Kamala, Phuket

Kamala is a beach village on Phuket's west coast, a short drive north of Patong, with a quieter and more local feel. It has a long strip of bars along the beach road, a night market and a few beach clubs. It suits visitors who want a base away from Patong's crowds.

Relaxed, with a small-bar feel. The evening is made up of open-air bars, a beer garden, sports bars and beach clubs, and the crowd is mostly holidaymakers and long-stayers. There is no big red-light strip, so it is a place for a drink and a chat. Patong is the next stop if you want more.

No. Kamala has no red-light hub and no gogo bars or clubs in the listings, though it does have Kamala Beergarden and a few bars with cheeky names, such as Naughty Girls and O.N.S. Bar. The adult scene is small and low-key. Bangla Road in Patong is the nearest proper red-light area.

Mostly bars. Of 25 places, 19 are bars, 2 are massage shops, 2 are markets, 1 is a beer bar and 1 is a rooftop, Vanilla Sky Bar and Gastro Pub. Cafe del Mar Phuket is among the bars, and Kamala Night Market is among the markets.

Kamala is the smaller and more local of two quiet beach neighbors, with a strip of open-air bars and a night market. Bang Tao lists fewer places, 19 against 25, but has a larger beach club and a nightclub. Both are calmer than Patong, which is a short drive south.

Stay in Kamala for beach days and a relaxed base, with Patong a short ride away for bigger nights. Start with a drink at the beer garden or one of the open-air bars, then see how the evening feels. Ask the hotel how it treats visitors before you book.

By taxi, Grab or Bolt from the airport or Patong, since Phuket has no metro. Locally you can walk along the beach road, but for longer trips take a ride and agree the fare first for tuk-tuks and taxis. Avoid scooters after drinking, and wear a helmet if you do hire one.

Rides home and rental scams. Taxis cost more late in the evening, so book yours early. Photograph any hired scooter before riding and leave cash instead of your passport. In the rainy season the surf can be dangerous, so check the flags before swimming.