Ao Chalong
Chalong Bay
7°49.1'N 98°21.4'E
Depth
2–6m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
80m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
80m
Set 80m radius in the main bay. Tidal range 2–3m — scope accordingly. Ferry and longtail traffic through the bay; anchor well clear of the main channel to Chalong Pier.
About This Anchorage
Ao Chalong is Phuket's primary cruising hub and the official port of entry for visiting yachts. The large, sheltered bay offers good holding in soft mud and is the base for Phuket's sailing community. Chalong Yacht Club, fuel dock, and numerous marine services are nearby. The bay is busy with tour boats and longtails during the day but settles at night. Excellent provisioning and repair facilities make this the best base for exploring the Andaman Sea.
Protected From
N · NE · E · W
Exposed To
S · SW
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free (mooring buoys available ~300 THB/night)
- Permit required
- Yes
- Permit details
- Thailand cruising permit required. Check in at Ao Chalong customs office on arrival.
Hazards
- !Shallow areas on eastern and southern edges — enter via main channel
- !Heavy longtail and tour boat traffic during daylight hours
- !Andaman tidal range 2–3m — set scope for high water
- !Submerged fish traps near the bay edges
Skipper's Tips
- →Anchor in 3–5m at low water near Chalong Yacht Club for best protection
- →Check in at the customs office at Chalong Pier immediately on arrival
- →Fuel barge and water available near the pier
- →Good dinghy landing at the pier — lock your dinghy
Facilities
Numerous restaurants and bars along the Chalong waterfront
Nearest provisions: Chalong / Phuket Town (3nm)
Best Months & Season
November, December, January, February, March, April
NE monsoon season (November–April) provides the best conditions with calm seas and light NE winds. SW monsoon (May–October) brings strong winds and swell — the bay remains sheltered but is less pleasant.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 80m
In Phuket and Phang Nga Bay, the 2–3m Andaman tidal range means your boat's position changes dramatically with the tide. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously so you can explore the hongs, beaches, and karst formations with complete peace of mind.
Download Free for iOS