Beach map reviews. All the beaches of Phuket and the best beaches of the island - a description from personal experience
Entertainment on Kata Beach, Phuket Island inferior in diversity and scale not only to Patong, but even to Karon, which lies half a kilometer to the north. True, you won’t be especially bored. The main part of the development in this area fits between the streets Kata Road and Patak Road, running parallel to the coast. There you can find shops, massage parlors, restaurants, bars, internet cafes. There are several markets (it is important to learn before visiting them). Due to the large number of vacationers, signs, banners, and posters in their native language are quite common.
There are several excursion bureaus offering short tours around the area or long tours throughout Thailand (about the most selected excursion programs oh read the article ""). Thanks to the often choppy seas, this place is ideal for beginner surfers, which is why a training school has opened in the south of the beach. On a wooded cliff between Karon and Kata there is a small mini-golf course, the name of which speaks for itself due to the fact that it is made in the style of the Jurassic period. Therefore, you can see dinosaurs in it, although not real, but quite realistic.
If you don't know where to eat on Kata Beach, then check out Mom Tri’s Kitchen. The food there is excellent, but the minimum check is 1000 baht. You can simply grab a bite to eat anywhere; street food is found at every turn. In the evening, food courts open near many hotels.
Mom Tri's Kitchen Restaurant
Due to the lack of nightly entertainment of a sexual nature and the distance from noisy Patong, this place is ideal for family vacation, allows you to relax and enjoy the beautiful surrounding nature. However, during the high season the beach is not lightly crowded with tourists.
Shopping
Shopping on Kata Beach on Phuket Island will most likely disappoint you. Small shops and small local markets predominate here. Clothes and shoes made in Thailand, traditional souvenirs, the range of goods is limited to this. For serious shopping, it is better to go to or Patong.
Attractions
About five kilometers south, if you take Route 4233 (Chalong Ring), there is an observation deck located on Kho Sam Hat Hill. From there you have a wonderful view of the west coast of the island and the three surrounding beaches.
On the way to the Big Buddha you can look into the current temple complex Wat Chalong. It was built at the beginning of the 19th century; on the territory there is a religious school and a dormitory for monks. Interesting for its architecture, paintings and statues. You can turn to fortune tellers.
Hotels
Hotels on Kata Beach on Phuket Island are located outside the coastline. On Kata Road, the distance from the entrance to the water's edge reaches 200 meters. Closer - about 90 meters - are the hotels located on Koktanod Road. Accommodation in them is the most expensive. Read about how to find a cheap hotel on websites and. Below is a widget of the most popular hotels with the ability to book.
How to get there
After purchasing a tour to Kata Beach and landing a plane at Kata Beach, tourists often have questions about how to get there. Even more often, the problem resolves itself, since taxi drivers are usually waiting in the arrivals hall and offering a ride anywhere. The trip in this case will cost from 200 to 1000 baht. You can also get there by regular minibus. The counters of carrier companies are located in the arrivals hall; finding them is not difficult. In general, getting from the airport to Kata is not difficult.
If you are traveling in a large group or with a small child, it is better to order a transfer through the popular service KiwiTaxi.ru. In the first case, you will save quite a hundred baht, thanks to a roomy minivan, in the second, you will get there with greater safety for the child, as the driver will offer a child seat. You can select a transfer and find out prices in the widget below.
You can get to Kata Beach from Phuket Town by municipal transport - blue regular buses. From Phuket Town they depart from Ranong Road, and on Kata they stop a hundred meters from the beach, at the intersection of Kata Road and Koktanod Road. The ticket costs from 40 baht, the bus stops near each palm tree, so it covers 20 km in almost an hour.
From Patong towards Karon there is a road - Siriat Road. She is alone and it is impossible to get lost. The distance according to the map is about five kilometers, but taking into account the terrain - the mountains - there will be all 15, so it cannot be reached on foot. Rent a tuk-tuk, taxi, or just ask a Thai man on a motorized sai to give you a ride. Phuket Town is connected to the southwestern coast of the island by two roads: Phra Phuketkaeo Road, going through the town of Ka Thu and leading to Patong; Chaofa East Road (Chalong), which turns into Patak Road and goes to Kata Beach.
Kata Beach is the third most popular and visited beach on the island. It is located on the southwestern coast of the island territory, about 20 kilometers from the provincial capital of Phuket -.
Kata Beach cannot be classified as a huge coastal area, since it is only about a kilometer in length and does not exceed 40-50 meters in width.
If you go to Phuket on your own, you may not immediately find Kata Beach, since the boundaries of two neighboring settlements (Kata and Karon) are quite blurry.
