Where to Stay in Phuket: Patong or Kamala Beach?
Patong Beach is much larger and livelier than Kamala, with Phuket’s busiest nightlife scene and several more hotels, restaurants, shops, and markets. Kamala is a smaller and quieter place, though, for visitors, there’s still a good range of places to stay, dine, drink, and shop, all with a more family-friendly atmosphere. For Phuket-bound travellers deciding whether to stay in Patong or Kamala, read on to find out more about each of these west-coast Phuket beach destinations.
Overview
Who is Patong Beach for?
Patong Beach is an ideal spot for travellers who want to combine relaxation by the sea with an energetic nightlife scene. Though families are not unwelcome here, Patong is especially popular with solo travellers, couples, and groups of friends seeking a holiday filled with dining, entertainment, and convenience. Shoppers will also find plenty to enjoy in Patong, from its colourful street markets and local fresh markets to large shopping malls.
For those who don’t mind the lively atmosphere, Patong Beach itself is one of Phuket’s most beautiful coastlines. Stretching 3 kilometres, it offers a variety of water sports and a mostly shaded pathway to wander along its shoreline.
Pros:
- Long, sandy beach with sun loungers, water sports, and beachfront massages.
- The lively nightlife centred around Bangla Road, featuring bars, nightclubs, and live performances.
- Wide range of hotels, from beachfront resorts to family-friendly stays.
- Great sunset views with beachfront dining, beach clubs, and rooftop bars.
- A major hub for international tourists, offering diverse dining and shopping options.
Cons:
- Often overcrowded and highly touristy, especially in peak season.
- Persistent vendors and touts can be bothersome.
- Lacks the cultural and historical appeal of Phuket Town.
Who is Kamala Beach for?
Kamala Beach is a good choice for those seeking a seaside escape away from the busy crowds, especially families and couples. While Kamala is becoming more popular, it remains much quieter than Patong, offering a more laid-back atmosphere. Kamala also has a good mix of beachfront restaurants for relaxed dining, along with stylish beach clubs and upscale resort restaurants to enjoy.
Kamala would also be a good choice for visitors who want to enjoy the party scene of Patong but do not stay there the whole time, as Kamala offers an easy escape from Patong, just a 10-15 minute drive up the coast.
Pros:
- Quieter and more laid-back, making it ideal for families, couples, and retirees.
- Plenty of beachfront dining and beach clubs like Café del Mar and Carpe Diem.
- Hosts several luxury resorts and villas along ‘Millionaire’s Mile.’
- Close to Phuket International Airport, convenient for short stays.
Cons:
- Nightlife is more low-key compared to Patong and Kata.
- More spread out, so getting around often requires transport.
- Fewer budget-friendly accommodation options than in Kata.
The Beaches
The Beach of Patong
Patong Beach is a 3km strip of soft sand along Phuket’s west coast, about 35km from Phuket International Airport and an 11km drive south from Kamala Beach. There’s a lot to see and do on the beach here, with several rows of beach loungers with umbrellas to rent, Hobie cat and SUP board rentals, boogie boards, beach massage huts, and roving vendors selling food, drinks, ice-creams, and souvenirs.
Patong also infamously offers parasailing and jet-ski rentals, activities that many enjoy but are not recommended due to safety and ripoff concerns. A more chill and safe activity in Patong Beach would be just swimming or floating in the sea. During the high season months, November through April, the bay is calm and clear and perfect for taking a dip.
Patong Beach is busiest in the central section, and during peak season, it can feel crowded, so be sure to go early to snag a beach lounger. For those in search of a quieter beach day, go to the north end of Patong, where it’s a bit quieter, or visit Kalim Beach just north of Patong, which is one of Phuket’s best places to surf during the southwest monsoon months.
At the south end of Patong beach is a jetty where you can hire a longtail boat to take you to Freedom Beach, just across the bay. The floating “beach club” called Yona Beach Club is found there during the calmer months of December through April – a fun spot to enjoy a day of cocktails and poolside partying.
Overview
The Beach of Kamala
Kamala Beach was just a few decades ago a quiet Muslim fishing village, but now it’s become a popular beach destination in Phuket, especially among families. Kamala’s gently curving bay with shallow waters and fine sand makes it an inviting spot for beachgoers. It’s found on Phuket’s west coast between Patong Beach and Surin Beach.
Stretching for 2 kilometres, Kamala Beach offers a variety of activities, including surfing and stand-up paddleboarding, long-tail boat trips to nearby beaches, and beachfront massages. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for rent, while food and drinks are easily accessible from roaming beach vendors or small beachfront stalls. Along a 1km section of the shore, there are some casual open-air restaurants perfect for breakfast, lunch, or sunset meals. Toward Kamala’s northern end, stylish beach clubs like Café del Mar, Shimmer, and Pine Beach Bar add a touch of sophistication to the laid-back atmosphere.
