Beach Overview
Sand
Natural Beauty
Water Quality
Development
Bathing
Snorkeling
Activities

Kata Map

Nearby Attractions
Dino Golf Park
Kata Viewpoint
Big Buddha

Kata Beach

This is a great bathing beach in a beautiful bay. Kata Beach is sometimes referred to as Kata Yai (Big) to differentiate it from Kata Noi (small). It is just south of Karon and in fact the two resort towns of Karon and Kata merge together.

It is a wide strip of powdery sand lined with casuarina trees. The beach slopes gently into the sea making it a good place for children to play.

The small island at the north end of the beach is Boo Island (Crab Island). There is good snorkeling from the north end of the beach out towards the end of the headland. Under the water is a spectacular coral reef populated with lots of colourful fish. For strong swimmers, you can keep going all the way out to Boo island, which is a good 400-meter swim. There is another lovely reef on the south side of this island.

There are sun loungers lined along the beach. They cost 100 baht each. It is a popular beach but more laid back than Patong. The usual water-sport activities are available - jet-skis, banana boats and parasailing.

The major hotel by the beach is Club Med. It is a huge complex but Kata also has plenty of other accommodation options and a good range of bars and restaurants. It is a nice balance and is a good resort town for families.

During the rainy season, this is one of the more dangerous beaches. That does not deter the surfers who favour this beach and Kata Noi as Phuket's favourite surfing locations.

How to Get There

It is well signposted. The resort towns of Kata and Karon merge together. Drive south along the Karon beach road, turn right at the end and you will come to Kata Beach.

Accommodation

The area closest to the beach is occupied by Club Med. In the streets further back from the beach are plenty of guesthouses and small hotels. Closer to the beach are the major hotels such as:

Budget:
Sugar Palm Resort (3 star)
The Beach Boutique Hotel (3 star)

Mid to High Range:

Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort (5 star)
Andaman Cannacia Resort (4 star)
Aspasia Hotel (5 star)
Centara Kata Resort (4 star)
Kata Beach Resort (4 star)
Kata Palm Hotel (4 star)
Kata Poolside Resort (3 star)
Malisa Villa Suites Hotel (5 star)
Mom Tri's Boathouse (5 star)
Orchidacea Resort Phuket (3 star)
Sawasdee Village Hotel (4 star)
Serene Resort (3 star)
Sugar Palm Grand Hillside (4 star)
Sugar Palm Resort (3 star)
The Beach Boutique Hotel (3 star)
Tropical Garden Hotel (3 1/2 star)

See our Accommodation section for more advice about finding rooms.