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 (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.
January
January is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (39 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 33°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (49 mm).
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March
March is hot, feeling like 34°C due to high humidity. Moderate rainfall (61 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is the hottest month, feeling like 35°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (141 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is hot, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (238 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (244 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (276 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (349 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (383 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (329 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (196 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Moderate rainfall (67 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