Division of the beach area
Kata Beach is geographically divided into two separate beaches: Kata Noi and Kata Yai. Kata Yai is the largest of the parts. It is always noisy, crowded and has a sufficient variety of entertainment. Kata Noi, on the contrary, is a small and quiet beach that is not very popular among tourists from Europe and Russia. You can get to Kata Noi beach only from the road, going down a small staircase of 70 steps. Considering that this region has high humidity and hot weather, this path to the beach area is not suitable for everyone, so when planning a vacation in deserted Kata Noi, take this feature into account.
Kata Yai is a sandy beach without any rocks. There is some vegetation near the sand line, so if you wish, you can hide from the sun under the treetops. You can also rent a sunbed and umbrella (costs about 100 baht). The entrance to the sea is gentle and calm. In the northern part of Kata Yai (closer to neighboring Karon) there is a coral reef with excellent conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.
Kata Noi is also a sandy beach, with fine white sand. The entrance to the sea here is sharp, so the beach is not suitable for families with children, since children can only swim at high tide, when the water comes very close.
Weather
The rainy season on Kata Beach lasts from approximately mid-May to the end of October. At this time, the beach is not particularly hospitable, as the sea is quite restless: strong waves, sharp gusty winds. This time is suitable for surfers, so there are a lot of them here during the low season.
From mid-November to January is the tourist season, so the weather is mostly favorable for beach holiday, there is practically no wind and waves off the coast.
How to get there?
You can get to Phuket by direct charter flight from major cities Russian Federation. Solo travel you will also have to start with a flight to, and then a trip by air or land to the island of Phuket.
Once you're in Phuket, it won't take long to get to the beach. For example, from Kata Beach it takes no more than 15-20 minutes.
From Phuket airport to Kata beach is approximately 40 kilometers. It is best to cover the distance by taxi, but if you are a budget tourist, use the public bus. You can also rent a car in advance.
Traffic jams are common in Phuket, so be patient.
If you are already in the town of Kata, then you can get to Kata Beach by bus (departs from the terminal at the city market on Ranong Road). His first stop is , and then Kata.
If you rented a vehicle, then from the city center go along the road where the La Meridian Phuket Hotel is located until the roundabout, and then turn right in front of the Kata Beach Resort Hotel.
Entertainment
Kata Beach can offer a wide variety of entertainment that is not limited only to the coast. Of course, in scope it is still far from neighboring Karon and even more so from Patong, but it can still please vacationers here.
The village of Kata itself consists of three parallel streets, each of which is full of shops, restaurants, cafes, nightclubs, massage and spa salons, as well as several small markets. You won't be bored here either during the day or in the evening.
Also, local excursion bureaus offer many excursion tours, which involve not only exploring nearby attractions, but also traveling throughout the island of Phuket and even further.
Conveniently, everything here is always clear to Russian-speaking citizens, since there are a lot of signs in Russian.
In the south of Kata Beach there is a center where you can learn to surf.
Between Kata Beach and Karon Beach there is a great place for family fun - Dinopark. This is a mini golf course, but it is made in the style of Jurassic Park, which is very popular not only with adults, but also with children. While parents are captivated by the game, their children already imagine themselves as dinosaur tamers. If you do not intend to play, and the purpose of your visit is to explore the park, then the cost of the entrance ticket will be half the price.
Hotel accommodation
Kata Beach offers luxurious accommodation: there are more than 100 accommodation options from budget guest houses to luxury hotels with luxury rooms. Pricing here is moderate if we consider this issue within the framework of the island of Phuket.
But still, you should not neglect pre-booking, since there are many fewer budget options here than 4 and 5 star hotels. During the high season, upon arrival to Kata Beach, you simply may not find a suitable accommodation option.
The vast majority of hotels and inns are located at some distance from sandy beach or along the road towards Patong. But, there are several hotels here - Kata Beach Resort and Katazani Resort - that are located very close to the beach.
Be careful when placing hotels along the road, especially in a place where there is a fence on the other side of the area. For example, at Chanalai Romantika Resort there are only 2 common entrances to the hotel grounds. Despite the fact that the hotel is located close to the sea (about 50 meters), if you are staying in a bad place (to the side of the entrance), go to coastline you will have to detour at least half a kilometer.
Nutrition
Kata Beach has on its territory a sufficient number of bars and restaurants with a variety of cuisines, which will allow you to have a snack or a hearty lunch at any time convenient for you. There are also plenty of similar establishments in the village, some distance from the sandy zone. There are a lot of mokos and trays with budget food for tourists on a modest budget. It should also be noted that the prices for dishes in restaurants and street food are quite reasonable.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen is rightfully considered one of the best establishments that often appears in tourist reviews. There are very tasty and varied local cuisine, a good wine cellar and a very cozy atmosphere. But, the establishment is designed for wealthier tourists, since it is unlikely that you can eat here for less than 1,000 baht.
