What to Do in Kata Beach?
Kata Beach is one of the prettiest spots on Phuket’s west coast — second only to Patong when it comes to popularity. It’s got a soft, sandy bay, super blue water, and a little island out in the sea that makes for perfect sunset photos.
This beach is a favourite for anyone who comes to Phuket just to chill by the ocean. It’s laid-back but still has plenty of places to eat, shop, and stroll around. Nightlife here is much quieter than Patong — just the right vibe if you want to relax after a day in the sun.
Kata Beach is long and wide, but here’s the catch — most of it is taken up by Club Med, which covers about 90% of the 1.5 km beachfront. So, you can only get to the beach from the two ends.
Most restaurants, hotels, and shops aren’t right on the sand, but you’ll find them along a second road about 100 metres behind the beach, with easy access from the southern end.
Kata Beach Travel Guide
Kata can get busy during the high season, but it’s still quieter than Patong. There’s a wide range of places to stay — from budget guesthouses to luxury 5-star hotels and private pool villas. Only a few lucky ones have direct beach access, though.
The beach has plenty of sunbeds with umbrellas and local massage spots right on the sand, making it perfect for a relaxing break. It’s also a top pick for families looking for a laid-back, beachy escape.
Pros and Cons of Kata Beach
How Kata Beach will make you happy:
It’s lovely—1.5 km of soft sand and clear blue water—and it looks even better in the summer.
There are a lot of different types of places to stay, from cheap rooms to high-end resorts.
The beach chairs and massages right on the sand make it a very relaxed place to be.
The low season is a great time to surf. In the summer, you can play mini-golf at Dino Park or try surfing on fake waves at Super Surf Kata.
There is lots of tasty food to choose from, including places on the beach, night markets, and a mix of Thai and other cuisines.
It’s in a beautiful spot close to Big Buddha and Promthep Cape.
There aren’t as many people there and the nightlife isn’t as busy as in Patong.
Here are some things to remember:
Most of the beach is taken up by Club Med, making it a little hard to get to the beach.
Even during the busiest months (December to April), it can still get crowded.
During low season, watch out for rip waves; you might not be able to swim as much.
There aren’t many go-go bars or loud clubs here at night; there are just a few beer places.
WHAT TO DO IN KATA BEACH?
Kata Beach has a lot to offer for everyone. Technically, it is a great base to explore the south of Phuket where most iconic places are, such as The Big Buddha (12 km), Wat Chalong Temple (9 km), Promthep Cape (10 km), Karon Viewpoint (3 km) and the many beautiful beaches in the south of the island.
If you prefer not to go around but make the most of your stay in Kata, the beach is of course the main attraction, but there are a few things you can do for fun.
You can enjoy surfing an artificial wave, playing mini golf among dinosaurs, jet skiing and parasailing and even surfing during the low season.
Kata is a great place to learn surfing as the waves are not too big. Few surf shops rent surfboards here and there and can teach you the basics.
Spas and massages are everywhere, and you should definitely go for them, whether it is to relieve the stress from work, jet lag, or even sunburn!Â