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About Kamala
Kamala occupies a unique position in Phuket’s landscape — it’s a genuinely functional Thai town that happens to have a good beach. Unlike the resort-dominated strips further south, Kamala has supermarkets, schools, clinics, pharmacies, and a large expat community that has settled here for good reason: it’s liveable.
The beach is 2km of wide, quiet sand with none of the commercial pressure of Patong or even Kata. Behind it, the village has a range of restaurants at local prices, yoga studios, dive shops, and the day-to-day amenities that make longer stays comfortable.
Expat Community
Kamala has one of Phuket’s largest long-term expat populations. You’ll find Western-oriented bakeries, fitness clubs, international schools nearby, and a social calendar of events that makes it feel like a small community rather than a resort. This gives it a lived-in authenticity that resort towns often lack.
Phuket FantaSea
Just north of the village, Phuket FantaSea is a large evening entertainment complex with a Thai cultural show, elephant performances, and a 3,000-seat buffet restaurant. It’s one of Phuket’s most attended evening attractions for package tourists.
Getting There
Kamala is 10 minutes north of Patong and 5 minutes south of Surin. Grab is the most reliable transport. Some songthaews run between Kamala and Phuket Town but infrequently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do so many expats live in Kamala?
The combination of a good beach, local infrastructure, reasonable property prices (relative to Patong), and a quiet atmosphere makes it an ideal long-term base. It’s also well-positioned between Patong (nightlife, shopping) and Surin (upscale dining, beach clubs).
Is Kamala good for a two-week stay?
Yes — it’s one of the best bases for longer trips. The town has everything you need on a daily basis and Patong, Surin, and Old Town are all within 30 minutes.
Is there nightlife in Kamala?
Very little. A few bars along the beach road, but nothing resembling Patong. Kamala visitors who want a big night out typically Grab to Patong.