Those vacationers whose budget is rather modest and limited can visit fast food establishments (“7-Eleven”, “On the Rock”, “Two Chefs”, etc.). Some of them are even designed for late visitors. These places are the best place to try the famous Thai pancakes.
If the option of eating in cafes and bars is completely expensive for a tourist, then food can be purchased in stores.
Sights and excursions
If you are vacationing on Kata Beach, you should definitely visit the neighboring beach areas - Patong, Nai Harn and Karon. But, in addition to such excursion programs, there are several other places that are definitely worth going to. For example, one of them is a Buddha statue, rising above the ground by as much as 45 meters. It is located near Kata Yai in a mountainous area. Also pay attention to the viewpoint (observation platform), which not so long ago was part of settlement Kata, and now refers to Karon, but this does not detract from its merits, since it offers stunning views of the entire coast of Kata Beach and a little further.
There is another observation deck, which not everyone knows about: the views from here are not so gorgeous, but there are almost never any visitors here. You can get to it along the road from Karon Viewpoint (if you are facing the tower, the road is to the left). The path itself is a sight to behold as it passes through a beautiful and dense tropical forest.
Kata Temple also deserves the attention of tourists. It is located at the foot of the cliff in the east of the beach area. Not only is the building very old, but there is also a very beautiful initiation hall, there are dormitories for monks and even a school. The very way of life and way of life of the people living here is impressive and fascinates tourists.
Here, as in other beach areas of Phuket Island, tourist and local excursion agencies offer a variety of tours both in Phuket and beyond. For example, you can go to watch the sunset on the open sea, look at the beach and its surroundings from a watercraft during a sightseeing boat excursion, visit one of the national beaches in the north of Phuket island, or go to famous islands( , etc.). Choosing one or the other excursion tour depends only on your personal preferences and free time (some excursions may take more than one day).
In this article I want to tell you about one of the most popular beaches on the island - Kata Beach, located in the southwest of Phuket, between the beaches of Kata Noi and Karon. In my personal ranking of Phuket beaches, Kata Beach may not be in first place, but it is definitely in the Top 5. And if you read other tourist reviews about Kata, it will become absolutely clear that I am not the only one who highly appreciates this beach. You can find out why it is so good by reading the entire article.
In addition to the review itself, seasoned with beautiful photos of the beach from a quadcopter, you will also find a lot of other things in the article useful information, including answers to questions about how to get to Kata, what to see, where to eat, and much more. 🙂 Well, if you are interested in information about hotels located on Kata Beach, then we have prepared a special review for you. Look for it at this link -.
By the way, subscribe on my Instagram. I promptly post it there the best photos and stories from my travels. 🙂
Kata Beach on the map of Phuket
To quickly get your bearings, I’ll briefly tell you about the area adjacent to the beach. There are 3 roads running parallel to the beach. The first one is just an access road to the beach. Between the first and second, the entire territory is occupied by one large hotel. The second road is Kata Road, where you can find pharmacies, exchange offices, Seven Eleven and Family Market fast food stores, massage parlors, and tours. agencies and other tourism infrastructure.
Between the second and third lines there are various hotels, hostels, etc. Well, the third is the main Patak Road, along which you can head to the north or south of the island.
How to get to Kata Beach
If you want to budget get to Kata Beach (or from Kata to nearby beaches), then pay attention to the characteristic blue buses, which cannot be confused with anything else. They ply along Kata Road and it's the most... cheap way get to Kathu from Karon and from Phuket Town - 40 baht one way. But you won’t be able to get from Patong to Kathu by bus - you’ll have to order a taxi.
It’s not difficult to catch a bus; you just need to stand in the direction of travel and, when you see a bass approaching, stretch your arm up. It doesn’t matter whether you are at a stop or not. To make the bus stop where it needs to be, you just need to press the interior bell - the driver will immediately press the brakes. Once you get off the bus on Kata Road, you can walk to the beach in just 2-3 minutes.
In addition to buses, you can always order to Kata. This is, of course, more expensive, but it is much faster and more comfortable. This is also convenient if your flight arrives at night, as was the case in my case - I had to order a transfer, because otherwise it is impossible to get to Kata at night.
Review of Kata Beach from Travel or Die
Kata Beach is located in a bay, between two green hills, behind which lie other popular beaches that I advise you to definitely visit. From the south it is, and from the north it is Karon. The beach is covered with snow-white sand. By the standards of Phuket, the beach is not the largest, but despite its popularity, there is no feeling that there are so many tourists that it is impossible to squeeze through. Even in high season there is always enough space.
