Kamala Beach in Phuket | DIY Snorkeling Spots & Thai Seafood Restaurants

Kamala Beach is a sandy oasis tucked just far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Patong to provide a tranquil respite from city life. The first thing you’ll want to do when you arrive beneath the swaying palms of this tropical paradise will almost certainly be to sprawl out and soak up some sun. Once you’ve had your fill of vitamin D and are ready for a bit of adventure, there’s an abundance of activities and attractions to visit along Phuket‘s scenic western coast. Read on to learn about the must-see spots near Kamala Beach.

Make a Few Underwater Friends | Boat Tours & Snorkeling

Snorkeling in the Andaman Sea is a can’t-miss adventure, and Kamala Beach is brimming with snorkeling opportunities for anyone interested in meeting some of the sea’s most majestic creatures. A handful of companies offer cruises off the coast, which take tourists to destinations where they are likely to encounter some of the bigger beasts of the deep. On these excursions, travelers have been known to witness whitetip and blacktip sharks, manta rays and huge whale sharks. These creatures are certainly sights to behold, as they make a lot of large land animals seem like shrimp in comparison. In fact, whale sharks are capable of reaching lengths of up to 33 feet, and a manta ray’s wingspan can grow to be as wide as 30 feet.

DIY snorkeling trip at Kamala Beach

If you’re interested in a more affordable, do-it-yourself snorkeling adventure, you can rent yourself some gear and have a look around the reefs along the shoreline. This option still comes with a high likelihood that you’ll meet a number of exciting creatures unique to this part of the world. The shorelines around Phuket are known to be home to a wide range of exotic marine life. From vibrantly colorful tropical fish, like blue tangs and parrotfish, to the now-famous clownfish, keep your eyes peeled along reefs and near sea anemone to experience once-in-a-lifetime wonders. If you’re really lucky, you may even witness bigger names in exotic marine life, like sea turtles, eels and leopard sharks.

Whether you grab some gear for a DIY snorkeling tour of the shoreline or spend a little more to cruise your way to a manta ray, laying eyes on the majesty of life under the sea is an experience you won’t want to miss on your trip to Kamala Beach.

Check In to Layalina Hotel, Step Out to Kamala Beach

Previous guests of Layalina Hotel say:

• “Great quiet location in Kamala, close to shopping and restaurants. Right on a beautiful beach on the bay. We received breakfast on our terrace each morning, delicious food with multiple options. Staff was very friendly, facility very clean. Would go back again.”
• “The pool and beach is mere steps away. Imagine chillaxing on a hammock with the sea breeze and sound of the waves at the comfort of your balcony. Staffs were polite and will try their very best to assist in every way possible.”
• “Breakfast was really good, the room was immaculate and overlooked a small pool that in turn overlooked the beach.”

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Taste the Delicacies of the Deep Blue Sea

Okay, so you’ve learned your way around a little Thai etiquette, you’ve sunbathed on the white sands of Kamala Beach (with sunscreen on, of course), and you’re relaxed and ready for some excitement. If all that relaxation has your tummy rumbling, the first thing you’re going to want to do is try out some amazing Thai food. Along the shores of Phuket, you’re certain to find some of the freshest, most delectable seafood in the world. A number of restaurants near Kamala Beach offer delightful dishes from the deep blue Andaman Sea, along with a few Western delicacies as well. Check out these short reviews of the three top-rated beachfront restaurants in Phuket.

Coconut Garden

Located right on Kamala Beach, with a picture-perfect view of the sun, the sand and the surf, you’ll find Coconut Garden. Open every day from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., this spot is an easy-on-the-wallet, convenient stop for seafood, tropical Thai cuisines, and even a few Western dishes for those traveling with kids or just pickier eaters. The menu is available in multiple languages for travelers’ convenience, and there’s an entire vegan/vegetarian menu available for those with dietary restrictions. Because it opens so early, fans of this spot sing the praises of the breakfast menu — not a bad way to start your day of fun in the sun. There are also great beers and cocktails, like strawberry daiquiris and margaritas, available when you’re looking for something with a little more kick. Plus, the happy hour prices can’t be beat.

