Staying in Kata and Kata Noi, Phuket
Two pretty bays in south-west Phuket, popular with couples and families. What Kata and Kata Noi are like, who they suit and when to go.
Kata is a pair of sandy bays in the south-west of Phuket. Kata Yai (Kata Beach) is the larger one, with a small town of restaurants and shops behind it; Kata Noi, over a headland to the south, is smaller and quieter, with only a few hotels. Many visitors find Kata strikes the right balance between Patong’s energy and the isolation of the northern beaches.
What it is like
- Kata Yai has soft sand and a relaxed beach scene, with plenty of restaurants and bars in the streets behind it. In the monsoon months, it is one of Phuket’s best-known surfing spots.
- Kata Noi is a short, steep walk or drive away, with clear water and a more secluded feel.
- Ko Pu, a small island in the bay, can be seen from the beach.
Who it suits
Kata is popular with couples and families who want a beautiful beach and a choice of restaurants without the nightlife of Patong. It also suits surfers between about May and October.
Getting there and around
Kata is about an hour or more from the airport by road. Karon is a short walk or ride north along the coast road. The Karon viewpoint, from where you can see Kata Noi, Kata and Karon together, is on the road south towards Nai Harn. The Phuket Smart Bus stops in Kata on its way to Rawai.
Sea conditions
The sea is generally calm from November to April. From May to October, waves are bigger and rip currents can be strong; swim only where lifeguards indicate it is safe.
Hotel tips
Hotels on the hills between Kata and Karon have sea views but require a walk or ride to the beach. For Kata Noi, check whether your hotel is directly on the beach, as the road down is steep.