Parking at Kata Beach
If you are moving around Phuket with a rented car or scooter, then you are probably interested in the issue of parking near the beach. In general, there are no problems with this here. There are several free parking areas near Kata. The largest one is in the northern part, just before reaching the beach, after turning to Novotel, on the right hand. Cars are left there. The only negative is the lack of shade; the cars are standing directly in the sun.
1) Another free parking lot can be found at the southern end of the beach. There aren't many places there, but if you're lucky, you can even park in the shade.
2) Almost the entire road leading along the beach is given over to scooter drivers - there are plenty of places here. By the way, if you think that the road may make the beach too noisy, don’t worry. Traffic here is weak, because... This is not the main highway, so nothing disturbs the peace of vacationers.
3) Kata beach length is approximately 1.5 kilometers, width about 30 meters. And despite such a decent length, you can get to the beach only in two places, in the north and in the south. Those. if you live in the center of the beach, somewhere on the second line, then you will have to walk almost a kilometer in one direction. Not very convenient.
4) The thing is that almost the entire first line in front of the beach was occupied by the Club Med Phuket hotel. Then you have to go around/go around it, turning the hook. So, if you want to live in a hotel on the first line of Kata Beach, then you should stay here. 🙂 By the way, you can check prices and book this hotel using the link. But you don’t have to do this, then it will go bankrupt, it will be demolished and you can easily get to the beach through the vacant lot.
5) In the north, in addition to the highway, there is also a narrow through pedestrian path stretching along the Stinky River. It can be seen at the bottom of the photo. But again, for those who live in the center of the beach, it doesn’t make any special weather; it’s still a long walk.
Northern part of Kata Beach
6) When I lived in the Kata area (in an excellent area), like many others I got to the northern part of the beach through a walking path. This part is least suitable for swimming, because... Longtails are moored here, which not only stink a little with their engines, but also interfere with navigation with mooring ropes.
7) The northern part of Kata is crowned by a small rocky and wooded cape, which is a kind of separator between Kata and Karon.
8) At low tide, you can walk along the rocks at the foot of the cape to its extreme tip and simply chill on the waves or arrange a photo shoot.
10) Fishermen come here along the road through the jungle (and I got there the same way).
11) In general, on this cape there are several small paths that lead to stones near the water, so if you want to see Kata from a different perspective, you can get to the cape either on foot or by bike. You just need to, a little before reaching the beach, turn up the hill where the Novotel and other hotels are located and reach the end of the asphalt pavement, from where two paths will lead, to the northern point of the cape and the western one.
12) This is what the road looks like from the air. If you go straight, you will get to the western part of the cape, and to the right you will get to the northern part. By the way, it’s convenient to launch a drone from the cape if you want to photograph Kata and the surrounding area from the air. The fact is that it is now impossible to use quadcopters in Thailand without registration and a flight permit, but if you don’t do it completely openly and use not some giant octocopter, but a compact and less noticeable Mavic, then in principle you can try it secretly.
14) View of Karon from the cape.
15) But let's go back to the beach and walk from north to south. In general, Kata Beach is quite clean, and it is regularly cleaned by specially trained people, but at low tide a little natural debris sometimes accumulates on the shore. This is especially noticeable in the north; I don’t remember this happening in the south. Perhaps there is less cleaning here due to the proximity of the boat dock.
16) Also, sometimes there are all sorts of traders on motorcycles driving around in circles for no apparent reason.
In general, I hope you understand that the northern part of the beach is not really suitable for swimming. 🙂 For this you need to go in the opposite direction from the cape. I am focusing on this only because some tourists complain about Kata in their reviews, saying that it is dirty, the river stinks, the boats make it difficult to swim, etc. and so on. You just need to move 100 meters away, where the sunbeds begin, and everything will be okay.
Central part of Kata Beach
17) Moving from north to south you will immediately see a row of sun loungers with umbrellas. Sun loungers are paid - 100 baht per day They even give you a receipt.
18) Here you can already fully swim, without fear of getting washed away by the sewage of the stinking river.
19) If you don’t want to rent a sun lounger, no one will force you, you can sit right on the sand. But I’ll warn you right away - during the day the sun in Thailand is hot, it’s quite difficult to find shade on Kata, so an umbrella definitely won’t hurt you. Or a thick layer of protective cream on the body. 🙂
20) Small shady spots on the beach are quickly occupied by more nimble tourists, but even this saves little because After lunch, the sun comes out from behind the trees and persistently hits you right in the face.
21) The central and southern parts of Kata Beach are excellent for swimming for both adults and children. The entrance to the water is gentle, the depth begins after a couple of tens of meters. The bottom here is flat, there are no stones or shells, it is impossible to get hurt. Kata Beach is rightfully considered one of the safest beaches in Phuket for children.
