What to Do in Kata Beach?
Kata Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast of Phuket island, and it is one of the most popular beach resorts in Phuket after Patong Beach. Kata enjoys a lovely sandy bay with an incredibly blue sea and an iconic island standing in the ocean, making excellent sunset photos. Kata Beach is popular with everyone for whom the beach is the main reason to come to Phuket, with enough dining and shopping options and a toned-down nightlife.
While the beach is long and wide, it is only accessible from the two ends because the Club Med Resort occupies 90% of the 1.5-kilometre beachfront. Most restaurants, hotels, and shops are not on the beach but on the second parallel road that stretches 100 metres east of the beach and is accessible from the south end of the beach.
Kata Beach Travel Guide
While it can be bustling in high season, Kata is less crowded than Patong and still offers a vast choice of hotels, from cheap guesthouses to 5-star hotels, private pool villas and just a couple of lucky beach access hotels. This beach has enough beach chairs with umbrellas and beach massages for a great relaxing holiday. It is also known to be a great family destination.
Pros and Cons of Kata Beach
The Pros of Kata Beach:
- Beautiful beach: 1.5 km of soft sand and clear blue water (especially during high season).
- Family-friendly destination: Variety of accommodations, including budget and luxury options.
- Relaxing environment: Beach massages and beach chairs are available for rent.
- Activities available: Surfing (especially in the low season), mini-golf at Dino Park, and artificial wave surfing at Super Surf Kata.
- Dining options: Beachfront restaurants, night markets, and a mix of Thai and international cuisine.
- Scenic location: Close to popular attractions like the Big Buddha and Promthep Cape.
- Less crowded than Patong: More laid-back nightlife and fewer crowds.
The Cons of Kata Beach:
- Limited access to the beach: Club Med occupies most of the beachfront, restricting entry points.
- Crowded during high season: It can get busy, especially from December to April.
- Safety concerns: Rip tides can be dangerous in the low season; swimming may be restricted.
- Nightlife options are limited: No go-go bars, but several beer bars exist.
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!
The Beach
Of course, the beach is the main reason people travel all the way to be here and choose to stay on this part of the island. The beach is immense (1.5 kilometres), the sand is clear and very soft, and the water has a beautiful blue colour during the high season (December to April). Trees provide plenty of shade to the bay, where you will find drink vendors, beach massage, and a few small but good Thai restaurants. Beach chairs are back and occupy only 10% of the beach (theoretically!), so everyone should be happy.
Renting a chair is easy, and the price depends on each beach, but it is affordable. The staff is always friendly, making sure the chairs are clean and the umbrellas are open when you need them. A Beach massage is a nice way to relax after a long flight or swimming and usually starts at 300 baht.
Note that the sea is fantastic during the high season, but it can be unsafe to swim during the low season (June to November) even if you think you are a great swimmer! The red flags should be strictly respected, as rip tides are known to be treacherous. However, because of the waves, it has become popular among surfers, and surf competitions are even hosted yearly.
Dino Park
Dino Park is a well-designed dinosaur-themed mini-golf with its cool volcano! It is well-designed, and it’s great fun to play with friends or family, but it can get hot in there.
Address: Patak Soi 7, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Near Marina Phuket Resort
Open: 12 pm – 11 pm
Phone: 076 330 625
Price: 490 baht for adults, 390 baht for children
Facebook: click here
Super Surf Kata
Super Surf Kata is a fun artificial wave flowing on a safe rubber slide, great for both adults and kids to play and even practice their balance. The bar and restaurant around the waterslide are trendy and often host parties at night.
Address: 4 Soi Pakbang, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Open: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 091 914 5546
Facebook: click here
Surfing
Surfing is popular during the low season, usually between June and November. The waves are not big, but the south end of the beach is a great spot to learn. You can easily rent all kinds of surfboards anywhere along the beach and take surfing lessons. Once a year, there is a surfing competition.
Parasailing
Parasailing is available but not recommended for safety reasons, as some fatal accidents have occurred. If you still want to try, here is how it works, and it can be a bit surprising: You will be equipped with a parachute on the beach while the speedboat takes position perpendicular to the beach. On the pilot signal, you will have to run for a short distance in the direction of the ocean, assisted by the team. That’s where the most surprising thing happens: as you take off, a crew member will grab the ropes of the parachute and will hang above you during the whole flight without any safety features. That’s quite a sight, but apparently, they never fall.
WHERE TO STAY IN KATA BEACH?
Kata is the second most popular beach after Patong; you can expect to find a massive choice of accommodation. There are a lot of small, affordable guesthouses and budget hotels in the centre of Kata, not far from the night market, and they offer surprisingly great value for money. You’ll find plenty of excellent 4-star resorts around, usually with immense swimming pools and well-appointed rooms, better than you would find in other countries in that price range. Then you have the five-star hotels, often with private pool villas and extravagant breakfast buffets, and yet at reasonable prices (unless you come during the peak season, which is December or January).
