Kamala Beach holidays

Holidays to Kamala Beach show Phuket at its most traditional, thanks to authentic markets and an important Buddhist temple.

Tradition to a T

Kamala Beach is the calming influence on Phuket’s southwest coast. While its neighbour, Patong Beach, has morphed into an international nightlife destination, Kamala has stayed true to its fishing village roots and set itself up as the place to go for laid-back sundowners and home-cooked Thai food.

Thai long boats

On Kamala Beach itself, there are a few watersports available, but most people give the jet-skis a wide berth and head for the traditional Thai long boats, anchored a few feet from the shore.

Markets and temples

The activities available in Kamala Beach are underlined by tradition. Every Friday there’s a ‘talad’, which is Thai for local market. Makeshift stalls pop up along the main road and traders sell fruit, veg, handicrafts and street food. There’s a temple in Kamala, too. Inside Wat Baan Kamala you’ll find gilded Buddhas and frescoes depicting his life.