Staying in Kamala, Phuket
A relaxed beach village between Patong and Surin. What Kamala is like, who it suits, and how it compares with the busier beaches.
Kamala is a curved bay on Phuket’s west coast, north of Patong. It began as a fishing and farming village with a large Muslim community, and still has a more local, village-like feel than its busier neighbours, even though it now has many resorts and villas.
What it is like
- The beach is calm and fairly quiet, with restaurants and small bars at the southern end and a more peaceful northern end.
- The village behind the beach has a mosque, a temple, local markets and seafood restaurants.
- The headland to the north has upscale villas and resorts, as well as popular beach clubs.
- Laem Singh, a small cove further north, can be reached on foot and is known for its clear water.
Who it suits
Kamala works well for families and couples who want a quieter base but still want restaurants within walking distance and Patong about 15–20 minutes away. Its northern headland suits travellers looking for privacy and sea views.
Getting around
Kamala is about 30–45 minutes from the airport. The coast road connects it with Surin, Bang Tao and Patong, and the Phuket Smart Bus passes through.
Sea conditions
As on the rest of the west coast, the sea is calmest from November to April; take extra care from May to October, when strong currents are common.