Kata Beach
หาดกะตะ
A crescent-shaped white-sand bay about 1.5 km long on Phuket's west coast, with calm, clear water suitable for families. During the rainy season it is the island's main place to learn to surf.
Kata Beach lies about 15 km south of Patong and south of Karon Beach. It is a crescent-shaped bay about 1.5 km long, framed by headlands at both ends, with clear water and fine white sand. In the dry season the sea is calm, suitable for swimming and family outings, and there is snorkeling around Ko Pu island in the bay. From May to October, the rainy season brings steady small waves that make Kata a popular place to learn surfing, with lessons at about 1,500 baht for two hours. The town behind the beach has many good-value restaurants, massage shops and night markets, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Patong. To the south, across a headland, lies the quieter Kata Noi. A shared songthaew from Patong takes about 30 minutes, while Promthep Cape and Karon Viewpoint are 10–15 minutes away by car. During the rainy season rip currents are strong, and swimming is prohibited when red flags are up. Sunloungers and umbrellas charge a fee.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Big Buddha (Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri)
- Karon Viewpoint
- Karon Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
- Wat Chalong
- Rawai Seafood Market
- Freedom Beach
- Simon Cabaret