Ao Chalong Bay
Chalong bay with marina in Phuket
Ao Chalong is a busy bay and pier on Phuket's east coast used as a base for dive boats and island charters; visitors pass through for boat trips, seafood stalls and diving departures.
Ao Chalong at a Glance#
Address: Ao Chalong (Chalong Bay), Chalong, Phuket, Thailand
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free
About Ao Chalong#
Ao Chalong (Chalong Bay) is a sheltered bay on the southeastern coast of Phuket, Thailand, centered on the busy Chalong Pier area. It functions as a primary departure point for dive boats, longtail boats and yacht charters serving sites in the southern Andaman Sea.
The bay area includes marina facilities, boat moorings and services for maritime tourism operators, along with waterfront restaurants and shops near the pier. It is a practical base for island hopping to nearby dive and snorkel sites rather than a large sandy bathing beach.
The bay developed around the historic Chalong Pier and serves both local fishing and tourism needs. Facilities have expanded in recent decades to support the island’s dive and charter industry.
Ao Chalong lies on Phuket Island, roughly 8 km south of Phuket Town, on a sheltered stretch of the island’s southeastern coastline.
- Transport hub: Chalong Pier serves as the main embarkation point for diving and boat trips to nearby islands and reefs; many charter and tour operators operate from here year-round.
How to Get to Ao Chalong#
Ao Chalong (Chalong Bay) is on the southern coast of Phuket and is reached by Phuket’s local road network off the main coastal Route 402/4029. From central Phuket or Phuket Town you can drive or take a taxi/tuk‑tuk to Chalong Pier and the bay area; travel times are typically around 20-30 minutes by car depending on traffic. There are short walks from roadside parking or the pier to beaches and dive‑boat departure points.
Tips for Visiting Ao Chalong#
- Visit at first light before the dive and tour boats depart-calm water and early light make for the best photos and quieter piers.
- Use Chalong Pier to book boat trips and dives in person; booking directly with operators at the pier lets you check boats and itineraries the same day and avoid overpriced middlemen.
- Walk the small headland beside the bay for a quieter viewpoint of the harbor and traditional fishing boats-many visitors stay only on the busy pier area.
Best Time to Visit Ao Chalong#
The best time for beach activities is the dry season (Nov-Apr), with the calmest seas and most reliable sun.
Weather & Climate near Ao Chalong#
Ao Chalong's climate is classified as Tropical Monsoon - Tropical Monsoon climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C. Heavy rainfall (2372 mm/year), wettest in September.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Very Good | 23° - 33° | 32° | 39 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.6h |
| February | Very Good | 23° - 34° | 33° | 49 mm | some cloud | 78% | 2.5 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 11.8h |
| March | Very Good | 24° - 34° | 34° | 61 mm | partly cloudy | 77% | 2.1 m/s | 2.6 extreme | 12.0h |
| April | Good | 24° - 34° | 35° | 141 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 1.7 m/s | 2.5 extreme | 12.2h |
| May | Acceptable | 24° - 33° | 34° | 238 mm | overcast | 82% | 1.5 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.3h |
| June | Acceptable | 25° - 32° | 33° | 244 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| July | Acceptable | 24° - 32° | 32° | 276 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.6 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 12.4h |
| August | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 32° | 349 mm | overcast | 83% | 1.6 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.2h |
| September | Acceptable | 24° - 31° | 31° | 383 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.5 m/s | 2.2 extreme | 12.1h |
| October | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 30° | 329 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.4 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 11.8h |
| November | Acceptable | 23° - 31° | 31° | 196 mm | overcast | 84% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.7h |
| December | Very Good | 23° - 32° | 31° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 2.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 11.6h |