22) Even babies bathe under the supervision of their parents.
23) Even blacks are under the supervision of whites.
24) In general, swimming on Katya is equally good for everyone. The main thing is to do this in specially fenced areas, because... outside their boundaries there may be parking areas for jet skis, motor boats, etc.
South part of Kata Beach
25) In the south, as well as in the central part, there is a line of sun loungers with umbrellas. In general, in terms of swimming, everything is the same here.
26) But there is a significant plus - you can visit paid toilet (10 baht) and shower (20 baht) near the parking lot. In terms of related infrastructure, Kata, by the way, let us down. There are absolutely not enough showers to rinse off after swimming. There are not even banal changing cabins.
27) Even in the southern part, sometimes there is a market right on the road along the beach. Most of them sell all sorts of junk, souvenirs and Thai food.
28) There is also a rescue tower right there.
Waves on Kata Beach
30) There are waves on Kata and their height depends on the season. In the high season (November to April) they can be very small to moderate. Swimming in them is a pleasure. At the same time, in the low season the waves here are quite decent, it is quite possible to go surfing, but more on that below.
Entertainment on Kata Beach
31) For those who like something more extreme than waddling on a sunbed, Kata Beach can offer all the activities inherent in a beach holiday, for example - kayaking. Price: 200 baht per hour, 500 for 3 hours. Snorkel mask- 100 baht.
32) Jet ski rental for half an hour will cost 1600 baht, regardless of the number of people (1 or 2).
33) There is also parasailing, windsurfing, not to mention the trivial banana ride.
34) Surfing is fully available from May to October, when the monsoons arrive in Phuket, the weather changes and the waves reach a height sufficient for surfing. Of course, you can try to do something on the waves in the high season, but purely for fun, you definitely won’t catch a pipe. 🙂
In addition to surfing in the sea, next to the beach, in the south, there is an artificial wave club Surf House, where you can practice your skills to ride the wave. This pleasure is worth it 1000 baht per hour.
35) In general, lovers of this kind of entertainment and children will have something to do here.
Massage on Kata Beach
36) Massage services on the beach are offered everywhere, the landmark is large tents next to the sun loungers. There are special massage areas where they knead the bodies of several people at once, right in the fresh air.
37) If you wish, you can call a massage therapist anywhere within the beach. Here is one of them giving a lady a “body massage”
If you want to visit a full-fledged massage parlor or SPA, then Kata has plenty of them. Most are located on Kata Road and the adjacent streets stretching towards the center of the island.
Where to eat on Kata and food prices in 2018-2019
39) You can have a snack on Kata Beach in almost any part of it. In the north there are small cafes and shops, and here you can find rental/sale points for various bathing utensils. Next to the sun loungers along the entire beach there are tents that sell soft drinks, as well as fruits and various snacks.
40) In the south of the beach there are a number of cafes of varying status, from simple ones focused on Thai food to more presentable ones serving international cuisine. Here is the popular reggae bar SKA Bar, located under spreading branches on the rocks, where you can sit nicely in the shade overlooking the entire lagoon. By the way, this is the only bar on the beach itself.
41) As I wrote above, from time to time in the southern part they half block the road that runs along the beach and organize a market there, where you can also get some food. Moreover, they serve both various fast food and snacks, as well as full-fledged Thai dishes.
42) Also along the road you can sometimes meet Thais selling coconuts.
Well, if suddenly you don’t like anything on the first line of the beach, then you can always take a walk to the second line, to Kata Road, where the cafes, restaurants, fruit shops and pop-up shops will definitely make you squeal with joy. 🙂 Besides, if we talk about food prices on Kata Beach, then on the first line they are objectively somewhat overpriced. If you want to save money, go a little deeper.
What to see on Kata Beach and nearby
The main attraction of Kata, of course, is the beach itself. In addition, do not forget about the neighboring beaches, which are literally 5-10 minutes from Kata.
43) In addition to the beaches, you can pay attention to the island of Pu (Koh Poo or Koh Poo or Koh Pu), which is located 300 meters away, directly opposite the beach. You can get there by kayak or by renting a longtail for the whole day. This place will be of interest to diving enthusiasts, because... there is a fairly popular dive spot in the area: this is one of the few places in this part of the island where corals remained after the tsunami and where you can see fish.
44) Ko Pu at sunset.
There's still one nearby Dino Park- a mini-golf theme park where you can poke a ball with a club among large models of dinosaurs. The entertainment is well suited for families with children. Worth it all 240 baht per adult and 180 per child.
I must say that within walking distance from the beach there is practically nothing to see in order to get to some real interesting places, you need to have either a car or a scooter. If you have them, then among the points closest to Katya I can mention the Karon observation deck, which is only 5-7 minutes away. From here you have gorgeous postcard views of all 3 beaches - Kata, Karon and Karon.
