Hat Kamala Beach



Hat Kamala Beach is located in Kamala Bay about 20 minutes north of Patong Beach. Over recent years the beach has matured into a resort meeting all the requirements of the modern tourist, but has not lost its original identity – like Kalim Beach, Kamala is substantially more relaxed than some of the other areas in Phuket. It is also a lot quieter – the beach is deserted more often than not; ideal for taking in some sun or just sitting and relaxing. A number of hotels and guesthouses sit along the road leading to the beach and provide accommodation that meets any budget. A number of stalls sell fresh food at very reasonable prices meaning you can pick at something all day if you like! For those looking for great views, Khao Phanthurat is about 30 metres above sea level and from the top you can get an excellent perspective of Kamala’s 2.5 kilometer long ‘half moon’ of a bay. Phuket FantaSea is located to the north of the beach.

How to get there: Hat Kamala Beach is 25 kilometres from Phuket town and Songtaews leave for the area on a regular basis. If you are going there from Patong, a Songtaew going along the coast road will cost 20 Baht.

Koh Yao Islands

Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai


Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai are a pair of large islands in the middle of Phang Nga Bay, equidistant to Phuket and the Krabi mainland. While the pace of development is accelerating on Koh Yao Noi in particular, the islands remain a quiet refuge that feels far removed from the crowds of Phuket.

In 2002, Koh Yao Noi gained worldwide attention after receiving the World Legacy Award for Destination Stewardship from Conservation International and National Geographic Traveler magazine for the eco-friendly homestay programs offered by its local residents.

Other activities available on the island include agricultural demonstrations (rubber and fishing), kayaking, hiking, snorkelling and swimming.

Neither of the islands have banking facilities, but Internet service, restaurants and some shops can be found on Yao Noi, including a brand new 7-Eleven with a very powerful air-con, a good chance to cool down and get some sugary drinks and ice creams. So if you plan to stay over, remember to withdraw some cash money before you go, even though there are few opportunities to spend it! Note that the islanders are keen to preserve their traditional ways, so it's important to respect the local culture by dressing modestly and refraining from drinking alcohol outside of the restaurants/resorts catering to visitors.

Long-tail boat ferries make daily trips to Yao Noi from Bang Rong Pier on the east coast of Phuket. From the airport, a taxi will take you to the pier in 25 minutes. To get to the pier, take route 4027 east from the Heroines' Monument, then turn right at the sign for Bang Rong (or Bangrong) and follow along for a few kilometers.


Getting to Koh Yao

The fare is 50 Baht for the one-hour journey, with daily departures from Phuket at 9.30 am, 12 noon and 5 pm. The boat will make a short stop on Koh Yao Yai, then cross to Koh Yao Noi, only 8 minutes away. Long-tail boats can also be hired at Ao Po pier for charter to Koh Yao.

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