Kata Beach Guide
The pleasant bay of Kata, just a few minutes south of Karon Beach, entices and charms many visitors with its white sands and clear waters. Very popular with families, Kata is an all round favourite due to its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife and varied accommodation options - all close to the beach. From May to October surfers flock to catch Kata's waves and from November to April the beach is alive with sunseekers.
Kata is split into two focal areas: Kata Centre, which is at the northern end close to Karon and Kata South, home to several resorts. Visitors will find an abundance of shops to browse in, from souvenir and ready-to-wear outlets, to 7-Elevens and local mini-marts, to name-brand fashion stores.
Kata Beach Activities
One of the most popular beaches in Phuket, Kata has the best of both worlds, with swaying palms, white sands and clear water on the beach itself. Inland, you’ll discover a vibrant nightlife, good shopping and many choices of activities, including spa treatment, Thai cooking classes, elephant trekking and more.
Dino Park Mini Golf
Fire-breathing dragons, an active volcano, T-Rex and Brontosaurus replicas and eerie jungle sounds make for an exciting round of mini-golf! Dino Park mini golf is great fun for the whole family. The Jurassic-themed restaurant and bar are perfect for a post-game drink or meal. Watch out for the hungry elephant. (Read more about Dino Park & Patong Nightlife Tour...)
Open: Daily from 10:00 – 24:00; best enjoyed in the cooler evening hours.
Location: On the ‘border’ between Kata and Karon Beach, next to Marina Phuket Resort
Tel: +66 (0) 76-330625
Elephant Trekking
The elephant is Thailand’s national symbol and was actively used in the old days in wars, later on becoming an integral part of Thailand’s lucrative logging industry. Nowadays it is a lynchpin in the Thai tourism scene and a ride on the back of a gentle pachyderm is one of life’s pleasanter surprises. So why not head out for a trek through the Phuket hills? Read a review of Phuket Safari Tour... To book the tour click here...
Open: Daily
Location: Chalong Hills
Surf
Phuket is notoriously unreliable for the continuity of its surf but that doesn’t put off real enthusiasts and neither has it stopped surfing clubs from forming nor a three-times-a-year surfing competition from being organised. The waves are storm generated so you’re only going to catch the big ones in the more volatile low season from May – October but there are surfable days even in the middle of high season. (Read more about Surfing in Phuket...)
Location: Southern end of Kata Beach, and Kata Noi Beach
A Day Boat Trip
On Kata Noi Beach you can try kayaking for around 200 baht an hour. Head south towards Nui Beach where the coastline is untouched. Hire a local boat and go snorkeling. There are excellent reefs at the southern end of Kata Beach and also by Poo Island, just offshore. Longtail boats can also be rented for around 600 baht an hour, depending on the number of passengers and your negotiating skills.
Open: Daily
Location: Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach
Thai Boxing
During your vacation in Phuket why not try something new in the way of getting and staying fit? Muay Thai, or Thai Boxing is the ideal challenge for those who want to learn a new art. The recommended location in the Kata area is the Phuket Muay Thai Camp located on Patak Road in the hills about one kilometre away from Chalong Circle. Its equipment includes nine heavy bags, three long bags, two speed balls, uppercut stations, abs stations and of course a complete gym, with weight benches, free weights, bar bells and skipping ropes. Phuket Muay Thai also has a complete Thai boxing shop selling shorts, shirts, gloves, along with a training service from daily to weekly to a monthly basis. You’ll be expertly taught and guided not only by members of staff but by fellow students. (Read more about Thai Boxing Show...)
Open: Monday to Saturday
Location: Take Patak Road from Kata heading to Chalong on the east coast. Just over the crest of the hill on the Chalong side you’ll see the large blue sign of the club.
Tel: +66-76-284 090
Spa and Thai massage
Give yourself and your loved ones something special during your stay in Kata by booking a spa treatment and you will never regret it. Most spa centres feature well-trained therapists who are wonderful examples of the art of Thai hospitality. For the first-time customer, try the traditional Thai massage and/or the famous foot massage.
Open: Daily. Advance booking is highly recommended.
Location: Gaia Spa at Alpina Phuket Nalina Resort and Spa Tel: +66 (0) 76-370999
Kanda Spa at Kata Beach resort & Spa Tel: +66 (0) 76- 330530-4
Warinthron Spa at Kata Palm Resort Tel: +66 (0) 76-284334
SPA Cenvaree at Centara Kata Resort Phuket Tel: +66 (0) 76-370300
Kata Beach Attractions
It is hard to separate Kata from its picture perfect white sandy beach. But there is a lot more to the place, what with colourful bars, countless restaurants and good shopping. Another good option for a couple of hours is the viewpoint up on the hill between Kata and Rawai and then you can always visit Kata’s Buddhist Temple on Patak Road while the kids’ favourite place has to be Dino Park, right next to Marina Phuket Resort.
Kata Viewpoint
The Thai name for this popular viewpoint is ‘Kho Saam Haad’ which means 'Three-Beach Hill’ because this hilltop looks down over Kata Noi Beach, Kata Yai Beach and Karon Beach, as well as Pu Island, just off Kata Yai Beach. Situated on the road between Kata and Rawai, it is a fairly well-frequented spot with a car park, nicely cultivated gardens, a few snack outlets and two large pavilions to sit in while you admire the sweeping vista.
The road is fairly quiet and it is actually possible to walk up to this viewpoint from Nai Harn and Rawai, although it's a bit of a challenge. If you like a drink or even a meal with your view, further down the road back towards Kata there are two adjacent Reggae bars, the After Beach Bar and Viewpoint. Both are strikingly similar with exactly the same view out over Kata Noi and both feature non-stop throbbing reggae tunes. There is usually someone outside on the road flagging cars down so you'll know where to stop.
Open: Daily
Location: Situated on the road between Kata and Rawai
Kata Beach Location