Where to stay on Kata: hotels, villas and apartments
If you decide to spend your vacation on Kata Beach and are thinking about which hotel to choose, then I recommend that you familiarize yourself with where we have collected the best hotels on the beach in various price categories.
By the way, for booking I recommend using the Agoda service, which, firstly, has a large database of hotels and villas in Phuket, compared to the usual Booking, and also in 99% of cases offers more favorable prices. I checked it personally several times, but I advise you to compare. If we talk about reliability, then they and Booking are absolutely equivalent because... belong to the same holding and their quality standards are the same. 🙂
Well, to rent apartments and apartments, it is best to use the AirBnB service - the most popular site in the field of booking private housing. Using the link you can get a discount of about $20 on your first booking.
Beaches near Kata Beach
Having arrived at the place after some time, you will probably want to explore the nearby beaches. 🙂 The closest beaches to Katya are such famous beaches as and. Read about how to get to them in the relevant articles. These two beaches definitely deserve your attention because... not much inferior to Katya herself.
It is also impossible not to mention the most party beach in Phuket -. It is located further than Karon and Kata Noi, but it is definitely worth visiting at least once.
These are just the most popular beaches near Kata; you can read about all the beaches in Phuket in.
Photos of Kata Beach
You can find more photos of Kata in a special photo album.
It’s difficult to call Kata Beach in Phuket quiet and calm, but that’s what many call it. It is recommended for families with children and for couples looking for privacy and romance. In fact, it is one of the most popular beaches after , where holidaymakers come for cheap trips to Phuket.
Foreigners politely call the beach in Thailand in Phuket Kata “Russian beach” and try to avoid it a little. This is understandable: crowds of Russian tourists and a sewer drain at the end of the beach create a certain aura around it with the indescribable aromas of Thailand.
However, after reading flattering reviews, our Russian brother continues to arrive at Kata Beach. And some people don’t care what kind of beach or sea there is.
People are divided into two types: some cover their noses when they walk past a stinking river, others walk and pretend that there is no stink here. Not everything, of course, is as scary on Kata Beach as it is painted to be. So let's look at how suitable it is for relaxation.
The infrastructure of Thailand in Phuket Kata is highly developed; there are both budget establishments and downright expensive ones. Expensive establishments are all designed for European tourists, for whom even such prices are still cheap. But in addition to restaurants, you can eat in cafes, and in makashnitsa, and street food has not been canceled.
Geographically, Kata Beach in Phuket is well located, so it’s still worth a visit. Just 10 minutes drive south of Karon Beach by transport, can be reached on foot.
Kata Beach, Phuket: how to get there
From Phuket Airport you can take a minivan that will take you directly to Kata Beach. If you are a supporter independent trips, then this is a good option. By minibus the journey will take 2 hours and 200 baht. Cheap and cheerful.
If your luggage doesn’t take up half the bus, then you can go even more exotic. First by bus to the bus station in Phuket Town, and then from the bus station to Kata Beach. Stop right next to the beach. This is a good option if you want to stay in Phuket Town during your trip. There is something to see there, the city is not too spoiled by tourists, but low prices will pleasantly surprise independent travelers. Especially compared to the inflated prices of the Kata resort in Thailand. That’s why Phuket Town is so loved by winterers. The distance of 48 km from the airport to Kata Beach by bus takes 2.5 hours and 125 baht.
In December, a new bus was launched from Phuket Airport, which can take you directly to Kata Beach. But I haven't ridden it yet.
Bus from the airport to the beach in Phuket Kata
- 2 hours on the road
- 1 hour wait at the airport
- price 125 baht (90 baht to the bus station in Phuket Town, 35 baht to the beach)
City shuttle from Phuket airport to Kata Beach
- Minibuses do not have a clear schedule
- 1 hour on the road
- 1 hour wait at the airport
- price 200 baht
Taxi from Phuket airport to Kata beach
You can also take . You can order it at the counter or online. The transfer will take you to Kata Beach in 50 minutes. It is profitable to take a taxi if there are several tourists. For example, for 4 people a taxi will cost a little less than 250 baht each. Families with children, inexperienced travelers and tourists with a lot of bags are better off taking a taxi.( — 900 baht)
Phuket, Kata Beach: things to do
Since the beach in Phuket Kata is aimed at tourists, and not only Russians, but also Europeans, there is a full range water activities and other joys of life on the beach. The entire middle part of the beach was occupied by rental companies. Here you can rent a boat or jet ski (1800 baht for 30 minutes) and go to Karon or Nai Harn.
