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Kata

Phuket

Two pretty bays, Kata and Kata Noi, south of Karon, with good swimming, beginner surfing in the rainy season and a village full of restaurants.

Best for Families · Upscale

Transport
2/5
Sights
2/5
Value
3/5
Quiet
4/5
Food
4/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$130/night · 35 min to Phuket Old Town

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Kata on the map

Why stay here

  • One of Phuket's prettiest beaches
  • Relaxed village with good restaurants
  • Surfing in the rainy season

Who should stay here

  • Families
  • Couples
  • Surfers

Not ideal if…

  • You want nightlife
  • You want to be near the airport
  • You want lots of shopping

What it's like

Kata is many people's favourite Phuket beach: a curved bay with an island offshore, a lively but low-key village and good snorkelling around the rocks. Kata Noi, over the hill to the south, is smaller and quieter, and in the rainy season Kata's waves draw beginner surfers.

It's ideal for families and couples who want a nice beach with restaurants nearby but without Patong's nightlife. It's a 20–30 minute drive to Patong and about an hour from the airport.

Best streets and sub-areas

  • Kata Beach

    The main bay with Ko Pu island offshore.

  • Kata Noi

    Smaller, quieter bay to the south.

  • Kata village

    Restaurants, cafés and massage shops.

Getting around

Nearest stations
Songthaew buses to Phuket Town, taxis, Grab and scooter hire.
To Phuket Old Town
About 35 minutes
From Phuket International Airport (HKT)
About 65 minutes: taxi or Grab from HKT.

Nearby attractions

  • Kata Beach

    Swimming in the dry season, surfing in the wet.

  • Kata Noi

    Quieter beach with snorkelling at the rocks.

  • Karon Viewpoint

    Viewpoint over three bays, just south.

Where to eat and drink

  • Kata village

    Thai, seafood and international restaurants.

  • Beach bars

    Sunset drinks on the sand.

Where to stay in Kata

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Kata Rocks

Why we like it: All-villa clifftop resort with private pools and sea views.

Typical luxury rate in Kata: ~$400/night

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Luxury pick

The Shore at Katathani

Why we like it: Adults-only pool villas above Kata Noi beach.

Typical luxury rate in Kata: ~$400/night

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Best value

Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa

Why we like it: Family resort with a water slide, above Kata Beach.

Typical mid-range rate in Kata: ~$130/night

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Hotels in KataMid-range from ~$130/night

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