Chalong Beach in Phuket, if mentioned by tourists at all, is only known as a departure point for excursions to nearby islands. It is hard to even call it a beach since this place is not suitable for swimming at all.
The first thing that catches the eye at Chalong Beach is the very murky water and the abundance of boats along the coast. Strong low tides add to the list of negative characteristics of this place; searching for depth takes a long time, and is it even necessary when there are so many beautiful beaches around?
The area is more interesting to travelers due to its location.
From here, it is easy to reach the most popular beaches of the island and local attractions. Just 5-6 km from Chalong, there are such popular places for recreation:
At about the same distance is Phuket Town, a place that attracts visitors with its entertainment venues, great shopping opportunities, and insights into Thai culture. Not everyone enjoys living in a noisy tourist area, so it is not surprising that travelers choose to stay in Chalong but go elsewhere for entertainment and swimming.
Chalong Beach is located in the eastern part of Phuket in the bay of the same name. The bay looks beautiful, but its charm disappears as soon as you step onto the beach. A narrow and rather dirty strip of sand with murky green water looks dull.
The beach area is not at all equipped for tourists, and it is unlikely anyone would want to swim in this water. The shore is set up as a docking area for boats and yachts, and ropes are often found underfoot.
The main attraction here is probably the pier, which is beautifully decorated with flower boxes. However, walking along it on a hot day under the scorching sun is only interesting for those planning to set off for nearby islands. In the evening, though, it is quite comfortable to take a stroll under the soft glow of lanterns, breathing in the scent of charming flowers. Be sure to go to the sea before sunset to witness the stunning glow over the hills during sundown.
The bay also attracts divers. But to see the beauty, you need to swim away from the shore a bit and have the necessary diving equipment.
The shore is lined with a concrete border, above which lush tropical trees hang. There are no sunbeds or umbrellas, but if you really want to gaze at the murky sea waters from the beach, you can find shade under the trees.
Despite the completely unattractive beach, Chalong is quite a developed area. The infrastructure here is well-established, so it is not surprising that tourists often choose to stay here if they are visiting for a long time.
In the streets of the area, there are restaurants and bars, a few good stores, including Tesco Lotus and the tourist-favorite Villa Market, which offers a wide selection of European products. There are clothing stores, souvenir shops (of course), and street vendors. Various agencies offer currency exchange, car or motorbike rentals, and island tour packages.
For those who don’t want to eat the usual European food, there is a large fresh food market. In fact, there are several of them in this area.
Here is the ace up the sleeve of Chalong Beach, or rather the entire Phuket area – the proximity of attractions, which means an interesting pastime. Two of the island’s "gems" are located here:
Big Buddha – a 45-meter-high statue that attracts thousands of tourists who must see this human-made creation. Near the statue, there is also a viewpoint from which you can admire the magnificent views of the mountains and tropical vegetation.
Wat Chalong Temple – the largest temple complex in Phuket. The area has three temples, with the first structures dating back to as early as 1837. Near the area, there are also other interesting places:
Botanical Garden. Viewpoints. Snake Farm. Zoo. Phuket Thai.
Most attractions and beaches can be reached by public transport, which provides an excellent opportunity to save money on traveling around the island.
There are also entertainment options, some of which can even be called beach activities. Renting accommodation on the streets near Chalong Beach is popular among yachtsmen and divers. Diving enthusiasts have the opportunity to explore the underwater world in a beautiful lagoon in the bay, where boatmen take them for a special fee. Yachtsmen gather here because the bay often serves as the start and finish point for sailing regattas.
During the low season, many kitesurfers come here to find high waves. They don’t necessarily live near the beaches; athletes choose affordable housing in comfortable areas with good infrastructure, and Chalong is just such a convenient place to live.
Of course, in the evening, you can find fun entertainment on the streets – promoters invite you to go-go bars, cabaret shows, and throughout the day, massage salons operate where you can relieve fatigue and relax for a moderate fee. If these options are not enough, you can always head to Phuket Town.
Although the area is filled with tourists, most of them are independent travelers who come to Phuket on their own. Thailand often becomes a winter escape destination for expatriates. And they prefer to wait out the cold not in hotels but in simple guesthouses in Chalong.
You won’t find luxury hotels here; there are only a few mid-range hotels for those accustomed to a certain level of service. However, most of the options are guesthouses and villas. Prices vary, as do the conditions. There’s no need to find accommodation right next to the shore since you’ll have to take a bus or rented vehicle to get to any decent beach. Instead, people choose apartments where they feel comfortable and that fit their budget.
