Kamala Beach – A Serene Escape on Phuket’s West Coast
Nestled between the bustling Patong and the luxurious Surin, Kamala Beach offers a peaceful and scenic escape for travelers looking to slow down and soak in the natural beauty of Phuket. This crescent-shaped bay is loved for its relaxed vibe, family-friendly atmosphere, and authentic local charm.
What to Expect
Kamala is quieter than its neighbors, making it ideal for couples, families, and solo travelers seeking tranquility. The beach itself is long and wide, with soft golden sand and calm, shallow waters, especially during the high season (November to April). Lined with casuarina trees and palm fringes, it’s perfect for morning walks, sunbathing, or just watching the sunset.
During low season (May to October), the waves pick up, attracting a small crowd of beginner surfers and bodyboarders, but swimming can be limited due to strong currents.
Atmosphere & Vibe
Kamala maintains a laid-back, village feel. It’s less commercialized than Patong, with fewer vendors and no chaotic nightlife. Instead, you’ll find beachfront restaurants with bean bags on the sand, cozy cafés, and a few reggae bars where you can enjoy a cold drink under the stars. This calm ambiance makes it a favorite for long-stay visitors and expats.
Things to Do
Phuket FantaSea: Kamala is home to this cultural theme park, which offers an extravagant evening show with elephants, dancers, and lasers. It’s touristy, yes, but families with kids usually love it.
Beach massages: Affordable Thai massages are available right on the sand—perfect after a swim or sunset walk.
Local market: On Mondays and Fridays, the Kamala night market is a great spot to try local street food and shop for souvenirs.
Snorkeling & Kayaking: The southern end of the beach near the rocky headland has decent snorkeling spots during calm seas.
Nearby surf school: Perfect for first-time surfers wanting to catch some gentle waves.
Where to Eat
Kamala offers a great mix of beachside dining and local street eats. Some highlights include:
Smile Bar: Laid-back beach bar with bean bags, cocktails, and sunset views.
Grill Bill: A well-known steakhouse run by locals with high-quality Western-style dishes.
Kokosnuss Kamala: Cozy place for German and Thai fusion cuisine.
Local street food stalls: Try grilled fish, pad Thai, or mango sticky rice along the main road or at the night market.
Where to Stay
Kamala has accommodations for every budget:
Luxury: InterContinental Phuket Resort, Twinpalms MontAzure
Mid-range: Kamala Beach Resort (A Sunprime Resort) – adults only, beachfront
Budget: Kamala Beach Inn – simple, clean, and walking distance to everything
For longer stays, there are also many villas and serviced apartments in the hills with beautiful sea views.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
Peaceful, uncrowded beach
Great for families and couples
Beautiful sunsets
Easy access to other west coast spots
Cons:
Not much nightlife
Swimming can be rough in low season
Limited shopping options compared to Patong
Final Verdict
If you’re looking for a relaxing beach escape that combines natural beauty with a slower pace of life, Kamala Beach is a top pick. It’s the kind of place where you can unwind with a coconut in hand, enjoy authentic Thai hospitality, and still be close enough to the action if you want a day trip to Patong or a sunset dinner in Surin.
Kamala may not be the flashiest destination on Phuket, but that’s exactly its charm.