During the low season, Kata Beach is one of the most popular surfing beaches in Phuket. Surfers area on Kata, i.e. the place of their greatest concentration is the left side of the beach, when looking at the sea. The famous “Surf House” bar with an imitation wave is also located here. Prices are also European - 3 hours costs 2000 baht, the whole day 6500 baht.
On the left side of the beach, near the rocks, people are snorkeling; you can see several species of fish.
If you look at Kata Beach, there will be a small island in the middle called Ko Pu, or Pu Island. It is also popular among snorkelers.
Also on Kata Beach you can simply spend time lazily and casually: sunbathing, swimming and getting massages. At one time, all sun loungers were removed from Kata Beach, but in 2018 there are sun loungers and umbrellas on the beach, at least in the high season. Rental costs 200 baht per day per set, cannot be rented separately. In the store you can buy a large umbrella for 400 baht.
Hotels near Kata Beach Phuket
There are many hotels and luxury villas on Kata Beach. Kata hotels are generally located some distance from the beach. However, there are also several hotels right on the beach. The hotel closest to the sea is . They occupy a vast area and divide Kata Beach into 2 parts. You cannot walk through the hotel premises. Although, some tourists still managed to do it.
The most popular hotels on Kata Beach Phuket are:
— excellent hotel, located 10 minutes walk from Kata Beach.
- located in a good location, away from the road, 3 minutes walk from Kata Beach. The complex consists of two buildings with a swimming pool in the middle. The rooms are clean, spacious and well maintained.
- located in the heart of Kata. This is an excellent family hotel with three swimming pools and a children's club.
- Situated in a prime location right on the seafront at the southern tip of Thailand on Phuket Kata. This hotel is ideal for beach lovers and those who want to be close to all the amenities in Kata.
- An ideal place for newlyweds or those looking for a romantic getaway.
- hotel overlooking the ocean. The rooms are clean and comfortable and the price per room is affordable.
- located just a 5-minute walk in Phuket Thailand from Kata or Karon beaches. It features 3 beautiful swimming pools.
Kata Beach: attractions
Since Kata is located next to Karon Beach (15 minutes on foot), all attractions are available to you . For example, the Karon View Point. It is better to come here early in the morning to avoid the sweltering heat and crowds group excursions. If you don’t really like this atmosphere, then such views as with observation deck, can be seen from several overlooking restaurants and bars on the top of the hill. If you go to the observation deck, you will see these restaurants along the way.
For tourists with children, you can visit the Dino Park in Phuket and the golf club. It is located just on the road towards Karon. Everything is made of stone, there is an original bar, and sometimes there is a baby elephant in front of the entrance, with which everyone takes pictures.
The cleanest beach closest to Kata Beach is . It’s worth visiting, because the water there is clean, the sand is white, and at least there are people, but not in such concentration as on Kata. The infrastructure is also present, and you can even rent a hotel room for the night.
For those who like tasty and cheap food, I recommend visiting . It is open on Mondays and Thursdays, and is located between Kata Road and Pathak Road, opposite the hotel. The landmark is the huge figures of King Kong and the Hulk.
This looks like a real Thai market, everything is fried and steamed all around, you can eat deliciously and spend an interesting evening. And if you grab a bottle of Thai rum from the 7-Eleven supermarket, your evening at Kata Market will be even better.
Food prices at Kata Fresh Market
- spring rolls 10 baht
- kebabs 35 baht
- grilled fish 100-250 baht
- pineapple on a stick 20 baht
An example of a menu in a restaurant on Kata. This is not the cheapest and not the most expensive restaurant, so to speak, “average” in terms of prices.
- Grilled mussels 200 baht
- Mussels with ginger 250 baht
- Assorted seafood 500-1300 baht
- Strawberry ice cream 120 baht
- Banana split 150 baht
You can order seafood dishes in restaurants. They lie in ice, waiting to be ordered.
Kata Beach: shops
Kata Beach Phuket is located near . If you walk from one beach to another, along the way you can find many small shops selling beachwear and various goods.
Closer to the southern part of Kata Beach there is shopping mall"Kata Plaza". Here you can buy dresses, shorts, T-shirts, shoes and many other things and accessories. In the northern part of Kata there is a fixed price store behind Starbucks that is very popular among tourists. It's called "Udomagg". Udomagg is a paradise for lovers of shoes, bags, wallets, suitcases and leather goods. Opposite Hotel Kata Beach Resort Phuket on Kata Road has Adidas and Nike Outlet stores. And, of course, at every step on the Kata Beach beach in Phuket there are everyone’s favorite 7-Eleven stores, as well as small supermarkets and pharmacies. Lots of signs in Russian.
Nightlife on Kata Beach Phuket
The nightlife on Kata Beach is not as crazy as on , but it still exists. There is a good selection of bars here. Most of them can be found on Taina Road and Patak Road.
