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All You Need to Know about Kata Beach

All You Need to Know about Kata Beach

| Last Updated: February 2024

If you want to enjoy the best beaches Phuket offers but don’t want to be overwhelmed by the crowd, then Kata Beach could be spot-on for you. Don’t get us wrong – boatloads of fun and adventure still await in this paradise!

For sure, you don’t want to miss a thing from this family-perfect beach with its pearly white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters that are also perfect for surfing. 

So, let’s go and explore one of Phuket’s most stunning beaches and see what sets it apart from the rest!

Things to Know

Time Zone: Indochina Time (GMT+7)

Address: Karon, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: 24-hours

Costs: Kata Beach is a public beach, so it’s free. 

Language: Thai

Currency: Thai Baht

Calling Code: +66

Electricity: Phuket electrical sockets are Type A or Type B. If your electronic device is incompatible, you may have to bring adapters. 

Why visit Kata Beach?

Kata Beach’s 1.5 km stretch of beachfront 20 kilometers from Phuket Town is bound to captivate your imagination! What’s even more special is its golden sands and clear blue waters.

Arguably the best beach in Phuket, Kata Beach comprises two adjacent beaches rolled into one: Kata Noi on the South and Kata Yai on the North. These two sister beaches hold the secret to Kata’s irresistible enduring charm. 

Kata Noi’s 700-meter sands are perfect for enjoying the weather, soaking in the sun, or having a Thai massage in the shade. You can simply grab a chair and get a picturesque sunset view with the adorable Koh Pu crab island up front.  

Also, it’s no accident the yearly Phuket Surfing Contest happens here in September. During this time, Kata Yai’s waters turn rougher, challenging every surfer with waves reaching up to 2 meters!

Best Time to Visit Kata Beach

The best time to visit Kata Beach depends on your vacation plans. If you plan to be with the whole family with kids, then November to April is best as the beach is calmer. 

That’s also the time when snorkeling and scuba diving are spot on. Steadier waves mean more jaw-dropping views underwater, not to mention dipping into much safer waters.

However, if you want to go surfing and do all sorts of adrenaline-pumping water activities, the rest of the year is your season. The beach becomes alive with adventure seekers as the seas grow more turbulent by that time. 

How to Get Around

Kata Beach is around 20 kilometers from Phuket Town Center. Here’s how you can get there:

Minibus: Minibuses ply the route to and fro Kata Beach and the airport. It’s about a 4-hour ride one way and will set you back around 200 baht.

Private car: You can arrange for a private car. It’s much costlier (about 700 baht from the airport), but you have the advantage of flexibility, comfort, and speed.

Open airbus: These mini-buses are a bit bigger than a songthaew. The advantage is they’re cheap (about 40 baht) to go around Phuket; the problem is you’ll have to catch them as they have a regular schedule. 

Tuk-tuk: A great alternative to go around from anywhere in Phuket is a tuktuk. They’re fast and cheap (just make sure you negotiate ahead); do not expect air conditioning or added comfort as they’re motorcycle-powered.  

Taxi/Grab: If you want speed plus comfort, take a metered taxi; just make sure you negotiate ahead so they’re not overpricing you. Alternatively, download the Grab app on your mobile phone and book a ride.

Things to Do on Kata Beach

Surf like there’s no tomorrow

Media credit: welovesurf_kata

Once the low season from June to September arrives, the sea comes alive, and Kata’s waters become treacherous even for a strong swimmer.

Yet, the rough seas are just the curtain call avid surfers are waiting for. True enough, Kata Beach transforms into a surfer’s paradise, with waves sometimes reaching as high as 2 meters.

To catch the surfing action, go to Kata Yai, as you’ll find a beach break there. There is no need to bring a surfboard, as you can rent one and pay the whole day to find the best fit. 

You can even introduce the whole family to the action! For one, the waves are more manageable close to shore, just perfect for kids to try the smaller boogie boards and bring out boatloads of fun and excitement. 

Kayak, parasail, jetski and engage in other water sports

Media credit: every.day.kata.beach

Kata Beach’s rougher seas are spot-on for races and other competitive sports. To boot, you can explore the crab island of Koh Pu via kayaking! 

