Photo by Somkid Chotisawang (CC BY-SA 3.0)
Kata
Long beach with palm trees
Kata Beach on Phuket’s West coast is the island’s second most popular beach, after Patong.
The coral reef at the North end of the beach is a great place for scuba diving.
Long sandy beach
It’s main attraction is the beautiful long, sandy beach lined with palm trees. Sun loungers shaded by a parasol are for rent at 100 Baht. The beach is a great place to watch the sun set in the Andaman Sea. Kata beach can get busy during the high season.
Calm waters
During the dry season which lasts from November until April, the water is usually calm and clear, the waves are low. Kata beach has a gentle slope. The water near the beach is warm and shallow which makes it attractive for families with children. Watch out for red flags on the beach that warn swimmers for strong currents during the rainy season.
Scuba diving
The north end of Kata Beach has a beautiful reef inhabited by many species of colorfish fish like parrotfish, surgeonfish, lionfish and triggerfish. A great place for scuba divers who can walk into the water straight from the beach and swim to the reef.
Eat & drink on the beach
At the North end of the beach are several basic restaurants. You can bring the food back to your sun lounger and eat there. Vendors walking up and down the beach sell drinks, ice cream and local fruits. Fruit smoothies and snacks are sold from stalls on the beach.
Kata Noi beach
A little further South is another beach, Kata Noi. Smaller and quieter than Kata, the sandy beach is great for relaxation. The sea is calm and clear during the dry season. At the far end of the beach is a small bar selling drinks, snacks and coconuts.
Photo by HutheMeow (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Kata town
Although small, Kata town has a good number of restaurants, bars, massage shops and a night market.
Do & See in Kata
There is plenty to do and see on and off the beach for both adults and children in Kata and around.
Dino Park Mini Golf
Dino Park Mini Golf is themed as a prehistoric world with dinosaurs. In a jungle like setting with a waterfall, a volcano, caves and large dinosaurs, people of all ages will enjoy playing miniature golf. Price for the 18 hole course is 240 Baht per person.
Big Buddha
A few kilometers away from Kata beach is one of the biggest Buddha images in Thailand. The 45 meter tall all white image sits on top of Nakkerd Hill in the interior of the island. From the viewpoint you will have great views of the South part of Phuket island and the Andaman Sea.
Surfing
In the dry season the sea is usually very calm with hardly any waves.
During the rainy season from June through October surfing conditions are better. Although the waves are not big, they are good for beginners. If you want to try, rent a board from one of the surf shops or take a surfing lesson at Surf School Phuket & Nautilus Diving at the South end of Kata Beach.
Surf House Kata Beach
If the waves are too low to surf, go for a virtual surf at Surf House Kata Beach. Try to ride the artificial waves created by a flowRider. Have a blast falling off and trying again. The bar serves cocktails, beers and other drinks.
You can find Surf House Kata Beach on Soi Pakbang behind the beach, next to Kata local bus terminal.
Karon viewpoint
About three kilometers South of Kata is Karon viewpoint with beautiful panoramic views of the Southern part of Phuket and three bays and beaches, Kata, Kata Noi and Karon as well as Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill. There are a few stands where you can get drinks, snacks and ice creams.
Skyline Adventure Phuket
If you’re looking for a thrill and fun activity for adults and kids, go to Skyline Adventure Phuket. Walk suspension bridges over the forest and fly from tree to tree over the jungle canopy. The longest zipline is 250 meters. Choose from several packages.
Skyline Adventure is located in the green hills of Phuket near Karon viewpoint, South of Kata.
Kata night market
Kata Night Market is located on Patak Road in the center of Kata town. At it’s many food stalls you can get food as chicken on skewers, BBQ ribs, Pad Thai and noodle soup. Also a lot of fresh seafood like squid, fried prawns and fried fish, cooked right in front of you.
For dessert, try a roti, coconut ice cream or delicious mango sticky rice.
Several vendors sell clothes, bags and souvenirs.
Nightlife
Although there are many beer bars in the center of town, the Kata nightlife is much quieter than that of Patong. There are several bars at the intersection of Kata Road and Taina Road, among others The Garage Bar, Namwhan Bar, Beach Club 51 Bar and The Pig and Whistle.
If you’re looking for intense nightlife with nightclubs, discotheques and go-go bars, go to Bangla Road in Patong.
Places to eat in Kata
Kata has eateries for all budgets and tastes, from simple street food to high end dining. The town has Thai, Indian, Italian and Russian restaurants, as well as burger places and lots of seafood. You can eat at food stalls or markets or dine at high end sea view restaurants.
At the North end of the beach is Charlee Seafood that serves Thai food and seafood with great views of the beach and the bay. On the beach right next to Charlee are several basic Thai restaurants.
At the South end of the beach is The Boathouse restaurant if you prefer exclusive beachfront dining with great views of Kata beach.
Where is Kata Beach
Kata is located on the West coast of Phuket island. It’s about 45 kilometer South of Phuket airport and 10 kilometers South of Patong.
How to get there
From Phuket airport, go to Kata by either taxi or van. Prices start at 200 Baht one way by shared van.
Other Phuket beaches and towns
More Phuket attractions:
Attractions in Phuket
John Gray’s Sea Kayak Tour
- Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
- Explore hidden caves and cliff lined lagoons
- Visit Panak Island and Hong Island
- Kayak in emerald lagoons
- Professional English speaking guide