North of Patong is the large Kamala beach, which is one of the most visited in Phuket.
Kamala itself is a smaller resort, but there are many entertainment options...
Beaches and swimming
Kamala Beach is roughly 1km long and is therefore one of the medium-sized beaches on the west coast.
You can enjoy a wide stretch of fine white sand and a very gradual entry into the water ideal for small children and non-swimmers.
A large part of the beach is lined by a lively promenade with many sunbed and umbrella hire shops, massage offers and small refreshment stalls. There are also various water sports on offer.
The quietest and prettiest part of the beach is at the northern end in a small cove, where there is always plenty of space for those who don't want to rent a sun lounger and umbrella.
Experience the show at Phuket FantaSea
Kamala is home to Phuket FantaSea, a large amusement park where you can experience original shows and traditional theatre performances every night.
Various artist groups also perform here and you can also enjoy circus acts with elephants and other animals.
For the latest and detailed programme, visit the official website: phuketfantasea.fun.
Basic tickets for the show cost 1 800 thb and if you want to pay extra for the buffet dinner, they will cost 2 200 thb.
It is open daily from 17:30-23:30.
Kamala Accommodation
Kamala may be a smaller resort, but you'll still find many very cheap backpacker hostels and more expensive resorts right by the sea.
What hotels in each category would we recommend?
- The hotel with the best value for money - Sungthong Kamala Beach Resort ***
- Best resort - InterContinental Phuket Resort *****
Transportation to Kamala
You can get to the city by bus, songthaews and of course also by Grab or Bolt.
While parking right by the beach is problematic, you can park for free in the large car park at Phuket FantaSea theme park, for example, which is a 5-minute walk to the sea.
Buses
There is one line of classic buses running through Kamala.
- Smart Bus - single price 100 thb or 299 thb for a day ticket
- Runs on the route HKT Airport - Surin - Kamala - Patong - Karon - Kata - Rawai
- Frequency 30 to 60 minutes
- Timetable and information: phuketsmartbus.com
Buses stop at Phuket FantaSea theme park and BigC supermarket on the southern outskirts of Kamala.
Songthaew (Blue Bus)
Local buses, pick-ups converted to carry passengers, run to Phuket Town and the neighbouring resort of Surin Beach.
They run roughly once an hour from about 6:30am to 4pm.
The fare is 60 thb and the buses run through the whole of Kamala from the BigC supermarket northwards to Surin Beach and Cherngtalaya before gradually turning east and south towards Phuket Town. Songtaews do not run from Kamala south to Patong.
Taxi, Bolt, Grab
Of this trio, the Bolt mobile app almost always comes out best.
The most expensive rides tend to be in the evening between 5:30pm and midnight, when Phuket FantaSea theme park is open.
What to see around
Discover all the places to see in Phuket.
