Coral Island
This island is accessed primarily from Chalong Pier, and is so well known for its coral reef that it is often referred to simply as Coral Island. In addition to the splendid reefs there are two fine beaches on the north and west. Koh Hey is part of a marine preserve, but hotels, restaurants, various water sports and diving are all available. Chalong is Phuket’s principal boat anchorage and the islands largest bay. Ao Chalong has a long flat, shallow, muddy bottom; at ebb tide, waters recede as much as one kilometer. Though it is picturesque, Chalong Bay is not the best place to go for a swim. Chalong’s most noticeable feature is its 720-metre long, seven-meter wide jetty, which replaced the rickety old wooden pier in 2001.
Attractions in Chalong
Wat Chalong
Wats are sacred places for Buddhists and most Thai people to follow this religion. Of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket, Wat Chalong is the most well-know due to its history and the fact that it is the most ornately decorated.
It is thought that the original Wat Chalong was built during the reign of King Rama II (1809-1842). Since its relocation, it has been renovated and augmented. The temple contains several structures and halls. One of the halls features a gilt-covered statue of the famous and revered Luang Poh Cham statues of Luang Poh Chuang and Luang Poh “Gleum,” all ex-abbots of the temple. The Grand Pagoda is decorated with wall paintings depicting the Buddha’s life story and features various Buddha images. The air-conditioned ‘exhibition home’ of Luang Poh Cham contains lifelike human-sized wax models of Luang Poh Cham, Luang Poh Chuang, Luang Poh Gleum, and Luang Pu Thuad along with antique Thai furniture, and Benjarong (Thai porcelain designed in five colours).
Wat Chalong is associated with three revered monks of Luang Pro Chaem who were herbal doctors and setters of bones. The monks, particularly Luang Pho Chae, helped the people of Phuket put down the Ahngyee (Chinese Coolie) Rebellion in 1876 during the reign of Rama V. Luang Pho Chae encouraged the people to stay and fight and subsequently put down the rebellion. To show appreciation, the King bestowed upon Luang Po Chaem the title of Phra Kru Wisit Wongsacharn. Buddhist Thais stick gold leaf to these images as a part of paying respect.
Big Buddha (Mingmongkol Buddha)
Perched atop a 380 metre hilltop in Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata is Phuket’s newest man-made attraction, Big Buddha or Ming Mongkol Buddha. This structure is dedicated to His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej in honour of his 80th birthday. There is also a smaller Brass Buddha that is 12 metres high and is constructed of 22 tons of brass, which is dedicated to HM Queen Sirikit.
Big Buddha faces eastward and looks over Chalong proper, the Bay and beyond. The site offers 360 degree spectacular panoramic views of Phuket, the islands and the Andaman Sea.
Phuket Zoo
Take a walk on the winding paths in lush tropical gardens over bridges and onto islands and discover a variety of animals! The Phuket Zoo, on an area of about 30 “rai,” or 12 acres, is home to crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, snakes, camels, tigers, ostriches, emus, rare birds, fish and many other animals.
Watch animals perform and entertain! The zoo has daily crocodile, monkey, and elephant shows where tricks, games and races are performed. These shows are the zoo’s top attractions. The aquarium has a range of both fresh and saltwater species from around the world. Another attraction is the large orchid garden with its many families.
Phuket Bird Park
The Phuket Bird Park is affiliated with Phuket Zoo, and is a great place to see large birds like eagles, great horn bills, macaws, and many other species from around the world, fly directly over your head performing tricks for the crowds that flock to this wonderful attraction. Sea otters are also an adorable part of this lovely show.
Chalong Sunrise (Suda’s Bar)
A typical Thai style open-air restaurant with a great view of Chalong Bay out front, Chalong Sunrise has been run by a local family for more than a decade. They serve English breakfast (ABF) and sandwiches among other things, and the Thai menu is quite varied. Many residents stop by there time to time for a cool beer. This is a family joint, so there are no working girls in sight.
The Lighthouse (Formerly Jimmy’s Lighthouse)
Chalong is a great place to simply hang out and have a sundowner. At dusk when the boats return from the day’s seafaring the scene gets lively. Along the waterfront are plenty of local eateries and laid-back bars. The Lighthouse is an old established yachties’ hangout with great views over the harbour. Serving both local and international food, the Lighthouse is a kind of nautical saloon with zodiac dinghies tied up in front.
Yoga
Yoga Phuket Becky (Facebook name) is affiliated with Kickin’ It Muay Thai and holds classes in both Chalong and Muay Thai gyms. Contact: thelittleyogaroomphuket.com
Night Life in Chalong
The Chalong area, from Chalong Circle towards the Chalong Pier on the eastern side of Phuket is not one of the trendy nightspot areas like Patong Beach, rather a quiet road with some side streets, where the beer flows, the ladies from Isaan wait, and everyone enjoys the environs.
Chalong does not boast a trendy nightlife; however, every night club has plenty of girls and music to spice up the nightlife scene.