What’s more, you can have a whole set of aquatic ride rentals to explore the mesmerizing seas of Kata Beach. We’re talking jet skis, speedboats, Hobie cats, wakeboards, and, yes, banana boats for the whole family.

If you want more thrills, parasailing allows you to see the reefs on both ends. 

Get up-close with the corals

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Kata Beach is a haven for scuba divers, especially from November to April. It’s also the best time to go out and enjoy the clear blue water via swimming or snorkeling. 

Heed to the south side of the beach to explore the underwater world, as you’ll be welcomed by magnificent coral reefs near the stones. 

Skin diving is a good option as well. And if you go full gear and scuba, there are shops in the area where you can rent equipment.

Enjoy a Thai massage session by the beach

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Kata’s picturesque beachfront has ample tree shade at the back, perfect for a Thai massage, which should be about 200 Baht. That, along with reflexology and other massage options, is a favorite tourist activity to destress and relax.  

Also, you may avail yourself of a host of commercial cottages overlooking Kata Beach. You may not find cottages lined up on the beachfront, but there are lots of beach loungers with an umbrella to enjoy the panoramic view to your heart’s desire. 

Two loungers will set you back 200 Baht and are timely if you want to relax under the hot sun with a friend. Coconuts and their milk can be just the ally you need to keep yourself hydrated and in form while under Thailand’s intense heat.

Visit Dino Park

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If you want to play golf, then here’s where you can practice those swings—-with a twist. Dino Park is a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course that the whole family will love!

Treat yourself to an 18-hole miniature golf with high-tech effects, prehistoric caves, and dinos. The bonus? There’s a restaurant on-site to get you a timely carbo boost should the super-fun activity zap your energy over time. 

Ride Super Surf Kata

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Now, here’s another place the kids will love. Super Surf Kata may just be an artificial wave flowing on a sloped rubber slide, but it can be an excellent way to introduce surfing to the kids, not to mention bring about tons of laughter and fun. 

But surfing’s not just the “in” thing here. Like the big waves in Kata Beach during rougher months, you’re welcome to do wakeboarding and kiteboarding here – it’s the perfect introduction to watersports!

Join a Muay Thai class

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Muay Thai, the “Art of Eight Limbs” is not only a great way to stay in top form, but it’s also a superb method to protect yourself. It’s Thailand’s national sport, so if there’s a best way to learn, taking lessons from Thai masters is time well spent. 

Thankfully, there are a couple of spots that offer daily Muay Thai lessons in Kata Beach: Naka Muay Thai and Chang Gym.

Remember that if you really want to be proficient in Muay Thai, you may have to spend more than three days on the island paradise. 

Learn how to cook Thai cuisine

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If there’s a particular cuisine with a complex flavor profile, the balance of sweet, sour, and spicy in Thai cooking should be top of the list. 

And you can immerse yourself deeper in Thai culture by learning how to cook your favorite Thai dishes you tried on your trip! The good news? Many established food places in and nearby Kata Beach offer Thai cooking lessons. 

For example, Kata Rocks and the Boathouse offer sessions for basic Thai cooking lessons. But if you want a more in-depth approach, there are dedicated schools that teach you the ins and outs of Thai cuisine. 

Visit Wat Kitti Sangkharam

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Wat Kitti Sangkharam, the Buddhist temple on the east end of Kata Beach is a treasure trove. You’ll probably miss half of your life if you don’t go as the fascinating temple has Lord Buddha’s relic preserved; and, it’s but a 6-minute walk from Kata.

If you’ve been to the Big Buddha in Phuket, then Wat Kitti Sangkharam should be a close find. While at it, explore nature via the jungle loop (a 1.5 km circular trail) near the temple, ideal for birdwatching, hiking, or strolling.

Where to Stay

Club Med Resort

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Website: https://www.clubmed.asia/r/phuket/y

Address: A, 3 Kata Road Karon S-D, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Contact: +66 76 330 455

Price: ฿฿฿

Book Now

Ultra-luxurious, Club Med is an all-in-one package overlooking Kata Beach with the best Thai cuisine and entertainment. Should you want the best views and services, this 5-star hotel won’t disappoint. 

