Diving Phuket Thailand About Kamala Beach

Kamala is a quiet town north of Patong that was devastated by the 2004 Tsunami and to a certain degree is still recovering. The fixed population of the area is mostly of the Muslim faith, this can be seen in the dress of the locals and some of the food on offer, but in no other way- everyone is of the usual friendly Thai nature with a welcoming smile and an 'up to you' attitude.

The dusty main through road, littered with shops, bars and small restaurants gives the impression that the town has seen better days and to some extent this is true, as the place has yet to recapture the holidaymakers of the pre Tsunami days, 'though numbers are happily growing steadily.

Off the main road Kamala is like many Phuket beach resorts and caters to your needs in a quiet can do way that is second to none. Kamala's many bars and restaurants give you a choice of style and flavour from all types of western food to all singing all dancing Thai fusion at a price to suit every pocket.

KAMALA BEACH

The beach at Kamala is a palm tree lined expanse of soft white sand that offers the resting diver a relaxing small beach feel at a big beach, lots of room to move around and mostly hawker free. If you pick your spot carefully, away from any noise from the inevitable jet skis (if you've read more than one of these reviews you'll know they're my pet hate) Kamala is one of the best beaches on Phuket island.

GETTING THERE: Take a Tuk Tuk, taxi or motorbike or better still the open bus that leaves from Patong beach road (Thanon Taweewong) at regular times north towards Surin.

WHAT'S THERE FOR THE DIVER AND SNORKELLER: Reefs: None, although you can take a long-tail boat to the small rock of Koh Wao for snorkelling. We can arrange a dive trip to 15 metre deep Koh Wao on request, as it is well worth a dive or two. This needs to be an early morning dive due to strong currents that can arrive at this exposed dive site towards noon and makes visibility a little low at around 5/15 metres.

LAEM SING BEACH

Half way between Patong and Kamala Laem Sing is another small beach in a beautiful setting with no road access and well worth a visit. Access is via a steep tree lined path that has ankle twisting roots and rocks to navigate. Once there, the beach is soft, white and sandy, hemmed in by an arc of palm tree covered rocks. Although this is a popular beach the situation gives a peaceful atmosphere even though jet skis can be hired and a big banana can be rode. All the usual sunbeds and parasols are for rent and the Thai hut style cafés serve good food and cold drinks under a shady palm tree or two.

GETTING THERE: Take a Tuk Tuk, taxi or motorbike or better still the open bus that leaves from Patong beach road (Thanon Taweewong) at regular times, north passed Kamala towards Surin and ask the driver to tell you when you're there, then follow the signs down to the beach.

WHAT'S THERE FOR THE DIVER AND SNORKELLER: Reefs: None.

PATONG BEACH RESORT

KAMALA BEACH RESORT

KATA-KARON BEACH RESORTS

OUT AND ABOUT

GETTING AROUND

TRAVEL ADVICE