When searching for a hotel, keep in mind that there are 2 beaches with similar names: Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach are next to each other. Kata Beach is the main one, and Kata Noi is the little sister, with even more beautiful sand and excellent hotels right on the beach. So, if you really want direct beach access, Kata Beach only has The Boathouse and Beyond Resort Kata with direct access, and Kata Noi has Katathani Beach Resort and The Shore at Kata Thani.
The SIS Kata 
The Sis Kata Hotel is a luxurious hotel in Phuket, located near the heart of Kata Beach and not far from the beach. This resort is the perfect destination for travellers looking for a relaxing and tranquil holiday, with the hotel’s peaceful ambience and excellent facilities. The hotel features an impressive range of amenities, including a rooftop pool that offers panoramic views of the ocean, a fitness centre, a restaurant, and a bar, all designed to provide guests with a truly unforgettable experience. Read more
Check the rates with your favourite websites
Other Popular Hotels in Kata Beach
SHOPPING IN KATA BEACH
Kata Night Market
Kata Night Market is hidden in a maze of buildings and small hotels at the centre of Kata Beach. Despite being relatively unknown, it is surprisingly vast and has gained popularity for serving all kinds of cheap food and dishes in a long line of tiny stalls. The market operates in a food court way, allowing visitors to browse the many shacks until they find what they want, order, pay, pick up their food, and sit at any of the many tables located in the middle of the market.
Open: 2 pm -11 pm, daily
Address: Muang Patak Rd, Tambon Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
WHERE TO EAT IN KATA BEACH?
Kata Beach has a vast array of places to eat and dine, from street food and food markets to award-winning restaurants. Beach dining has always been a favourite during the day, while panoramic sunset terraces are perfect to end your day. You will be surprised by the cuisine and setting you can get in Kata Beach on the high-end. The second road of Kata Beach is packed with places to eat for every budget. There are so many places around Kata where you can enjoy Thai food, seafood, and street food, as well as steak houses and some excellent Italian ristorantes; finding a place to eat will never be a problem.
Sugar & Spice
Phuket 101 Pick
Sugar & Spice is famous for serving excellent Thai and International food at the right price in Kata Beach. The location in the middle centre of the main street makes it very convenient (not far from the night market). The team is friendly, the menu is long and well-illustrated (which is important to help you choose what will trigger your appetite the most), and, importantly, the food is truly Thai, which is often hard to find in beach resorts around Phuket.
Address: 98/7 Kata Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Chang Wat Phuket 83100
Hours: 10 am – 10 pm
Phone: 081 970 6503
Facebook: click here
‘Spice’ by Sugar & Spice
Sponsored
The new ‘Spice’ by Sugar & Spice is located in a small street in the middle of Kata Beach, making your dining experience peaceful as there is less road noise from vehicles going past. The open-air restaurant specializes in delicious Thai dishes but also serves many popular Western dishes.
Address: 48, 27 Kata Rd, Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100
Open: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 081 970 6503
Price: Good value
The Boathouse Phuket
The Boathouse restaurant, situated on Kata Beach, offers a blend of Southern Thai and Western cuisine, serving both lunches and fine dinners. Guests can choose between indoor and outdoor seating, enjoying a romantic dining experience with the stunning backdrop of the Andaman Sea. The restaurant has been recognized by the prestigious Wine Spectator Awards since 1995, boasting a wine list featuring over 150 unique labels.
Address: 182 Koktanode Road, Kata Beach, Phuket, 83100
Phone: 076 3300157
Open: 7 am – 10 am
Facebook: click here
Kata Seafood and Ska Bar
Kata Seafood is easy to spot because of its location right on the beach, next to a gigantic tree. The restaurant serving Thai and seafood is rather touristy, but it keeps a certain old-fashioned charm, and beachfront restaurants are rare in Kata!
Address: 186/12 Kata Beach Phuket, 83100
Hours: 8 am – 10.30 pm
Phone: 081 797 0559
Sugar Shack
Sugar Shack is a popular local restaurant in the heart of Kata Beach, known for its relaxed atmosphere and excellent Thai and Western cuisine. The Thai food is prepared by local chefs who have been recognised for decades, offering authentic flavours without compromise.
Address: 98 Moo 4, Kata Rd, Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 081 970 6503
KATA BEACH NIGHTLIFE
Tree Bay Clubhouse ✓
The Sundeck Phuket
Ska Bar Kata Beach & Kata Seafood Restaurant
Super Surf Kata
HIDDEN KATA BEACH
Kata Beach is a busy beach, especially during the high season (December to April), and most of the places will go from busy to crowded. If you know where to go, you can find peace or hidden gems most people don’t know about. In recent years, more restaurants and cafes have discovered the charm of terraces on the hills surrounding the beach. They offer a welcome shade from trees and amazing views that will add a great background to your photos.
