Kamala: the quiet village on Phuket's west coast

Updated on October 19, 2026

Kamala is a seaside village on Phuket's west coast, about 8 km north of Patong but a world away from its bustle. Its curving bay stretches for about 3 km of sand, with a generally calm atmosphere: a few streets of restaurants, small hotels, massage parlours and grocery shops, with more families and couples than party-goers. The village was badly hit by the tsunami of 26 December 2004 and has been rebuilt since. It is a good choice for sleeping away from Patong while keeping a big beach and the west coast within reach by scooter or taxi.

Highlights

Kamala Bay

The beach forms a long arc of sand in front of the village, with coconut palms and casuarinas and the mountain as a backdrop. The beach restaurants serve seafood and Thai dishes with your feet almost in the sand: this is where you spend most of your time here. See the Kamala beach page.

The beach at dusk

Facing west, Kamala has clear sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Many restaurants set out tables and torches on the sand in the late afternoon; book if you want a front-row table in high season.

The village and its main street

The centre can be walked in a few minutes: corner supermarkets, money exchange, tour agencies, Thai and international restaurants, cafés. Prices are generally a little lower than in Patong, and the atmosphere is more family-oriented. The area also has street markets; days and hours change, so ask your hotel.

The neighbouring beaches

Heading north you reach Surin beach and then Bang Tao; to the south, Patong is roughly twenty minutes away by road depending on traffic.

Practical info

Tips

Kamala suits those who want beach and quiet, not those who want to go out late: the bars empty early and nightlife is in Patong. There is no regular public transport along the coast: count on a taxi, a ride-hailing app, a tuk-tuk (negotiate before getting in) or a scooter. Read our tips on getting around Phuket and on scams to avoid. To compare with other areas, see where to stay in Phuket. The information on this page comes from travel guides and public sources, not from an official website of the village.

How to get there

Kamala is about 45 minutes by road from Phuket airport (see from the airport to the beaches) and about 8 km from Patong. Take a taxi or a pre-booked transfer; once there, the village and beach are walkable.