Kalim Beach is located on the west of Phuket Island, next to Patong beach. Essentially, these two beaches are only divided by a rocky formation.
Interestingly, when travelling along the coastal road, this division isn’t visible at all. It seems like this strange rocky beach is just a continuation of Patong, but that’s not the case.
Beach Overview
The beach is about 1.2 miles (2 km) long, with an average shoreline width of 65 feet (20 metres). During high tide, the beach strip narrows to just a few feet (couple of metres), while at low tide it can reach up to 330 feet (100 metres). The beach is generally clean with yellow-white sand.
Due to the abundance of rocks, the beach isn’t crowded and, as a result, remains clean. It’s one of the quiet spots in Phuket where you can peacefully get away from ever-present civilisation and tourists. Among travel agencies, Kalim isn’t popular because of the poor quality of beach leisure.
In case anyone’s interested in reading about other places, I have a brief overview of all Phuket beaches that will help you decide which beach to choose.
Swimming
The beach can be divided into two zones – north and south. In the south, the descent into the water from the beach is extremely steep. After just a couple of steps, the water level will cover you completely. Another downside is the large 3-foot (metre-sized) boulders lurking underwater, so swimmers should be very careful.
However, there’s a silver lining to this. After the tide goes out, numerous marine organisms find shelter in these rocks, creating a unique and beautiful spectacle. That’s why underwater swimming is very popular during this season to get an eyeful of this beauty.
Meanwhile, in the north, the entrance to the water is even with a slight slope. The bottom is rocky, consisting of small sharp stones, so it’s advisable to enter the water in flip-flops to avoid injuries.
Sunbeds and Shade
Unfortunately, only a small part of the beach which directly adjoins Patong is suitable for human swimming. Naturally, that’s where umbrellas over sunbeds have set up shop, claiming their territory.
The sand there has a yellow tint, and the seabed is sandy with occasional small stones. The north of the beach lacks these beach leisure items. There are no sunbeds, no umbrellas, not even trees that could shelter people from the scorching sun.
In summer, the tropical wind and rain season begins on the beach, resulting in high and frightening waves in the coastal zone. Consequently, this attracts active holidaymakers and surfers. Although during storms, swimming or even just entering the water isn’t recommended.
Beach Photos
Swimmable part of Kalim Beach
Non-swimmable part in the north of Kalim Beach
Amenities
It’s quiet at Kalim, there are no shops, shopping centres or noisy bars. It comes alive in the evening. Along the coastal road, modest and cosy oases with benches are set up and in the evening they’re occupied by people who’ve come to watch the sunset.
Helpful Thais sell rice with chicken right there (it will cost 70 baht). Nearby there are cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy nature and the sunset in more comfortable conditions.
Accommodation
Kalim Beach isn’t the best place for sunbathing or swimming in the sea. But it’s perfect as a place to stay (for those who like falling asleep lulled by the sound of waves). There aren’t many hotels and most of them are located in the southern part of the beach.
If a hotel isn’t your cup of tea for various reasons, there’s a budget option (guesthouses) at a price of 5000 – 10000 baht/month. They’re located in the same southern part of Kalim.
In the northern part of the beach:
- Indochine Resort and Villas
- Kalim Beach Place
- Sky Lantern Hotel
In the southern part of the beach, where most hotels are located, you can find quite budget-friendly options.
- Orchid Hotel and SPA
- Bamboo Beach Hotel & SPA
- Kalim Resort
How to Find the Beach
Buses run from Phuket Town to Kalim Beach (30 baht), and if your journey starts from one of the northern beaches (Surin, Kamala or Bang Tao), there’s a decent road along the coast to Kalim. To reach the beach on foot from Patong takes no more than 10 minutes.