Kamala Beach gets busier during the peak season months, but it never feels as crowded or hectic as Patong Beach. The beach of Kamala is a great place to enjoy tropical island life at an unhurried pace, whether having a relaxed beachfront breakfast, lazing on a beach lounger, or watching the sunsets over the bay.
The Hotels
The Hotels in Patong Beach
Patong Beach has the best range of accommodations in Phuket, with hundreds of choices from cheap hostels to ultra-luxury 5-star resorts. Solo travellers, couples, families and groups will easily find a place to stay in Patong that suits their budget and tastes. Just a handful of resorts are found right on the beach – the Impiana Resort Patong Phuket, KUDO Hotel, and La Flora Resort Patong.
Many more Patong hotels are found steps away from the beach along the beach road (Thaweewong Road), including the long-running Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Resort, Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach Resort, Baan Lamai Beach Resort & Spa, and Phuket Graceland Resort & Spa.
Patong Beach is a small but compact city, so there are plenty of accommodation options around Patong’s streets and alleys that are cheaper but still within walking distance or a short drive to the beach. You’ll find hotels of all sizes and facilities, as well as apartments to rent, condos, and guesthouses that are ideal for longer stays. The most luxurious Patong resorts are found outside of the town in more lush surrounds, including the Rosewood Phuket and Amari Phuket resorts.
6 Popular Hotels in Patong
The Hotels in Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach might have fewer accommodation choices than Patong, but there’s a decent selection to suit most tastes and budgets. Scattered around the town of Kamala are budget-friendly guesthouses and mid-range hotels, while Kamala’s southern headland area, often called “Millionaires Mile”, is home to luxurious private villas and high-end resorts.
Among Kamala’s top luxury stays are Cape Sienna, Keemala, Twinpalms MontAzure, Paresa, Hyatt Regency, InterContinental Phuket Resort, Andara, and a selection of private villas overlooking the sea. However, those travelling on a budget will find plenty of affordable options, particularly in the guesthouses and small hotels at the southern end of the beach. For those who prefer beachfront stays, Kamala Beach Resort sits in the centre of the shoreline, while Novotel Phuket is located at the northern end, offering direct beach access.
Popular Hotels in Kamala
Facilities
Facilities in Patong Beach
Patong Beach is well known as a hotbed of activity in Phuket, both day and night. The streets are lined with restaurants, cafés, tour desks, fast-food outlets, bars, and nightclubs, making it the island’s top spot for nightlife and entertainment. Shopping enthusiasts will find everything from large malls like Jungceylon and Central Patong to local markets such as Banzaan and Malin Plaza. Patong also has cinemas, massage and spa services, Muay Thai boxing stadiums, sports activities, and even shooting ranges. Street vendors, souvenir stands, clothing stores, tailor shops and cannabis dispensaries create a lively atmosphere, ensuring visitors have access to anything they might need or want while on holiday.
After the sun sets in Patong, Bangla Road becomes the heart of the action. Closed to traffic in the evening, the street transforms into a neon-lit nightlife hub filled with clubs, beer bars, and live entertainment. Patong is also home to Phuket’s only visible gay nightlife scene, centred around the Paradise Complex, where cabaret shows, discos, and LGBTQ-friendly bars create a fun and welcoming atmosphere.
Despite its reputation for a naughty nightlife scene, Patong also has attractions suited for families. If the kid’s tyre of playing on the sand, they could go to the beachfront Loma Park, which has a playground and a nice shaded area for relaxing. Surf House Phuket Patong offers a flowboarding experience for all ages, while Froggy’s Fun Park at Jungceylon Mall provides another family-friendly option.
Facilities in Kamala Beach
With its growing tourist and local populations, Kamala is getting ever more dining, entertainment, and shopping choices, though not nearly as much as you’d find in Patong. Big C and Villa Market have both opened grocery stores in Kamala, while the long-running Kamala night market, open Mondays and Fridays, is a good spot to find local food and bargain-priced clothing and souvenirs.
The most prominent entertainment places in Kamala Beach are Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic, which feature extravagant stage shows with a Thai cultural theme. Kamala also has a number of bars, like Smile Bar and Kamala Biergarten, that offer a low-key alternative to its luxury beach clubs. For more upscale dining and cocktails in Kamala, visitors could check out places in resorts like Vanilla Sky Bar at Cape Sienna Resort and Silk Restaurant at the Andara Resort.
Those exploring the streets of Kamala will find a variety of cafes, souvenir and tour shops, clothing stores, massage and beauty shops, and, of course, those handy 7-Eleven and Tops convenience stores.
