Chalong Pier Guide: Island Tour Departures, Getting There and Tips

Chalong Pier sits on Chalong Bay on Phuket's south coast, and on most mornings it is one of the busiest places on the island. Speedboats for Coral Island and Racha, dive boats and private boats all leave from here, and tour minibuses arrive from across Phuket from early in the morning. If you have booked the Raya and Coral Island tour, this is where your boat day starts.

This guide explains which trips use Chalong Pier, what happens on a tour morning, how to get there on your own and how it differs from Rassada Pier.

Where Is Chalong Pier?

The pier is on Chalong Bay, south of Phuket Town and not far from the busy Chalong roundabout. The bay is wide and sheltered, and you will see yachts at anchor as you arrive. Because the water near the shore is shallow, the pier is a long jetty that reaches out into the bay, and boats load along it.

Typical drive times, allowing for normal traffic:

• From Rawai and Nai Harn: usually around 10 to 20 minutes.
• From Kata and Karon: usually around 15 to 25 minutes.
• From Phuket Town: usually around 20 to 30 minutes.
• From Patong: usually around 30 to 45 minutes, over the hills.
• From Kamala, Surin and the north: usually 45 minutes or more.

Which Trips Leave from Chalong Pier?

Across Phuket's many operators, Chalong is the usual departure point for:

• Speedboat trips to Coral Island (Koh Hae) and to Racha Yai and Racha Noi.
• Dive boats heading to Racha and other dive sites south of Phuket.
• Some speedboat day trips to Phi Phi run by other operators.
• Private boat hire, fishing trips and yachts.

Of the tours we sell, the Raya and Coral Island snorkeling tour departs from Chalong Pier. Our Phi Phi and James Bond Island tours leave from piers on Phuket's east coast, and the jet ski tour starts from a base on the east coast. For a private speedboat charter, check the departure pier with us before the day. Always go by the pier on your booking rather than assuming.

What Happens on a Tour Morning

Using the Raya and Coral Island tour as an example, a typical morning looks like this:

1. Pickup. A minibus collects you from your hotel. The tour day starts at 07:30, and your exact pickup time depends on your area.
2. Check in at the pier. Your guide meets the group and checks names. Operators often hand out a sticker or wristband so each group can find its boat.
3. Coffee and tea. Morning coffee and tea are included, and this is a good moment to use the toilet before the boat.
4. Briefing and gear. You get a safety briefing, a life jacket, and a mask and snorkel. Fins are not included but can be rented on board for 100 THB.
5. Boarding. You walk out along the jetty and step down into the speedboat. Crew help you on board, and steps can be wet.
6. Out to the islands. Coral Island is a short ride from the pier. Later you continue to Racha Yai for snorkeling at Patok, Lah or Siam Bay, chosen on the day for conditions, and a buffet lunch at a seaview restaurant.

The tour finishes around 16:00. The tour page shows the price for your date, with a child price for ages 4 to 11, and pregnant guests cannot join. Our Coral Island guide and Racha Island guide describe both islands, and the Racha and Coral Island day trip guide walks through the whole day.

Getting There on Your Own

With a tour that includes hotel transfer, you do not need to find the pier yourself. If you are meeting a boat directly, for example for a dive trip:

• Taxi or ride hailing app: the simplest option from most areas. If the taxi has no meter, agree the fare before you set off.
• Scooter or car: there is parking around the pier, but it fills up on busy mornings. See our guide to parking at Phuket piers.
• Allow extra time for traffic around Chalong between about 7 am and 9 am, when many tour minibuses arrive at once.

Facilities at the Pier

Around the pier entrance you will find cafes, small shops, dive centers and tour operator counters, and there are toilets in the pier area. Choice is limited early in the morning, so buy sunscreen, snacks and seasickness tablets the day before. Bring some cash for small purchases and optional extras such as fin rental.

Chalong Pier vs Rassada Pier

Visitors often mix up Phuket's two best known piers:

• Location: Rassada is on the east coast next to Phuket Town. Chalong is on the south coast, on Chalong Bay.
• Main use: Rassada is the main port for scheduled ferries to Phi Phi, Krabi and Koh Lanta. Chalong is mostly used by speedboat tours, dive boats and private boats.
• Islands: Coral Island and Racha trips usually start at Chalong. Scheduled ferries to Phi Phi use Rassada.
• Feel: Rassada is a ferry terminal with ticket counters and waiting areas. Chalong is a working pier with a long jetty.

Our Rassada Pier guide covers the ferry side in detail.

Tips for Your Chalong Departure

• Check your pier on your booking. Not every island tour leaves from Chalong.
• Be ready at your pickup time, or arrive 20 to 30 minutes early if you are making your own way to the pier.
• Wear sandals with grip. The jetty and boat steps can be wet and slippery.
• Take seasickness tablets before you board if you need them. The ride on to Racha is on more open water than the hop to Coral Island.
• Keep valuables in a dry bag, and leave anything you do not need at the hotel.
• Visit the area on a free day. Wat Chalong, the best known temple on the island, and the Big Buddha viewpoint are both a short drive from the pier.

Browse all tours to see departure details for each trip, or contact us if you are unsure where your boat leaves from.

Frequently asked questions

Which tours leave from Chalong Pier?

Mainly speedboat trips to Coral Island and Racha, dive boats and private boats. Of our tours, the Raya and Coral Island snorkeling tour departs from Chalong.

Do Phi Phi tours leave from Chalong Pier?

Some operators use Chalong, but our Phi Phi tour leaves from a pier on Phuket's east coast. Your booking shows the departure point.

How early should I get to the pier?

If your tour includes hotel pickup, just be ready at the pickup time. If you are traveling on your own, aim to arrive 20 to 30 minutes before departure.

Is Chalong Pier the same as Rassada Pier?

No. Rassada is the ferry port near Phuket Town on the east coast. Chalong is on the south coast and is used mostly by tour and dive boats.