Tourists do not visit Kamala Beach in Phuket very often. Not everyone knows about this beach, even though it cannot be called remote. In fact, the coastline stretches along the town of the same name, but the area is mainly inhabited by locals, and the tourist infrastructure is still underdeveloped.
The coastline of Kamala Beach is quite long, stretching for about 2 km. Compared to many popular beaches on the island, it is not very wide – around 20-30 meters – but its length makes up for it, providing enough space for tourists.
The shore is covered with coarse white sand, resembling grains of salt in size. Walking barefoot along the beach provides a pleasant, light foot massage. However, it is best to walk early in the morning or late in the evening, as the intense tropical sun heats the sand so much that walking without shoes becomes impossible.
There are few people at Kamala Beach. Just a few years ago, mostly locals relaxed here, but in recent years, it has become popular with older tourists. This is not surprising, as the atmosphere is quiet and peaceful, with all the necessary conveniences nearby, and the beach itself is great for swimming.
The southern part of the beach is almost empty, except for a few visitors taking romantic photos with fishing boats in the background. This area is somewhat dirty, covered in rocks, and has a shallow, gradual entry into the water. It takes a long time to reach deeper water while maneuvering around the boats left by locals.
The northern and central parts are more attractive, with fine sand and an excellent entrance into the water. Many describe it as "perfect," as there are no rocks near the shore or on the seabed. The depth increases quickly, but there is enough shallow water for children to splash around. It is an ideal spot for a family vacation!
The water is turquoise and clear. Occasionally, waves make it slightly murky, but the color remains stunning. During the high season, swimming is comfortable, as the sea is usually calm with little to no waves. In the summer, however, waves can rise several meters high, and the beach is lined with red warning flags advising visitors to stay away from the water.
In the northern and central parts of Kamala Beach, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent. It is highly recommended to rent an umbrella or bring your own, as natural shade is hard to find. Although trees grow along the shore, they do not provide much shade due to the beach’s orientation. For most of the day, their shadows fall away from the sand, leaving tourists exposed to the sun.
Kamala is becoming an increasingly popular beach, so it now has all the essentials of a resort area. A narrow street runs along the beach, lined with market stalls. Tourists can find small cafés, food markets, clothing shops, and beachwear stands. Massage salons and souvenir vendors are also present.
Restrooms and showers are available in some establishments, but they charge a fee. In the central part of the beach, there is also a public restroom and shower, but you will need to pay to use them.
The beach is narrow, so the market stalls are located close to the shore under the shade of large palm trees. Small cafés are also found here, offering a pleasant retreat from the midday heat. Visitors can enjoy the natural shade, stunning sea views, and delicious food. Prices in the Kamala area are moderate. On the northern part of the beach, there is a nightclub where lively parties take place after sunset.
Besides the beachfront street, there are other pleasant streets for evening strolls. Tourists can visit restaurants and bars, book a massage, or buy fresh tropical fruits and seafood from local vendors.
If you frequently visit this area, it is better to save your shopping for the "night market," which takes place several times a week in Kamala. On specific days, vendors gather in the area to offer tourists the freshest and tastiest products. No, you won’t need to shop at night – the market starts in the afternoon and runs until around 8 PM.
A visit to Kamala Beach can be complemented by exploring a few local attractions. There aren’t many, but they are worth visiting:
- The Buddhist temple Wat Kamala, located in the southern part of the area.
- The mosque in the center of Kamala.
- The theme park and FantaSea Show.
The last location is a must-visit for families with children. The show is spectacular and colorful, making it one of the biggest performances on the island. Kids absolutely love it! Besides the show, be sure to take a walk through the park with its magical architecture and exciting attractions. This evening experience will be unforgettable for everyone.
Beachgoers looking for activities will find plenty to enjoy. The options are impressive, especially for fans of active recreation:
- SUP board rental
- Kayak rental
- Banana boat ride
- Inflatable tube ride
- Jet ski rental
- Beach massage
Snorkeling here is not particularly exciting since there are no nearby rocks or reefs, but swimming with a mask for fun is always an option. If you are a snorkeling enthusiast, it is better to visit Banana Beach. The swimming areas at Kamala Beach are marked with buoys, and lifeguards are on duty to ensure visitor safety.
Along the two-kilometer coastline, there are several hotels. Some of them belong to the higher price category, but they also offer a high level of service. The good news – at Kamala, you can find a room with a sea view at a reasonable price.
The selection of hotels is diverse – from simple apartments with a private kitchen to unique hillside villas with stunning sea views. From the terrace of such a room, you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, which can only be fully appreciated in Thailand.
To make your stay even more affordable, consider booking rooms in second or third-line hotels or guesthouses in the Kamala area.
