Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach: A Quiet Corner of Phuket
Kamala Beach curves gently along Phuket’s west coast. Soft sand. Calm waves. Local life still moving at its own rhythm.
This is not a beach for loud music or big resorts. It’s a place to slow down. To sit under a tree. To swim in warm, shallow water. To watch the sun go down without needing a filter.
Some visitors come for a few days. Others stay a season. A few never leave.
Quick Facts About Kamala Beach
-
Location: West coast of Phuket, Thailand
-
GPS: 7.9536° N, 98.2805° E
-
Vibe: Calm, local, family-friendly
-
Water: Clear and swimmable most of the year
-
Best for: Relaxation, swimming, long stays, village feel
-
Distance from airport: 40–45 minutes by car
What Can You Do at Kamala Beach?
Top Activities
-
Swim in shallow, safe water
-
Rent a longtail boat to explore the coast
-
Watch the sunset from the sand
-
Ride horses along the beach (seasonal)
-
Try parasailing or water toys (in the central zone)
-
Visit the local market on Fridays
-
Enjoy fresh seafood at beachfront stalls
-
Walk to Wat Baan Kamala temple
-
Relax at a beach bar or stay under the trees
Facilities at Kamala Beach
-
Beach chairs for rent in designated areas
-
Public restrooms (main beach zone)
-
Minimarts and street food nearby
-
Taxis and local transport
-
Scooter rentals in the village
-
Lifeguards (high season only)
-
Limited beach wheelchair access (center area)
-
Parking near both north and south entrances
Where Are the Quiet and Active Zones?
-
North End: Wide, peaceful. Good for walking and relaxing. Some beach clubs here, like Café Del Mar and Pine Beach Bar—but they blend into the background.
-
Center: The most activity. Beach chairs, water sports, restaurants, families.
-
South End: Local feel. Fishing boats. Quiet sunsets. Fewer visitors. Some of the best real Thai food is found here.
When Should You Visit Kamala Beach?
High Season (Nov–Apr)
-
Best for swimming
-
Calm seas, sunny skies
-
Most services open
Green Season (May–Oct)
-
Fewer tourists, lower prices
-
Rain showers and lush landscapes
-
Some days have rough sea—check local flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kamala Beach safe for swimming?
Yes. The water is shallow and generally calm from November to April. Red flags indicate when not to swim in green season.
Can you rent beach chairs at Kamala?
Yes. There are four designated zones with chair and umbrella rentals.
Are there toilets and showers?
There are basic public restrooms near the center of the beach. Most restaurants also allow use for customers.
Is Kamala Beach good for families?
Yes. It’s quieter than Patong and has safe swimming areas. Very popular with retirees and long-stay guests.
How do I get there?
From Phuket International Airport, it’s a 40-minute drive. Taxis and ride apps are available. Two access roads reach the beach—north and south.
Eating and Drinking by the Beach
You’ll find everything from grilled chicken skewers to fine Thai dining.
-
Local food: Southern end. Seafood stalls, noodle shops, plastic tables on the sand. No menu needed—just ask.
-
International food: In the central area and village. Pizzerias, cafés, burger joints, Indian food, and smoothies.
-
Beach bars: Scattered all along. Some upscale, some rustic. If you want cocktails with your feet in the sand, there’s room for that too.
Everything’s walkable. Nothing is rushed.
Things Only Locals Notice
-
Sunset spots: You don’t need a beach club. Many locals sit on the sand with drinks from the minimart and just watch the sky change.
-
Friday Market: Local food, fruit, and people. More Muslim influence here than in other markets. Real everyday life.
-
Hidden Sois: Small backstreets reveal family-run cafés, low-key massage shops, and quiet guesthouses.
Staying at Kamala Beach
Options range from large resorts to long-stay apartments. On the southern headland sits Kamala Beach Estate—with private guest-only access to a quiet cove, sea-view terraces, and a feeling of space you won’t find in town.
Final Thought
Kamala Beach doesn’t ask much. It offers space, time, and quiet.
If you’re curious about Phuket’s local side—and want to swim, eat, walk, and breathe without the noise—this beach is a good place to begin.