Kamala Beach
Kamala is a relatively quiet village located a few kilometers north of Patong and south of the village of Cherng Talay and Surin. Its beautiful beach is very famous with surfers who like to tackle the waves during the monsoon season. As you’ll walk along the beach path, you’ll notice that there are fewer tourists in this area than in others, such as Patong, which makes it an ideal place for a relaxed vacation.
You can catch an open-air bus from Phuket Town to Kamala for about THB 40.- or travel by a taxi for added convenience. A ride from Kamala to Patong would cost approximately THB 400.-; as usual, make sure to negotiate the fare in advance if you are using a tuk-tuk or any vehicles without a proper meter.
Plenty of hotels and resorts to choose from, from comfortable Bed & Breakfast to five stars international brands, mostly located close to the beach or by the main road. This is where you’ll find the majority of restaurants and bars. A small market can be found by the beach where you can grab some refreshing drinks before heading for a swim.
Food-wise, Kamala is a great destination as it combines delicious Thai food, Muslim-inspired cuisine and, of course, international delicacies, all made available at a reasonable price.
While the city center is much quieter than Patong in terms of nightlife, Kamala houses several beach clubs on the north end part of the city, which offer a great selection of drinks served along the tunes of international DJs and great atmosphere. As usual, expect to pay a bit more when sitting at a beach club, but the quality of music and service makes it worth the extra bucks.
Kamala also has its fair share of traditional Thai massage shops and fitness that offer yoga classes, pilates, and even Muay Thai (Thai boxing) sessions. Most importantly, this is where you will find Phuket Fantasea, one of Phuket’s most famous show; well worth a visit if you’re staying on the island.
All-in-all, Kamala is a fantastic destination and deserves a visit, even though it is just for a day to appreciate the beach and enjoy some of its activities.
