Picturesque promotional photos of Phuket's white sandy beaches are probably taken at Kata Noi. It is very beautiful and also comfortable for visitors. This is one of the most popular beaches on the island, but at the same time, it is considered the most expensive. But let's not get ahead of ourselves, let's talk about it in detail.
Kata Noi Beach is located next to its namesake Kata Beach in a neighboring bay, formed by rocks and a small rocky passage. The shoreline is small, only about 700 meters long, but it has a pleasant width of 50 meters. This allows everyone to find a spot on the soft sand. Since many hotels are located along the first line, there are always plenty of visitors.
The beach is in a dead-end location, meaning the road leading to it ends right there. This makes it a peaceful and quiet place with no city noise or rush. The soft, white sand is so fine and clean that lying directly on it is a pleasure.
Interestingly, this "dead-end" location attracts tourists who prefer sunbathing topless. This is generally not allowed in Thailand, but in places with very few locals, some tourists take the liberty of sunbathing without a top.
Swimming at Kata Noi is very comfortable for people of all ages and swimming abilities. You can reach deeper water fairly quickly, but the entrance to the sea is still smooth and convenient. The seabed is sandy, with no seaweed or rocks.
Large palm trees grow along the shore. Most of them belong to hotel properties, but in the morning, they still provide some shade for the public beach. However, by 11 AM, the sun moves so that it fully covers the shore. Be sure to bring umbrellas or take a break from the sun around noon to protect your skin from excessive UV exposure.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are arranged all along the beach. If there is any shade left in the afternoon, it is usually taken up by hotel sunbeds. However, you can rent one, either under the shade of a tree or an umbrella. There is plenty of space on the loungers.
During the high season, the sea is calm, smooth, and very welcoming. From May to November, the low season in Thailand begins, making swimming conditions unpredictable. Kata Noi is a favorite beach among surfers, who come here from all over the world during this time. The waves can get so high that they sometimes completely cover the shoreline and reach the hotels.
Among all the beaches on Phuket, Kata Noi can probably be called the most peaceful and family-friendly. There are no loud parties, clubs, or discos here, not even a market where tourists like to stroll in search of unique souvenirs.
The infrastructure is minimal, so pedestrians might find it boring. Near the beach, there is only one small mini-market with a limited selection of necessities. Restaurants are mostly within hotels, but they serve all visitors for an additional charge, of course.
There isn’t even a proper parking lot near the beach, so cars have to be parked along the roadside. Spaces are limited, so you need to arrive early to get one. It’s better to come by motorbike, as there is enough space for them.
Regular visitors to the beach recommend visiting the restaurant On the Rocks. It’s easy to find on the left side of the shore, in the farthest corner. The menu is standard, and there’s nothing particularly special about the dishes, but the luxurious sea view makes up for everything.
There are no attractions directly at Kata Noi, but since Phuket is a small island and the cozy Kata Beach is nearby, there are still ways to keep yourself entertained when you’re not swimming.
Close by, you can find an elephant farm – a great experience for both kids and adults. You can also visit one of the viewpoints for spectacular panoramic views of the island. For active travelers, we recommend visiting Dino Park, which takes visitors back to the Jurassic era with waterfalls, caves, and dinosaurs. Don’t miss out on dining in the park’s themed restaurant!
Beach activities include the usual water attractions – jet skis and banana boat rides. In the southern part, you can also go scuba diving or snorkeling. Near the rocks, there is a living coral reef that has not yet been damaged by tourists or local fishing boats, so colorful fish from the Andaman Sea still swim freely around it.
It’s best to bring your own mask and fins since rental snorkeling equipment is often in poor condition, and the best ones get taken quickly. After all, you don’t want to just sit on the beach under the sun the whole time!
The beachfront is occupied by hotels. Staying there can be pricey, but guests appreciate the good service and the peacefulness of the area. The largest hotel is Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, which has a mini-club, a small water park for kids, and several pools.
Across the road from the beach, you can find more affordable accommodation. Hotels like Katanoi Resort and Katanoi Pavilion by Amorn offer good value for money. They are not right on the beachfront, but it’s just a 10-minute walk to the sea. A bit further, you can find even more options.
Independent travelers usually don’t want to overpay for accommodation since they don’t plan to spend much time indoors. They often choose budget guesthouses near Kata Beach.
Active travelers may find the beach a bit boring, as it is designed for quiet sunbathing. Those who love excitement and new impressions might not enjoy it as much. But visiting Kata Noi at least once is worthwhile – it offers a different perspective of Phuket’s coastline, and the views here are stunning!
