Laem Singh Beach hides on the west coast between Kamala and Surin beaches in Phuket. Being nestled in a steep-sided bay, lined with nodding palm trees and dotted with giant boulders, it has the feel of a secret beach. It’s not a very well-kept secret, though, as you can see it from a popular viewpoint along the coastal road.

The northern part of the beach is good for bodyboarding. Swimming and snorkeling are excellent in the southern part, with loads of fish to see around the rocky headland which separates the beach from Kamala Bay. As it's a little challenging to get to Laem Singh Beach, you can expect a peaceful, remote vibe without having to travel too far from the popular resort towns of Phuket.

How to get to Laem Singh Beach

Once a very busy spot for sunbathing, snorkelling and swimming, direct access to Laem Singh Beach has been restricted due to a land dispute. You can still get onto the sand (which is public land) by taking a boat ride from the southern end of Surin Beach.

A trip to Laem Singh Beach costs from 100 baht per person or 400 baht for the entire boat. Note that there’s no pier for boarding – you’ll have to wade out to the ocean and climb into the boat.

Laem Singh Viewpoint

Laem Singh Viewpoint is a popular stop on the coast road between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach in Phuket. It's also a pleasant place to rest for a while, with seating and a roof providing shelter from the sun. You can enjoy great views of Phuket’s impressive sunsets and across the namesake beach below.

Laem Singh Beach in Phuket

Location: Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

2. Kamala Friday Market

Kamala Friday Market

Visiting the Kamala Friday Market gives you a glimpse into the fascinating local culture of Southern Thailand. Kamala retains a large part of its Muslim culture and tradition, which you might not find elsewhere in Phuket. The market offers fresh vegetables, fruits, meat, and seafood, as well as the opportunity to enjoy authentic Thai food. A section of the market has stalls selling clothes and accessories at bargain prices.

Location: Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

Open: Friday from 3.30 pm to 11 pm

3. Wat Baan Kamala

Wat Baan Kamala

Wat Baan Kamala is a classic Buddhist temple located on Kamala's beachfront, towards its southern end. Entirely rebuilt and renovated after Phuket's deadly tsunami in 2004, the temple occupies a nicely landscaped garden with an ordination hall, a bell tower, monks’ dormitory, and refectory, along with 2 small constructions housing Buddha images and statues. The best time to visit Wat Baan Kamala is in the late afternoon when it's softly illuminated by golden sun rays.

Location: 16/32 Rim Hat Rd, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

4. Surfing in Kamala

Surfing in Kamala

Kamala is one of the favorite surfing spots in Phuket. The beach has 3 clear sections, each of which offers an excellent playground for surfers. The southern part – from Wat Baan Kamala to Kamala Village – with its gentle swell is the right spot for beginners at medium/high tide. With sandbanks creating 3-meter high waves, Kamala's central area – between the village and Phuket Fantasea – is more popular with advanced surfers. The northern end of the beach requires some surfing experience as it has a small reef point break creating tricky swells.

5. Kamala Lawn Bowling Club

Kamala Lawn Bowling Club

Kamala Lawn Bowling Club is a leisurely sports club in Phuket, where many families regularly visit for an afternoon out. Shoes and towels are provided by the club. There's an onsite bar providing a wide range of dishes and drinks throughout the day. Besides bowling, you can belt out a few songs at Kamala Lawn Bowling Club's karaoke room. Hotel pickup is available for a small charge.

Location: 71/26 Moo 5, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand

Open: Monday–Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm (closed on Sundays)

6. Spa and Thai massage in Kamala

Spa and Thai massage in Kamala

Kamala Beach has many good and reputable spa centers, most of which are part of the beach's hotels and resorts. As the beach is popular for relaxation, it's almost compulsory to get at least a foot massage during your visit. Treatments are usually a mix of local and international spa techniques. Most spas offer traditional Thai massage, facials, body scrubs, and wraps. Some have Jacuzzi and sauna facilities.

7. Thai cooking classes

Thai cooking classes

Joining a Thai cooking class in Kamala is one of the best ways to learn about the local culture. You'll find that cooking Thai food is relatively simple, fun, and takes a lot less time to prepare than most dishes. You get to learn how to make the famous pad Thai, deep-fried spring rolls, and stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts, oyster sauce, and vegetables. Best of all, you can enjoy everything that you've made at the end of the class