Sometimes, when your daily routine includes living and working just 200 meters from the beach, a change of scenery can feel refreshing. That’s exactly how my friends and I, all co-workers, felt when we decided to head to the southernmost part of Phuket for an overnight camping adventure at Phalaelay Café & Camping.
We kicked off our trip by leaving Kamala Beach at around 9 AM. Instead of rushing, we made sure to take advantage of Phuket’s natural beauty, stopping at different viewpoints along the way to snap some photos. The clear skies, the endless blue of the sea—it all felt like the perfect prelude to our camping trip.
For lunch, we decided to fuel up at the food court at Robinsons in Chalong. This place didn’t disappoint, offering a great mix of local and international cuisines. After a hearty meal, complete with ice cream for dessert, we made a quick stop at Supercheap to pick up essentials like water and some snacks for the night ahead.
As we drove further south, the climb to the top of the mountain where Phalaelay is perched was steep, but the breathtaking views along the way were more than worth it. By the time we reached the campsite, we were welcomed by a stunning view of Chalong Bay. The air was crisp, and the atmosphere felt peaceful—just what we needed.
After setting up our tents, we kicked off our evening with a game of badminton. There’s something about playing a casual sport with friends in such a scenic environment that makes you appreciate the simple joys of life. But then came the best part—food! This camping trip, much like our previous one, was about 20% camping and 80% eating. We had an absolute feast: fried chicken, pork barbecue, laab moo (a flavorful Thai minced pork salad), sardines, and much more.
The owner of the café was kind enough to let us use the upstairs area of his café, which provided a breathtaking panoramic view of the bay as night fell. We spent hours there, sharing stories and laughs over Thai rum and coke, watching the lights of the boats twinkle in the distance. It felt magical.
The cold, fresh air made for a perfect night’s sleep. I woke up to the soothing sound of rain gently hitting my tent. It was one of those serene moments where everything just feels right. But as much as I wanted to stay in that peaceful state, the forecast showed a thunderstorm, so we quickly packed up our campsite and headed down the mountain.
Our adventure wasn’t over yet, though! We stopped in Phuket Town for breakfast at a dim sum shop. The combination of warm porridge and a wide selection of dim sum was the perfect way to end our trip, especially with the cool, rainy weather outside.
This camping trip gave me exactly the change of scenery I needed. From the incredible views to the cozy moments in the tent, and the endless food shared with friends, Phalaelay Café & Camping is a place I’d return to in a heartbeat.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or just a peaceful escape, this hidden gem at the southern tip of Phuket is worth every moment.