Expect to splurge here, but every dollar is worth it as Club Med has 306 guestrooms and suites, a large outdoor pool, a playground for children, and a private beach. It’s no accident it’s called “Phuket’s hidden gem.”

Kata Rocks

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Website: https://www.katarocks.com/ 

Address: 186/22 Kok Tanode Road, Kata Rd, Mueng, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Contact: +66 76 370 777

Price: ฿฿฿

Book Now

At Kata Rocks, you’re greeted by an unobstructed view of the Andaman Sea wherever you are in this 5-star hotel destination. The best thing is that it seems to have covered all the bases for your comfortable stay!

You can choose from one- to four-bedroom units with a fully-equipped kitchen, top-tier bathrooms, and spacious living rooms. Then, dip into the private pool terrace with comfy sunbeds – this is luxury at its finest. 

WiFi is also free for all guests, but that’s not the best part, as every room is equipped with an iPad! Whenever you feel sluggish, hit the fitness center to get that beach body ready!

The Boathouse Phuket

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Website: https://boathouse-phuket.com/

Address: 182 Koktanod Rd, Tambon Karon, Kata, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Contact: +66 76 330 015

Price: ฿฿฿

Book Now

When you want Kata Beach to be front and center, this beachfront boutique hotel will not fail to amaze you. Here, you can enjoy the comforts of your stay with lovely suites, and a crescent-shaped pool and refreshing jacuzzi in the courtyard. 

There are even Thai cooking classes offered here—right at the beachfront! Certainly, the Boathouse Phuket is here to please, especially when you dine in its seafront restaurant that serves the best international and local dishes. 

The icing on the cake? This award-winning hotel provides babysitting services, airport shuttle, and dry cleaning. 

The SIS Kata

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Website: https://www.thesiskata.com/

Address: 255 Koktanod Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Contact: +66 76 609 555

Price: ฿฿

Book Now

The SIS Kata Resort is another 4-star hotel right at the heart of Phuket, a perfect location overlooking Kata Beach. The mountainous hotel boasts two stylish infinity pools that will surely be enjoyed by the entire family!

Chanalai Flora Resort

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Website: https://www.chanalai.com/en/flora-resort-home.html

Address: 175 Koktanode Road Kata Beach Amphur Muang Phuket 83100, Thailand

Contact: +66 76 330 148

Price: ฿฿฿

Book Now

Voted as one of TripAdvisor’s top ten best hotels, Chanalai is a mere 5-minute walk to the Kata beachfront. It’s as family-oriented as you want with two swimming pools complete with swim-up bars, not to mention a separate kid’s pool with a kid’s club. 

Start your day right with the fitness room that comes with an expert trainer. Don’t worry about your baby, as babysitting arrangements can be had! 

If you want to explore Kata Beach or the best of Phuket, sightseeing with a guide is available via Chanalai Flora Resort. 

Where to Eat

Mom Tri’s Kitchen at Villa Royale

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Address: 12 Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, 6.30 am to 11 pm
Contact: +66 (0)76 333 568

Costs: ฿฿฿

A top-rated restaurant, Mom Tri’s is part of the famous Villa Resort overlooking Kata Beach. You’d love the view here as the tables are situated next to huge windows displaying the Andaman Sea in its fullest splendor, perfect for sunsets. 

While you may squirm at the menu prices, the food choices are extensive. Well, its award-winning gourmet restaurant offers everything to make your mouth water: from Thai cuisine to continental and even fusion. 

Kata Rocks Clubhouse

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Address: 186/22, Kok Tanode Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, 11 am – 10 pm
Contact: +66 (0)76 370 777

Costs: ฿฿฿

Oh wow, this one’s at the oceanfront, so the view alone is worth the dining. It’s no accident Kata Rocks is an award-winning restaurant that has graced prestigious circulars such as the ‘Thailand Tatler Best Restaurant Guide.’ 