Fan-favorite dishes from Coconut Garden’s menu

• Duck curry
• Pineapple fried rice
• Coconut curry & seafood soup
• BBQ fish
• Dry fried beef

Mamma Mia Grill & Restaurant

Just off of Kamala Beach and still in view of the Andaman Sea, you’ll find one of Phuket‘s three Mamma Mia Grill & Restaurant locations. Open every day from 3:30-10:30 p.m., this spot is famous for its beef, which is imported from Australia. If you’re looking for all the ambiance of tropical Thailand but crave the taste of some Western cuisine, this is the place to go. Fans love this place for its family-friendly atmosphere, helpful staff, and the video jukebox, where you can be in charge of the music at the bar.

Dishes to try from Mamma Mia Grill & Restaurant

• Lasagna
• Veal marsala
• Beef tenderloin steak
• BBQ ribs
• Beef burger

Lillo Island Restaurant & Bar

Arguably the most popular spot on the list and well-loved by foreigners and locals alike, Lillo Island Restaurant & Bar boasts picturesque beachfront views that go perfectly with their fresh-as-can-be, affordably priced seafood cuisine. This scenic location is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. It receives rave reviews for its warm, friendly, English-speaking staff, delicious food (including vegan options) and delightful range of tropical cocktails, including exotic delights made with coconut milk. There’s also beer on tap and imported wines to sip on as you take in a seaside sunset.

Recommendations for Lillo Island Restaurant & Bar

• Fresh papaya salad
• Soft-shell crab
• Oysters
• Red curry
• Lobster
• Fried bananas

Check In to Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa Phuket, Step Out to Kamala Beach

Previous guests of Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa Phuket say:

• “Easy check-in/check-out. Friendly staffs. Complimentary shuttle was a great money saver.”
• “It has large pools a beautiful tropical garden and lovely rooms. Pool access rooms are very nice and the convenience is worth the extra $. The beach front cottages are modern and offer stunning views of the ocean and you can hear the waves from your room.”
• “Everything about this place is exceptional. Highly recommended for couples wanting to relax and enjoy each others company. Quiet resort with the most beautiful gardens, clean pool and beach. Both restaurants have sensational meals, and a huge buffet breakfast selection each morning.”

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Monday/Friday Market Kamala

We’ve talked about where to have your fill of meals made for you — but if you’re the cooking type, let’s talk about your one-stop shop for fresh Phuket produce (or just a fun outdoor shopping excursion) – Monday/Friday Market Kamala. There’s no limit to what you may discover while walking along Monday/Friday Market Kamala, which is located just a short walk from the beach. Over a dozen vendors fill this market, selling more than just fresh ingredients waiting to be thrown into your favorite recipe. There are also vendor stalls offering women’s fashion accessories, tech gadgets, toys, clothing, and more. Whether your fancy is sneakers or speakers, you’ll likely find what you’re looking for at Monday/Friday Market Kamala.

By the way, don’t be afraid to haggle the price if you find something you like. It’s not uncommon to dialogue about pricing in Thai markets, so if you’re a skilled haggler, you may just catch yourself some really great deals. The Monday/Friday Market Kamala takes place every Monday and Friday from 3:30-11 p.m.

Check In to Sunwing Kamala Beach, Step Out to Kamala Beach

Previous guests of Sunwing Kamala Beach say:

• “This hotel is perfect to go with kids. There are 7 pools, 4 or 5 of them work slides. The happy baby room is equipped with everything you need for a baby and the easy access to the swimming pool makes life very easy. Kamala Beach is quiet but there are enough restaurants and shops for a nice evening stroll.”
• “We loved everything about Sunwing. Lovely hotel for kids . Great rooms. Great breakfast. Great pools. Very clean. Right at gorgeous beach.”
• “Run well, fresh and new decor, good value for money. They have thought of everything, from proving a shaded area in the swimming pool for young children, to a nice chill out area in the restaurant were you can use the wifi for free, to showing Tom & Jerry on the big screen at night in the restaurant so the children can watch film while the parents can eat or have a cocktail. Lolo & Bernie shows several times a week to entertain the children.”

