Chalong Pier Phuket – Complete Visitor Guide (Boat Tours, Islands & Tips)

Chalong Pier is Phuket's main boat departure hub — the starting point for the majority of the island's day trips to Phi Phi Island, Racha Island (Koh Racha), Coral Island (Koh Hae), Shark Point, and the King Cruiser wreck. It is also home to the highest concentration of PADI-certified dive operators on the island, the famous Kan Eang @ Pier seafood restaurant, and is the closest pier to Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. Entry to the pier is free.

From Chalong Pier you can reach: Koh Racha Yai (Racha Island — 45 min by speedboat), Koh Hae (Coral Island — 20 min), Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh including Maya Bay (45 min by speedboat, 1.5–2 hrs by catamaran), Koh Bon (30 min), and Shark Point/Anemone Reef/King Cruiser wreck for diving. Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) is also reachable but the journey is longer — some operators depart from Chalong, others from northern Phuket piers.

The majority of organised day tours depart between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. This early start ensures maximum time at the islands during the best sea conditions (morning seas are typically calmer than afternoon) and returns passengers by 4:00–6:00 PM. Sunset catamaran cruises depart in the late afternoon, typically around 4:00–5:00 PM. Dive trips have the earliest departures — often 7:00–7:30 AM.

Both are day-trip destinations from Chalong but suit different visitors. Racha Island is further away (45 min), less developed, has cleaner water and better snorkelling with outstanding coral and marine life — better for snorkellers, divers, and those wanting a more natural island experience. Coral Island is closer (20 min), fully equipped with water sports facilities, restaurants, and beach infrastructure — better for families with children, groups who want beach activities, and visitors who prioritise comfort and accessibility over natural beauty.

No — Chalong Pier (Ao Chalong) and Rassada Port (Tha Rassada) are two different piers on different sides of Phuket Town. Rassada Port is located on the northeast coast near Phuket Town and is the main terminal for passenger ferries to Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta, and the Koh Samui ferry network. Chalong Pier is on the southeast coast and focuses on day-trip speedboats, diving, and private charters to the southern islands. Some tour operators depart Phi Phi from Rasada; others from Chalong — check your booking confirmation for the correct departure pier.

Prices vary by destination and tour type. Shared speedboat to Coral Island: ฿1,000–฿1,500 per person. Shared speedboat to Racha Island: ฿1,800–฿2,500 per person. Shared speedboat to Phi Phi: ฿1,800–฿2,800 per person. Premium catamaran tours: ฿2,500–฿3,500 per person. Diving day trips (2 dives): ฿2,500–฿3,500 per person including equipment. Private speedboat charter: ฿8,000–฿20,000 per boat depending on size. All prices are approximate and vary between operators.

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh is reachable from Chalong Pier via Phi Phi Island tours. However, Maya Bay is closed annually for environmental restoration — typically from approximately August 1 to September 30 each year (dates may vary slightly). If you are visiting during this period, confirm Maya Bay's status with your tour operator before booking. When open, a ฿400 conservation fee per person applies at the bay — this is sometimes included in tour prices and sometimes charged separately on arrival.

Yes — introductory "Discover Scuba Diving" experiences are available from multiple operators at Chalong for uncertified visitors. You receive basic instruction, dive with a qualified instructor at all times (usually in shallow water to 5–12 metres), and can experience breathing underwater without committing to a full certification course. Price: approximately ฿1,500–฿2,000 per person. A full PADI Open Water certification course — which qualifies you to dive independently to 18 metres — takes 3–4 days and costs approximately ฿10,000–฿14,000 including all equipment and materials

Kan Eang @ Pier is Chalong Pier's most famous restaurant — a landmark waterfront seafood dining institution that has operated since 1976. Situated directly at the pier's edge with bay views, it serves fresh Thai-Chinese seafood including whole grilled sea bass, tiger prawn dishes, crab curry, and fresh catch selected from ice displays at the entrance. Open daily for lunch and dinner. One of the best waterfront restaurant experiences in Phuket. Booking recommended for weekend dinners.

The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is an award-winning artisan rum producer located 5 minutes from the pier, making Thai rum from locally grown sugarcane aged in French oak barrels. Free guided tours with tastings are offered — typically at 3:30 PM on weekdays, though the schedule varies. The distillery shop sells the rum for purchase. A distinctive Phuket experience and one of the most original souvenirs on the island.

Yes — many tours departing from Chalong Pier include island stops where non-swimmers can comfortably participate. Coral Island has very shallow, calm water and full beach facilities. Catamarans and glass-bottom boats offer ways to see marine life without entering the water. Life jackets are provided on all boats. If you are a non-swimmer or not comfortable in open water, mention this when booking — operators can recommend the most suitable tour format and island destinations.