Kata Beach

Nestled in southwest coast, Kata Beach is one of most precious jewel that Phuket has to offer. Also known as Kata Yai to distinguish from the smallest twin Kata Noi to the south, the amazing beach lies in a large open bay immediately after Karon Beach, next to the coastal road leading to Phromthep Cap, approximately 47 kilometres south of island's International Airport and 20 kilometres from Phuket Town. Surrounded by an incredible crystal turquoise sea, Kata Beach consists in a strip of white and fine sand long 1.5 km lined by a beautiful row of palm trees offering desired shade on hottest days. Under the trees you will find vendors selling a variety of goods including drinks, food and souvenirs. Or you can simply relax in the shade and enjoy a beach massage. Sun loungers are available for rent along the beachfront and can be hired from the vendors for around 100 baht per day. Just off the northern end of bay lies the small Koh Pu, one of the few islands overlooking the Phuket's west coast. The tiny island can be reached by swimming or kayaking, its beautiful coral reef also provides a perfect spot for snorkelling. In addition to swimming and sunbaths, there is a good choice of beach activities available at Kata Beach during the high season, such as sailing, jet-skis, banana boat rides, parasailing, windsurfing and hobi cats. Surfboards and boggie boards can be hired along the beach. Mainly oriented towards families and couples, Kata beach has a quite lively atmosphere throughout the year and it's pretty crowded in high season, from November to April, while during the monsoon season the beach became the island's most popular destination for surfers and kitesurfers who come here to enjoy the famous Kata's waves, which are longer and higher than in other beaches in Phuket. As a result, the quiet waters of the high season leave the place to a rough sea and the beach can be very dangerous and unsuitable for swimming. Remember to always check to see if the red flag is up before going in the water, and if it is flying the swimming is not only discouraged is absolutely forbidden. The beach hosts many restaurants and high-end hotels on the waterfront, including the prestigious Club Med. The south end of waterfront is mostly occupied by two well-established hotels: Kata Beach Resort & Spa and the well known and newly renovated Boathouse Hotel and its amazing Boathouse Wine & Grill and its newest addition RE KÁ TA Beach Club & Restaurant. This is also the beach's most crowded and busy area. The road runs in the back of beach is filled with plenty of budget hotels and guesthouses that are very attractive, as well as a good number of friendly boutique hotels and five star resorts. Placed behind the beach, Baan Kata offers the most convenient accommodations; clearly you will find the cheapest more far from the beach.Read More