Our voyage to Ao Chalong unfolded as a peaceful sail. Upon arrival, our first task was checking in at the Phuket Yacht Control Centre, situated at the end of Chalong Pier. The check-in procedure proceeded smoothly, we were now free to look around.
In the morning, Chalong Pier bustles with tourists heading to the islands. We opted to wait until they had boarded their tour vessels before going ashore, avoiding the lines that typically formed as they eagerly awaited their boat trips.
We needed groceries and our shopping escapade in Chalong was a thrilling journey, brimming with unique discoveries and local treasures. However, the presence of roadworks added an unexpected twist to our walk, turning it into a thrilling game of timing. We had to wait for the perfect break in traffic to make a swift dash across, adding an element of excitement to our trip.
Our first diving expedition at Ko Racha Yai in Thailand, under the direction of our friends Wayne and Debbie, experienced dive instructors, was breathtaking. This unique little island, teeming with tourists, boasts crystal-clear waters and pristine white beaches. It is a renowned snorkelling and diving spot, particularly for beginners. After our initial dive, we were hooked, prompting us to invest in our own dive gear. Wayne and Debbie’s thoughtful brand suggestions, considering our novice status, were greatly appreciated.
We also spent time at Yanui Beach, swam, snorkelled, and dived, and enjoyed great food at Royros Restaurant. We also spent a lot of time at Nai Han Beach and visited the Sunsuri Sunset Markets. In the evening, we enjoyed drinks and dinner while watching the beautiful sunset from Rock Salt Restaurant.
After enjoying our time in the water, we put on our walking boots and ventured out for some sightseeing with the yachties from the Sail Thailand Fleet. Our first stop was the Buddha Statue Wat Suwan Kuha, also known as Wat Tham (cave temple), located in Phang Nga province. This popular destination for tourists visiting Phuket features an impressive Buddha statue built approximately 150 years ago by the Na Takuathung family, who are still residents of Phuket. Outside the cave, visitors can encounter many monkeys and enjoy panoramic views of the bay and city.
Back to reality, our boating trip isn’t always sunshine and smooth sailing:
The MDI Electronic Control Unit (MDI) that controls our starting and stopping was causing issues, hindering motor startup when necessary. In Debut, Indonesia, where our journey began, we first encountered issues with our port motor (MDI). After weeks of frustration, we managed to find a temporary fix: removing the battery from the engine reset the MDI, allowing us to start again.
We replaced the MDI in Langkawi, Malaysia, hoping for a long-term solution, but the issues persisted. Two more replacements were necessary when we were in Chalong, Thailand. It was such a frustrating experience.
