Kata Beach is one of the ‘big three’ Phuket beaches and a lot more family-orientated than Patong and Karon beaches. It is just south of Karon and Patong and is beautifully flanked by hills.
Kata has a distinctive laid-back look and feel to it, hemmed-in as it is on both sides and with Pu Island just offshore. The beach bends around for a kilometer and is backed by large, shady trees. The best thing is that the main road into town is way back from the shore, with just small road behind the beach and a large, green resort behind that.
Kata Beach happens to be the main surf destination on Phuket, when the surfs up, and also boasts excellent dining and shopping options. There are plenty of market stall type shops in the main part of the town, where there are also loads of quality resorts and bars.
Getting There & Away
Kata is farther away from the airport than most of the beaches in Phuket and transfer times can be longer than an hour by taxi. Metered taxis are the best value as opposed to the co-op taxis at Phuket Airport Arrivals. Phuket Town is 40 minutes by road from Phuket International Airport and 30 minutes from Kata via Chalong. Flights connect Phuket’s airport with the main air gateway to Thailand in Bangkok.
Things to Do
Kata Attractions
- Kata Beach
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Easily the biggest attraction in kata, with great sand, water and surf (in season), along with beachfront hotels and eateries.
- Kata Noi Beach
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Just over the headland and south of kata, kata noi (‘small kata’) is even more charming with a no-through road and limited hotels.