Chalong Bay Distillery in Phuket
Those who partake in the art of drinking would know that there are a couple of fine rum brands in Thailand, like SangSom, which is a popular choice among the locals.
Rising in popularity, however, is homemade sugarcane rum brewed at Chalong Bay Distillery. In addition to being a must-try drink, the brand is unique for having a small rum factory in Phuket that offers visitors guided tours, as well as cocktail workshops and a dining experience in a garden surrounded by sugarcane trees.
Here’s what you can expect from your visit at Chalong Bay.
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Chalong Bay Distillery’s rum factory and sugarcane garden
As you might have expected, Chalong Bay Distillery is based on the island of Phuket in an area called Chalong.
Run by a small team of passionate individuals who take pride in their handcrafted drinks, the bar’s premises are expansive and definitely channel those tropical vibes.
Visitors are welcome to take a tour through their factory to discover the secrets to producing quality rum.
Without too many #spoilers as to what those secrets are, Chalong Bay’s rum is a combination of 100% pure sugarcane juice harvested and pressed right here at its home base by the hands of local farmers, plus sturdy equipment imported over from Europe.
Image credit: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar
The sugarcane used to make their rum is also grown without any added chemicals to ensure the purity of their products.
Chalong Bay makes their rum using distillation apparatus made of copper steel
Image credit: KKday
In addition, a traditional French distillation technique incorporated by the distillery is said to be the key to the spirit’s fine taste.
Image credit: Planet of Hotels
The rum rests for over eight months, before being poured into the bottles that are labelled by hand, showing the dedication that the Chalong Bay team has towards what they do.
Image credit: @julialweeks
In addition to the tour, visitors also get to taste different rum flavours produced by the distillery as well as a mojito on the house.
DIY cocktail workshops and an outdoor sugarcane garden lounge
For those looking for a more immersive experience, Chalong Bay also has a cocktail workshop for you to take a few mixology tricks back home.
Image credit: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar
The workshop runs for two hours, and participants are taught how to master three cocktail recipes. It costs ฿1,700 (~USD54), and includes the guided tour, a tasting session, as well as one free tapas dish.
Outdoor area at Chalong Bay’s eatery
Image credit: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar
Apart from all the free sippings, visitors can continue to dine-in at Chalong Bay Distillery’s restaurant, which sits in the middle of a sugarcane garden.
The restaurant offers a mix of cuisines along with a fanciful cocktail list for guests to venture on into Chalong Bay’s world of rum while listening to live music.
Image credit: @alysiaa.s
With everything in place, it seems that those who visit the establishment are set to have a good time.
The restaurant’s green spaces are also an ideal setting for the ‘gram.
Image credit: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar
Drinks, merch and knick-knacks to take back home
Before heading home, check out the quaint boutique within its quarters, adding another element into the many offerings it already has.
Image credit: @chalongbaybar
Aside from their rum products, you can find merchandise such as T-shirts and “Saneha” gin, which is the brand’s latest development, all wrapped neatly in minimalist packaging.
So, make sure to hop over to its souvenir shop to snatch a few goodies back home.
A good bonus to your Phuket itinerary
If you’re planning on a trip to Phuket, Chalong Bay Distillery would def be a good addition to your itinerary. Not only is it a great break from lumping all day in the sand, it’s also a nice spot for a one-day trip with activities to keep you entertained from day till night.
Don’t know about you, but sipping a fresh glass of mojito under the sun – with the option of shade – sounds good to me.
Chalong Bay Distillery
Opening Hours: 11AM – 11PM (Closed on Sundays)
Address: 14/2 Moo 2, Palai, Soi 2, Chalong, Amphur Muang, Phuket 83130
Telephone: +66 9 3575 1119
Chalong Bay Distillery website | Google Maps
Other IG-worthy places in Thailand:
- Sand dunes that look like Tatooine from Star Wars
- This cafe in Pattaya is basically a mini Maldives
- Sukhothai temple with a large buddha statue
Cover images adapted from: Chalong Bay Distillery & Bar
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