Kata Yai Beach
Kata
The main beach — a wide arc of golden sand with clear water in the dry season and a lively but relaxed atmosphere. It is popular with families.
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Phuket, Thailand
Kata Beach
A golden sand bay with good swimming in the dry season, surfing in the monsoon and plenty of restaurants close by.
Favourite places
Koh Pu
Kata Bay
The small wooded island in the middle of the bay, a classic Phuket view. There is some snorkelling around the rocks at the north end of the beach in calm weather.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Kata Noi Beach
Just south of Kata Yai, over the headland
A smaller and calmer cove backed by green hills, with fewer people and good snorkelling at its southern rocks.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Surf season at Kata
Central Kata Beach
During the south-west monsoon Kata is one of the best places in Thailand to learn surfing, with surf schools renting boards on the beach.
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Local food
Massaman curry
Phuket, Thailand
A mild, rich curry from southern Thailand with potatoes, peanuts and warm spices, often made with chicken or beef.
Grilled seafood
Phuket, Thailand
Fish, prawns and squid grilled over charcoal and served with a sharp chilli-lime sauce.
Mango sticky rice
Phuket, Thailand
Sweet ripe mango with sticky rice and coconut cream, a favourite dessert in the hot season.
Where to eat
Kata beach road restaurants
Behind Kata Yai Beach
Many Thai and international restaurants along the road behind the beach, from simple family places to seafood restaurants.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Karon Temple market
Karon Temple, a short ride north
An evening market held on set days of the week with cheap street food, snacks and clothes.
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Where to stay
Kata
Phuket, Thailand
Family-friendly resorts and guesthouses within walking distance of the beach, quieter than Patong but with plenty to eat.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Kata Noi
Phuket, Thailand
A handful of hotels above a quiet cove, good for couples who want calm days on the sand.
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Culture
Kata is a family beach: cover up when leaving the sand and keep noise down at night. Thai lifeguards close the sea with red flags during the monsoon — follow their whistles. Small spirit houses at hotels and shops hold daily offerings; do not touch or move them.
History
Kata is quieter and more family-friendly than Patong. Small Koh Pu island sits in the bay, and neighbouring Kata Noi is an even calmer cove.
Tour plans
Kata beaches and the southern viewpoints
1 dayStep 1: Morning at Kata Yai
Swim, snorkel near the rocks or take a surf lesson in the monsoon season.
Step 2: Kata Noi
Head over the headland to Kata Noi for a quieter afternoon on the sand.
Step 3: Karon Viewpoint
Ride south to the viewpoint for the famous view of three bays.
Step 4: Sunset at Promthep Cape
End the day watching the sun set from Phuket's southern tip.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April for swimming and snorkelling around Koh Pu; May to October for surfing, when the waves are bigger.
How to get there
About 20 minutes south of Patong by car or songthaew.
Getting around
Kata is easy to walk around. Songthaews run along the coast to Karon and on to Phuket Town during the day, and Grab and local taxis are available. A scooter or car is handy for Kata Noi, the viewpoint and Promthep Cape.
Travel tips
Surf lessons run from May to October; swim between the flags.
