Kamala Beach Phuket

By Paula Parker

Kamala Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket and is a haven for travellers who prefer the quieter life.

Over the years Kamala has fast become one of Phuket's best family vacation hotspots with many new hotels and resorts offering top notch accommodation with excellent facilities.

Kamala Beach is a Top Spot for a Family Beach Vacation in Phuket

Kamala's location is perfect, only 6km north of the busy and action packed Patong and just south of Laem Singh beach on the west coast of Phuket.

The area around Kamala is relatively secluded and the 2km beach provides a great spot if you are looking to get away from it all.

Kamala was originally a small fishing village, with the local population being mainly Muslim.

Over the years Kamala has also become a popular destination for retirees and long term visitors that stay in the small hotels, villas and apartment rentals around the area.

The fishing village atmosphere remains, and its not unusual to see local fishermen casting their nets.

The northern end of the bay is heaven, here you will find an unspoiled white sandy beach with a very laid back and relaxed atmosphere.

Peaceful all year round...

The middle section off Kamala is pretty much dominated by the local village, including resorts, small bars and seafood restaurants.

While the southern end of the beach can get fairly busy during the high season, it has a totally different feel compared to Patong or Karon, and is generally much more relaxed.

From November to April the water around Kamala Beach are calm and clear and you won't find any waves.

The best places to go swimming at Kamala is between the northern end and the middle of the beach.

Towards the rocks at the northern end of the beach is the best spot for snorkelling, you can rent snorkelling equipment from vendors along the beach.

Sunbeds can be hired for around 100 baht, most of them are located in the middle of the beach and towards the southern end.

There's not many activities on the beach, except for jet skis or para sailing that you will find during the high season.

You can also rent a longtail boat to explore some of the nearby beaches such as Laem Singh or Surin  beaches or just relax and enjoy a massage.

For those who enjoy surfing from May to October the far northern end of Kamala Beach has a reef break, which attracts many surfers.

There are several PADI dive shops offering all levels of qualification from beginners to advanced for experienced divers.

There is a good mix of guesthouses, bungalows, villas and family friendly resorts located around Kamala Beach.

We have listed our favourite places to stay below. 

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There are loads of place to enjoy beachfront dining at Kamala Beach, here a just a few that we have tried and tested.

Towards the southern end of Kamala beach there are many beachfront restaurants and bars that serve seafood, Thai and International dishes.

If you're on a budget there are hawker stalls that set up throughout the area, with good food at cheap prices.

If your looking for something a little more upmarket, head to Cape Sienna Hotel and Villas, where you will find the Isole Restaurant and the Vanilla Sky Bar and Gastro Pub both with great food, a fantastic atmosphere with some of the best ocean views in Phuket.

Fino Restaurant & Grill is located on the beach and is part of the Sunwing Kamala Beach resort, the restaurant is open daily for lunch and dinner from 12.00pm to 10.00pm.  

Restaurant by the Sea is also located along the beachfront, and is part of the adults only Sunprime Kamala Beach Resort. Children under the age of 16 years are not allowed into this restaurant. The restaurant is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

The Boat Bar and Restaurant is another popular restaurant with stunning ocean views and seaside dining at Kamala Beach. The restaurant is open daily from 11.00am - 10.00pm.

Throughout the day at the northern end of the beach you will see hawker stalls that sell all kinds of Thai food, like chicken satay, Phad Thai or Thai curries.

333 at the Beach, is a great spot and is open daily from 9.00am to 11.00pm, the restaurant is located next to Cafe Del Mar

On the beachfront across the road from the Kamala school there is casual beachside eateries.

Until recently the nightlife at Kamala was rather laidback with a few reggae bars and restaurants, however with the opening of Café Del Mar Beach Club  and Pine Beach Bar the nightlife around Kamala has certainly ramped up.

For cheap drinks you must visit the Kamala Beer Garden between 4.00 pm and 8.00 pm and listen to the live music in the open air bar.

If you are after more adventurous and fun nightlife in Phuket, I would head to Patong and Bangla Road.

Kamala is home to two of Phuket's biggest "Tourist Attractions", the extremely popular Phuket Fantasea, an attraction that shouldn't be missed when holidaying in Phuket.
Fantasea is the ultimate cultural theme park, showcasing the charm and beauty of Thailand, that also enriches ancient Thai traditions.

If your traveling with kids, you should visit Carnival Magic,  a 40 acre theme park, located next to Phuket Fantasea at Kamala. Carnival Magic is open from 5.30pm to 11.30pm  Monday, Wednesday and Saturday's. 

The Kamala Temple, known as Wat Baan Kamala is located at the southern end of the beach. The temple and its grounds have been restored since the Boxing Day tsunami and the locals and resident monks welcome visitors. A visit to this Wat can be an enlightening and cultural experience.

Kamala was the worst area in Phuket hit by the tsunami on December 26, 2004. A tsunami monument has been built in the park towards the middle of the beach.

Shop like the locals do at the Kamala Farmers Markets, try some of the local food and experience the Thai way of life. These markets are like most local markets in Phuket. The Kamala Farmers market is located on the Main Road opposite the Big C and is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday's.

Kamala Market is also know as Fantasea Market, this is a popular market, where you can buy fresh fruit and vegetables and other local produce as well as DVD's, CD's, handicrafts, sunglasses and clothing. You will find these markets located opposite Phuket Fantasea every Monday and Friday from 3.30pm to 7.30pm.

Throughout the high season beach vendors set up around the beachfront selling souvenirs and beachwear. Along the southern part of the beach we found a 7-Eleven, massage shops, diving shops and bars.

Drive along the coast road from Patong, this will take you up a big hill from here you can see a panoramic view of Kamala, when you reach the bottom of the hill turn to the left.