The wide Kata Beach in Phuket stretches for one and a half kilometers between Karon and Kata Noi beaches. Everyone who has been to the island knows it, as it has clean sea, white sand, and a well-developed tourist infrastructure – the perfect combination for package tourists.
The beach stretches 1.5 km between Kata Noi and Karon beaches, separated from them by green hills. The shape of the shoreline resembles a crescent, forming a small bay and creating a cozy atmosphere.
On the first line, there is a huge hotel, Club Med Phuket, which blocks the passage from the second and third lines to the beach. You can reach the sea from the edges or near the center, using a special path along the river. There is enough space for everyone, as despite its moderate length, Kata Beach is quite wide – from 50 to 70 meters from south to north.
The sand is just as tourists imagine it – light, fine, and clean. Locals clean the shore every morning, creating perfect conditions for relaxation. The sand is comfortable to lie on, without worrying about sharp stones, and you can run barefoot along the beach as much as you like. However, for the latter, it's better to wait until the evening or come early in the morning when the sun-heated sand doesn’t burn your feet.
Kata Beach attracts families with children and those who prefer a relaxed vacation. The sea is shallow, the entry is smooth, and the bottom is sandy – a perfect combination for those who value comfort.
To swim properly, you need to walk about 10 meters from the shore, and even further during low tide. But the shallow depth makes this place welcoming even during the low season. Big waves do not reach the shore because it is too shallow for them. There is some water movement, but compared to many other Phuket beaches, it is still possible to swim here even in the summer months. However! Pay attention to the red flags – they warn tourists about strong waves and underwater currents. Ignoring them is not recommended, as the Andaman Sea can be very dangerous during the low season.
On the wide sandy beach, you can find an area with sun loungers and umbrellas. For a small fee, you can relax in comfort. Apart from under an umbrella, finding shade on Kata Beach is difficult, as there are few trees. In the right part of the beach, you can catch some shade in the morning, but by 11-12 PM, the sun takes over. In the afternoon, you can find some relief from the sun in the left part of the beach, but, as usual, all the spots under the trees are taken by experienced tourists. It is better to bring your own umbrella or rent a sunbed under the canopies to avoid getting sunburned.
The area where Kata Beach is located is very quiet, peaceful, and well-maintained. People love it for its comfort and evening calm, which is not easy to find in other areas.
A road runs parallel to the beach. It is quite quiet, but if you plan to visit frequently, be extra cautious. Locals often ignore traffic rules, so the traffic is two-way and sometimes chaotic.
Along the second line, you will find cafés and small restaurants where you can have a decent meal at standard tourist prices. There are small grocery stores and stalls selling beach essentials. If you forget something, you can always buy it on-site.
Closer to the northern part of the second line, there is a shopping street – Kata & Karon Walking Street. On the third line, there is a local night market that operates every Monday and Thursday (4:00 PM - 7:00 PM). Tourists can find clothes, food, souvenirs, and other Thai goods. It may not be the best shopping spot, but strolling through the stalls and checking out the local items is a good way to pass the time instead of spending the entire day under the tropical sun.
The beach has restrooms and showers, located on the left and right sides of the shoreline, but not in the center. Don’t forget to bring some cash, as these facilities are paid. Under fabric canopies, sun-weary tourists can enjoy a massage. Vendors roam the shore selling fruits and light snacks, but they are not intrusive, so they don’t disturb the peaceful atmosphere.
There are several interesting places near Kata Beach that you can visit for a change of scenery:
- Wat Kitti Sangkharam – a temple from 1832. If you plan to visit, bring appropriate clothing – it should cover your shoulders, knees, chest, and stomach. Alternatively, you can wrap yourself in a large sarong to respect local traditions.
- Po Seng Ti-Te – a small Taoist temple hidden near The BluEco Hotel. Its bright gates are visible from afar.
- Kata-Karon Viewpoint – a must-visit spot for tourists. From this viewpoint, you get an amazing panoramic view of three beaches, including Kata Beach. It’s best to come in the evening to enjoy the sunset.
- Dino Park – an entertainment area styled like Jurassic Park. It features a themed restaurant and a mini-golf course.
There is no shortage of entertainment at Kata Beach. Nearby, there is an elephant farm where visitors can go for a ride. It’s a must-have experience in the area – how can you visit Thailand and not get up close with elephants?
On the beach itself, tourists are offered a variety of water activities:
- Jet ski
- Banana boat
- Parachute
- Surfboard and paddleboard rental
- Longtail boat transfer to Nui Beach
If needed, you can rent the necessary equipment – there are rental points for fins, masks, kayaks, and scooters right on the beach.
Children can have fun at the new playground located in the park area near Surf House.
The Kata Beach area offers a wide selection of accommodation options. Several hotels are available, with the largest being Club Med Phuket. Other good choices include Kata Beach Resort and Boathouse by Montara. Overall, there are hotels for every taste and budget.
You can rent an apartment at Villas Elisabeth or look for guesthouses. On the third street from the beach, which is considered the farthest from the shoreline, room prices are ideal for budget travelers.
