Kamala and Surin sit between the chaos of Patong and the luxury sprawl of Bang Tao. They strike a middle ground: peaceful beaches, boutique hotels, and a slower pace than Patong, but with more character and nightlife than Bang Tao. If you want calm days, good food, and easy access to the rest of Phuket, Kamala and Surin deliver.
Why Visit Kamala / Surin
- Kamala is laid-back and family-friendly, with a strong expat community.
- Surin is smaller and more upscale, famous for its luxury villas and boutique vibe.
- Both areas have beautiful beaches without Patong’s crowds.
- Great location: close enough to Patong for nightlife, but quiet for daily living.
Top Things to Do
- Kamala Beach – Long, relaxed stretch, perfect for swimming and families.
- Surin Beach – Compact, chic beach with turquoise water and luxury resorts.
- Café del Mar – Kamala’s iconic beach club, great for sunsets and DJ nights.
- Wat Baan Kamala – Small temple right on the beach, worth a visit.
- Phuket FantaSea – Family-oriented cultural theme park and evening show in Kamala.
- Viewpoints – Catch ocean views from Laem Sing Viewpoint between Kamala and Surin.
Food & Drink
Kamala:
- Casual Thai eateries line the main road and beach.
- Grill Bill Kamala is a favorite for steak and western food.
- Beach bars for cheap sunset beers.
Surin:
- More upscale dining, like Benny’s (fusion cuisine and cocktails).
- Great seafood at Pooh & Friends.
Cafés: Soul Café Kamala and The Palms Coffee are solid laptop spots.
Where to Stay
Kamala:
- Budget: Small guesthouses like Kamala Beachfront Apartments.
- Mid-Range: Kamala Beach Resort (popular for families).
- Luxury: Hyatt Regency Phuket or villas overlooking the bay.
Surin:
- Boutique: Surin Phuket – iconic and stylish.
- Villas: Private hillside villas with ocean views dominate the area.
Getting Around
- Both areas are walkable near the beaches, but you’ll want a scooter or car for exploring.
- Grab and Bolt are available but less common than in Patong.
- Close enough to Patong (10–15 mins) if you want a night out.
Tips for Digital Nomads
- WiFi is generally strong in hotels, villas, and cafés.
- Great for nomads who want peace and focus — less distraction than Patong.
- Limited coworking spaces, but laptop-friendly cafés fill the gap.
- The expat community is more family-oriented, so less nightlife networking.
Local Tips & Warnings
- Waves: Beaches get strong surf and riptides in low season (May–Oct).
- Costs: Surin is pricier than Kamala, especially for accommodation.
- Nightlife: Limited — Café del Mar is the big draw, but don’t expect Bangla Road vibes.
- Quietness: Both beaches shut down early compared to Patong.
Final Thoughts
Kamala and Surin are ideal if you want a quieter Phuket experience without isolating yourself. Kamala offers a relaxed, family-friendly beach scene, while Surin adds an upscale, boutique edge. Stay here if you like the idea of calm days, beautiful beaches, and just the right amount of luxury within reach.