Green Heart Garden
Green Heart Garden, a hidden restaurant located on the hills above Kata Beach, offers breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea, featuring spacious wooden terraces with bamboo furniture and is surrounded by lush trees, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere. The staff is welcoming and adds to the enjoyable dining experience.
A Blanket and a Pillow
A Blanket & A Pillow and another hidden gem in the trees above Kata Beach. This unique venue features bamboo terraces connected by irregular staircases and offers seating options such as colourful bean bags or traditional Thai-style seating on small woven carpets around a small round table. The music selection enhances the atmosphere, especially when paired with cocktails while enjoying the ocean view.
Laem Sai Cup
Laem Sai Cup is a hidden cafe located on the hills of Kata Beach with a stunning view of the Andaman Sea. The cafe features several terraces made of bamboo connected by narrow staircases leading down to the boulders in the sea. Visitors can lounge on traditional Thai square cushions or lie down on colourful mattresses for a comfortable and relaxing experience.
The geography of Kata Beach
Kata Beach is 2 km long, and the beach is 1.5 km long. There are two city centres: the original one is in the north, near Dino Park, and the new and more lively one is in the south, where The Boathouse and Beyond Resort Kata are. There are 3 main roads parallel to the beach: the beach road is very quiet because the Club Med hotel occupies most of the beachfront, and therefore there are no shops or restaurants. The second road connecting the two city centres is lively in the evening, with many dining options and shopping. The largest road in the back is quieter but has cheaper hotels and some good restaurants.
Kata Beachfront
The beachfront is a short scenic drive along the sea on one side and entirely occupied by Club Med on the other. The road is relatively narrow and offers very little parking. Apart from Club Med, the only noticeable landmarks are Surf House Kata, Beyond Resort Kata, and a few beach restaurants at each end. During high season, the road is often closed to host a small night market with stage performances.
Kata Centre
Kata Center is the oldest part of town, and it has grown around a busy intersection to stretch all the way to the south Kata with hotels, cafes, restaurants and even a big night market. The nightlife is very active, and you’ll find many beer bars but no go-go bars. If you drive at night, you can’t miss all these small bars loudly playing different music, the ones at the Kata Centre intersection being the brightest and most welcoming.
Dining options are plenty, but if you want a special dinner, try Kampong Kata Hill on the top of the hill right behind Starbucks (opposite Dino Park) or Sugar and Spice in the middle. There was an apparent gap between Kata Center and Kata South, but both have now merged.
Kata South
The south has become the most active part of Kata, especially in the evening. The roadside is full of places to enjoy an affordable dinner: Thai, seafood, grills and international restaurants, food stalls, and even food markets.
There are 4 or 5 restaurants with terraces over the sand at the very end of the beach for something more fun. What would a holiday be without a bit of shopping? There are convenience stores, pharmacies, and many tiny shops selling souvenirs, summer clothing, beach toys, and luggage.
Accommodation mostly surrounds two long-established hotels: Beyond Resort Kata and the famous Boathouse. Kata Rocks is another fantastic hotel worth mentioning.
Kata Road
The Kata Road connects Kata Center to Kata South, with Club Med and restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops on the other. You’ll find a bazaar, an immense night market, and a Chinese shrine.
KATA BEACH INFO
Is Kata Beach safe?
Kata Beach is a very safe place to spend a holiday, just like the rest of Phuket. Even late at night, you will never feel worried about walking the busy streets until 2 a.m. and even later. If you decide to party late, tuk-tuks are always available to take you back to your hotel, as driving your motorcycle after drinking should be avoided.
The only real safety concerns are driving and swimming in the low season. The sea can be rough, and the rip tides treacherous, so always swim where flags allow or avoid swimming when flags are red. If you travel during the low season, booking a hotel with a lovely pool may be a good idea,
KATA BEACH PHOTOS
Kata Beach Fast Facts
How long is the beach of Kata: 1.5 km
How to go to Kata Beach: you can easily go to Kata by local bus or smart bus, tuk-tuk, taxi or self-driving:
Can you swim at Kata Beach? it is safe to swim in high season but can be dangerous on some days during monsoon season; always respect the flags!
| ⛱️ Beach condition: | Great |
| ⛱️ Other beach nearby: | Kata Noi Beach |
| 📷 Thing to do: | Karon View Point |
| 🛍️ Best shopping: | Kata Night Market |
| 🍴 Best restaurant: | The Boathouse |
| 🍴 Best budget restaurant: | Sugar & Spice |
| 🍹 Best Sunset Bar: | The Sundeck |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Kata Rocks |
| 🧳 Best mid range hotel: | Beyond Resort Kata |
| 🛌 Best budget hotel: | Ibis Phuket Kata |
| 🚙 Distance to Patong Beach: | 13 km |
| 🚙 Distance to Phuket Town: | 17 km |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 48 km |
MAP OF KATA BEACH
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/hW6dLWPC7wsaMkiH9
Your Kata Beach Guide
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