Chaloklum Bay

Chaloklum is Koh Phangan's second port and also a major fishing village. Despite it having a selection of budget and midrange accommodations, Chaloklum has not been influenced by the influx of tourists in the same manner as other parts of the island and the village maintains a very authentic, almost charming, Thai atmosphere.

The central part of the bay is dominated by a couple of piers, stacks of fishing boats and that authentic fishy sea smell you either love or hate. Due to the fishing boats, the water around the central area gets a bit murky and it's not great for swimming. Head to either the east or west extreme for much better beaches and water conditions. The western beach is peaceful and quite lovely with plenty of tree cover bordering the sandy beach, and an offshore breakwater provides a good deal of shelter. To the east, the beach is even better, and here you will find the majority of Chaloklum's guesthouses and beach bungalows.

The town has a handful of very good Thai seafood restaurants, so if you stay in the area, be sure to wander into town at least once. There isn't much night life to speak of - the bars are primarily small and simple, frequented mostly by locals and fishermen, but several of the bungalow operations provide good drinks in a relaxed atmosphere right on the beach. The Chinese temple just to the south of the village, on the road to Thong Sala is worth checking out as well, with its colourful Chinese architecture and several beautiful Buddha images.