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Fulfill Your Greatest Phuket FantaSea

Alright, so you’ve had your fill of sunbathing on the sand, you’ve made some new underwater friends, you’ve tried out all the beachfront restaurants, and you’re wearing the killer new sneakers you grabbed from the market! Now it’s time for some serious seaside excitement. It’s time to pay a visit to Phuket FantaSea. Located just a two-minute drive from Kamala Beach, Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park famous for its wildly elaborate, highly entertaining theatrical performances. This park’s showmanship goes well beyond the main-stage performance, though. There is drama and excitement to be experienced around every corner, including at the delicious buffet restaurant and alluring shopping street that also occupy this 60-acre park.

Phuket FantaSea is open almost every day from 5:30-11:30 p.m., but is closed on Thursdays. 1,800 THB will secure you a single adult or child’s seat in the theater for the show. If you’d like tickets to both the show and the buffet restaurant, packages cost 2,200 THB for adults and 2,000 THB for children. Children under 3′ 3″ tall get in free. However, they will not receive a seat at the theater and will need to sit in someone’s lap. Phuket FantaSea also offers affordable transportation to and from any hotel in Phuket.

The Main Event: Fantasy of a Kingdom

The magical show at the heart of Phuket FantaSea is performed every evening at 9 p.m. in the beautifully ornate Palace of the Elephants theater, which has been designed to look just like an ancient stone palace from the Sukhothai era. Titled Fantasy of a Kingdom, this show is a 70-minute spectacle of delights, ranging from traditional Thai dances with colorful, elaborate costumes to trained elephants who perform with the actors. Said to portray the exotic history of Thailand’s many regions, the plot itself may be difficult to follow, but this creates no shortage of amazement or entertainment in this extravaganza. Adults and children alike will be wowed by the intricate aerial ballet, fascinating acrobatics, artful illusions and brilliant showmanship of Fantasy of a Kingdom. It is worth noting, though, that audience members are required to leave their phones at the door, as all photography and videography is strictly prohibited.

The Food: Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant

The fantastical Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant is every bit as lustrous as you’d expect, given its name. The exterior’s sweeping, gilded architectural accents glisten invitingly, and its grand dining room, which seats 4,000, flaunts swirling clouds suspended from the burgundy tiled ceiling. The buffet’s namesake is derived from the Kinnaree, mythological creatures said to be half-woman, half-bird. In mythology, these beautiful creatures are depicted as having the head and torso of a woman with the tail, wings and feet of a swan. It was believed that her wings would allow a Kinnaree to fly between the human and mystic worlds. At Golden Kinnaree Buffet Restaurant, women dressed as these graceful creatures welcome and see to the establishment’s guests. As the all-you-can-eat menu features everything from Thai cuisines to the most popular dishes from a number of nations, you’re sure to find plenty to please any palate.

The Shopping: Festival Village

Immerse yourself in the historical eras of Thai architecture as you shop your way through Festival Village. Each and every one of the 15 shops offer not only unique, locally crafted, traditional goods, but also an exciting, performative experience. Along the street, you’ll have the opportunity to witness, and even participate in, pageants, elephant rides and more.

There are also a number of spots in the village devoted to providing hours of entertainment for kiddos and grownups alike. From Hanuman’s Lair, which is teeming with games to be played and shows to be watched, to Similan Entertainment Center, a large indoor arcade filled with carnival games, to the Tiger Jungle Adventure Theatrical Safari, where you can get photos with a live white tiger, there’s no shortage of excitement in Festival Village.

Check In to The Trees Club Resort, Step Out to Kamala Beach

Previous guests of The Trees Club Resort say:

• “Beautiful landscape, away from the beach so very peaceful and quiet. Short ride to the beach. Kamala is less developed than Patong and so less hectic. The beach is beautiful there. Our room was large and in great condition. The pool is very nice and so is the cafe, for brunch or lunch. We rented a motorbike from the Trees for several of the days we spent there.”
• “I had booked per accident the wrong date and the staff put everything in work to make our stay nonetheless possible. They were very helpful. A lovely pool and extra facilities like tennis and squash. Relaxed atmosphere. Very recommended!”
• “The apartment was clean and nice. Felt like a condominium apartment, with basic amenities.”

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL NEAR KAMALA BEACH TODAY