Chaloklum

A real working village, not a resort strip

Chaloklum (also spelled Chalok Lam) sits on a wide bay on the north coast of Koh Phangan, and it still runs on fishing — this isn't a manufactured "authentic village" experience, it's the real thing. Colourful longtail boats moor along the shoreline, and if you're around at the right time you'll see squid laid out drying in the sun, still a meaningful source of income for local families.

What to do there

The village itself is worth a wander — Chinese-style wooden shophouses and restaurants line the main street near the pier, and the seafood here is genuinely fresh, straight off the boats. On Sundays, a Walking Street market sets up around the pier from about 5pm, with food stalls and local goods.

Chaloklum has also become something of a hub for water sports: it's home to Koh Phangan's main freediving school, and a well-established wakeboarding operation runs lessons and rentals from the bay. There's also a low-key bar scene with pool tables, darts and a Muay Thai ring for evenings.

Gateway to Bottle Beach

If you want to reach the remote, boat-access-only Bottle Beach on the north coast, Chaloklum is where you catch the boat — it's the shortest and easiest way in, much quicker than the multi-hour jungle trek from elsewhere on the island.

Nearby: the Chinese temple

On the hillside above the bay sits a temple locally known as the Chinese Temple or Goddess of Mercy Shrine, with genuinely excellent views over Chaloklum Bay, the surrounding mountains and Khao Ra in the distance. Worth the short climb if you're already in the area.

Getting there

About 10–15 minutes by bike from Thong Sala, heading north. The roads are in reasonable condition — no mountain climbing required, unlike the routes to Khao Ra or the waterfalls.