Due to its sheltered position, Chalong Bay has evolved into the main boat harbour (and scuba diving centre) on Phuket. Here are some of the wonderful destinations you reach from here in the morning, then be back by the evening to enjoy a sundowner cocktail. Lon Island (or Koh Lon) lies only 20 minutes from Chalong Bay. It is where the majority of the Muslim community of the southern islands live, and is famed for beautiful beaches. Coral Island (or Koh Hae) is another little stunner with three fabulous beaches, crystalline waters and lush, tropical interior. It lies on the threshold of Phang Nga Bay national park, one of the most breathtaking seascapes in the world. The islets of Phi-Phi were one of the worst hit in the terrible tsunami of 2004 and although re-building has been swift, that should be good enough reason to visit this beautiful location and support the local economy. Phi Phi offers wonderful scuba diving and snorkelling and fine white sandy beaches. One of them was used as location for the ultimate paradise-lost film ‘The Beach’. Koh Racha are actually two islands; Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi (meaning ‘big’ and ‘little’). Closest to Calong Bay and Phuket ...