Kamala Beach holidays offer a traditional taste of southern Thailand, with idyllic beaches, turquoise waters and tasty seafood.

Slice of paradise

Looking out over the Andaman Sea from Phuket's western coast, Kamala Beach retains a peaceful village vibe – a contrast to the noisy nightlife of south Thailand's better-known hotspots. A Buddhist temple sits quietly in the town, while the palm-lined shore's dotted with laidback eateries that serve up authentic home cooking.

Simple sands

Kamala Beach may have fewer activities on offer than other beaches – think traditional Thai long boats rather than high-octane watersports – but the sands are unblemished and the waters are warm. A small row of beachfront restaurants keeps snacks and menus at the ready. This is the perfect place to simply relax and daydream beneath the coconut palms.

Party at Patong

For a change of pace, the high-energy nightlife and crowds of nearby Patong Beach are just a 20-minute drive away. Adrenaline junkies will love the jet-skiing and banana-boating, and there are loads of places to grab a quick curry or papaya salad, too. Plus, Bangla Road's knee-deep in pubs and bars.

At a Glance

  • Sample Thai specialities at a beachfront restaurant
  • Chill out at a Buddhist temple
  • Join the hustle and bustle at the local market