Pace of life is much quieter in Kamala than on other beaches in Phuket and as such, it is popular with an older crowd as well as longer-term visitors. As well as a number of hotels, accommodation options here also include apartments and long-term rental on houses.

This beach is not as popular with the tourists as other places on Phuket, but there is still plenty to do, see, eat and drink. Part of its charm lies in the fact that it is still largely undeveloped and therefore natural attractions are much more prominent. The white sandy shore is perfect for sunbathing and the blue waters are calm for six months of the year (November through until April) and perfect for surfing during the other six months.

Water sports
Kamala may not have the abundance of activities that is available on Patong, but there is still a big enough selection to keep those that visit busy for days on end. Water sporting pursuits include jet-skiing, parasailing, long tail boat rides, surfing and windsurfing. There are some good dive sites not far from the beach and snorkelling opportunities are found to the north.

Accommodation
There are many luxury villas being built on this beach as it is growing in popularity for snow birds who like to escape the cold long winters of their country and come to this tropical paradise. These villas boast stunning views across the bay and many come complete with their own pool.

If you are just visiting Kamala Beach for a short period of time, there are a small selection of guest houses and hotels on offer. You will not find a great deal of choice, although there are options which cover every budget. Many hotels are located on the beach and are ideal for those looking for accommodation, dining and entertainment all in one.

Dining and Entertainment
The south end of the beach is where you will find the majority of water sports and also the best choice of bars and restaurants. The beachfront hotels sell a selection of Thai and Western dishes and the food stalls are ideal for a quick bite to eat while you are relaxing on the beach. Local restaurants are aplenty in this part of Phuket serving cuisine from all over Thailand, although Isaan (northeastern) cuisine is particularly popular.

Despite growing considerably in recent years, the charm of Kamala still lies in its quaint fishing village atmosphere and simply strolling along the shores and through the village of an evening is all the entertainment many people need. If you would like something more however, Kamala is home to one of Phuket’s biggest attractions, Phuket FantaSea. This is a million dollar venue hosting a Thai entertainment extravaganza complete with Thai dancing, food, elephants, tigers, light and sound shows, acrobatics and musical performances. It is a great place to visit with the family as it will keep the whole family entertained.

Beachside bars and restaurants are common and all bars offer a warm reception to tourists.  Service is informal and friendly and while there will not be many fine dining options; there are many excellent seafood and local restaurants to enjoy. Many bars have live music every night and some of the livelier bars throw parties on the weekend. Happy hours are promoted daily and there are always special deals on cocktails.

Shopping
As with everything else on this beach, shopping opportunities are not abundant, but there is a small selection of clothes shops, street stalls, souvenir outlets and hawkers. Prices are cheaper than they are on Patong and if you are looking for gifts to take back home, you will find many options. There are also tailors found along the beach road so if you are after a new suit, allow three to four days for completion and you will have a tailor-made suit at excellent value.

The local market is held every Wednesday and Saturday on the highway at the end of the bay. You will find many local food and fruits here as well as snacks, clothing and souvenirs. It is a great insight into local Thai life and a must see for any keen tourist.