, making it a must-try. The Italian Job is another popular choice, celebrated for its delicious pasta and pizzas, while La Casita serves up delightful Spanish and Mediterranean dishes in a cozy setting. The Cove Phuket provides a beautiful beachfront dining experience.
For coffee lovers and casual dining, Pablitos Coffee Shop offers a cozy atmosphere and great coffee, while Pure Vegan Heaven is a must-visit for those looking for delicious plant-based options. Greze Cafe is another popular spot known for its relaxed vibe and healthy menu. The Remedy provides a selection of wholesome dishes and smoothies, and We Cafe is celebrated for its creative vegetarian and vegan offerings. Many of these establishments provide stunning views of the marina, enhancing the overall dining experience in this vibrant area.
The nightlife in Chalong is lively yet relaxed, offering a diverse selection of bars and lounges to suit every taste. Enjoy a casual evening at a beachfront bar, where you can unwind with refreshing cocktails while listening to the gentle sounds of the waves. Alternatively, savor drinks at a trendy lounge that provides a chic and inviting atmosphere. For those seeking a more vibrant nightlife experience, the nearby area of Patong is renowned for its energetic clubs and bustling party scene, ensuring that visitors can find the perfect evening entertainment to suit their preferences.
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