You can dine in the sunset bar in your bikinis with the waves just a few meters away. Top all that with their authentic Thai and Mediterranean cuisine, which will surely capture your discriminating tastes like no other. 

Mom Tri’s Wok Pagoda Kitchen

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Address: 32/78 Moo 4, Patak Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, 11 am – 10 pm
Contact: +66 (0)76 608 899

Costs: ฿฿฿

If you want a feast of the best Asian, Thai, and Western recipes, then Mom’s Tri’s Wok Kitchen is a good choice. Wok Pagoda is a sister restaurant of Mom Tri’s located at the topmost peak of the hill in Chalong, giving you a great POV. 

Get yourself a taste of charcoal cooking: a fine art to retain the taste of fresh ingredients handed down from generation to generation by Thai and Japanese chefs alike. Try the tapas and fine wine to top it all to get you in the mood. 

On the Rock

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Address: 47 Karon Road, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, midday to 11.30 pm
Contact: +66 (0)76 330 625

Costs: ฿฿

Hoping to have a rock-solid food experience? On the Rock, a few meters from Kata and Karon beaches lives up to its name, and you’re looking at a rock-inspired food outlet epitomized by its granite southern walls, not to mention its rock foundation. 

You have an open view of the Andaman Sea so the place is a sought-after resto for lovers and the whole family. Feast yourself on Thai seafood here, so you have king prawns, crabs, crayfish, and just about everyone on SpongeBob on your table. 

Kampong Kata Hill

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Address: 4 Karon Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, 12 noon to 11 pm
Contact: +66 (0)76 330 103

Costs: $$

Should you want to dine in the presence of the Buddha and have a blast, then Kampong Kata Hill is perfect. It’s a fusion of art galleries and Thai and seafood restaurants rolled into one to make one unforgettable experience. 

You may have difficulty finding it as it’s encircled by tropical greens at a hill, but you can enter it from Karon Road, just beside Starbucks. While there are a lot of seafood and Thai dishes on the menu, make sure you order pizza to get going. 

Where to Shop

Kata Plaza

Media credit: phuketshoppingtours

Address: Kata Road, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Operating Hours: Daily, 10 am to 10 pm

Situated just opposite Club Med (as most of these shops are), Kata Plaza could be your one-store-has-it-all souvenir shop, a great find if you want to impress everyone back home. Prices are negotiable, so wear a smile — feint if you have to.  

Handicraft stalls around Kata Beach

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Address: Kata Road, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily, 12 noon to 11:30 pm 

If you want to max on the bargain, handicraft stalls can be a treasure trove. These stores, which will surely amaze you with their variety, are located near Dino Park, so the kids can enjoy the rides while you make the most of your shopping spree. 

KT Plaza

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Address: Kata Road, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Operating Hours: Daily, 10 am to 10:00 pm

KT Plaza may not be your super-sized mall but the roofed building houses a lot of stores, ATMs and a Thai restaurant. So, it can be a timely stop if you’re on the prowl for good finds; plus, there’s a bathroom-for-hire at the back. Touche!

Palm Square Phuket

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Address: 88, 29-30 Kata Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand 

Operating Hours: Daily from 4pm to 11pm
Phone: +66 (0)88 765 3515

For a more luxurious shopping experience, Palm Square Phuket shouldn’t disappoint you. Here, 8 restaurants/bars await you. Add to the list a fitness studio, a spa, and a series of boutiques, and you might wish you had a bigger wallet next time. 

The local night market

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Address: Patak Rd, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Operating Hours: Daily from 5 pm to 10 pm

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to check on cuisine that’s exotic and unusual, the local night market could be your cup of tea. One catch: this collection of tiny stalls between buildings and hotels in the middle of Kata could be hard to find.

But it’s all worth the effort. Food stalls could offer the usual Thai dishes (e.g., Pad Thai with fried rice) or stretch your imagination by offering cooked insects; we’re talking about crickets, grasshoppers, and a host of creepy crawlies. 

Plus, whether you want a new bag or a pair of running shoes, the Thai local night market could be the bargain find you need. Yup, many of the goods are at bargain prices; just ensure you keep your wallet safe while shopping until you drop. 

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