At the southern end of Phuket's Kata Beach there is a popular bar called Ska Bar. They play reggae and hip-hop, and the bar itself is decorated in a Jamaican style. At the Mellow Bar you can play billiards and listen to jazz, blues and R’n’B.
Restaurants on Kata Beach in Phuket
Kata Beach has good restaurants as well as many street food stalls. Numerous steakhouses, pizzerias, Thai and international restaurants make Kata Beach a great place to have a good time and eat delicious food. Since Kata Beach is tourist place, then the prices here are also for tourists. But as soon as you drive away from the beach into the interior of the island, the prices become the same as for local residents.
Thailand, Phuket, Kata Beach: Top Restaurants
Restaurants are more oriented towards Europeans rather than Russians. But Russians also sometimes visit such establishments.
"Boathouse Wine & Grill" is one of best restaurants in Thailand right on Kata Beach. The restaurant serves Irish, Spanish, Mexican and Thai dishes. Prices at the Boathouse Wine & Grill restaurant: beef tenderloin steak (300 gr.) - 1000 baht, smoked ribs (2.5 kg) - 2500 baht, tiger shrimp dumplings - 450 baht.
Two Chefs Kata Beach is a popular international restaurant in Kata. Prices at the Two Chefs Kata Beach restaurant: salad with mango and chicken - 195 baht, pork fillet with vegetables - 445 baht, ribeye steak - 895 baht, lemon and coconut cheesecake with mango sauce - 150 baht.
"Beach Bar & Restaurant" - good restaurant In a hotel . Restaurant menu: tuna steak - 295 baht, grilled sea bass - 150 baht per 100 grams, marinated shrimp with wine - 270 baht, lobster - 690 baht.
"Roy Dee" is a restaurant in the hotel. The restaurant serves Irish, Thai, Chinese cuisine. Average bill: 800 - 1200 baht. Restaurant menu: fried rice with shrimp - 300 baht, Thai fried chicken with cashew nuts - 320 baht, pumpkin soup with shrimp - 320 baht.
Kata Beach on the map
If you are looking for a place to relax, then Kata Beach in Phuket should probably not be overlooked. But you need to know its pros and cons in advance so as not to be disappointed. Kata Beach is also suitable for lovers of surfing (only in low season) and other water sports. There is some kind of nightlife on Kata Beach. Not as crazy as Patong, but still. There is a good selection of shops and restaurants, as well as several interesting attractions, but also crowds of Russian tourists, and not always adequate ones.
Kata Beach in Phuket can hardly be called calm; it is one of the most popular beaches after Patong. I have some friends who bought a ticket to Kata Beach for 14 days. They came specifically for a beach holiday, and only spent one day on Kata Beach itself. We looked, compared, and every day we went to Karon, Kata Noi, went to Nai Harn, but not to Kata Beach.
Kata Beach is one of the best on the island of Phuket, located in the southwest of Thailand. On this beach you can combine active pastime and quite relaxing holiday. Kata Beach is the smallest of the three famous beaches in Phuket. Kata Beach is divided into two parts: Kata Yai and Kata Noi. It is strikingly different in appearance and style from Patong and Karon. Kata Beach occupies a small area on the island and is very quiet as there is no nightlife.
Kata Yai or Kata Noi
Both beaches are extremely clean and beautiful. But they also have differences. Kata Yai is suitable for lovers of water sports, as well as those who prefer to swim in the waves, as the surf here is strong. But Kata Noi is ideal for those looking for a quiet corner. Here you can relax and feel part of this magnificent nature.
The part of the bay, which is called Kata Yai, is one kilometer in length. The entrance to the sea of this beach is very gentle. Therefore, if you decide to take your child on vacation, then book a hotel in this particular place, and then you will not have to worry about your child. There are also practically no corals in the water, so swimming here is quite safe. And in order to further protect tourists, flags are hung on the beaches. Using them, vacationers can easily predict the situation on the water.
The wide shoreline of the beach resembles the shape of a sickle, and just beyond the golden sand there are hills and rainforests. From November to April, the beach is filled with tourists who prefer to soak up the sun. And from May to October, fans of “catch a wave” come here - this beach has become favorite place surfers and snorkelers. The coastal area is lined with beautiful bars, restaurants and small shops.
It has everything you need for a good holiday: a magnificent beach, luxury hotels, souvenir shops, restaurants and several bars on the seashore.
Hotels on Kata Beach (map)
Almost all Kata hotels are located on the beach. Therefore, when choosing a place to stay, you should not pay much attention to the number of stars of the hotel. You can choose a hotel based only on the level of service you prefer. For tourists with low requirements, you can choose a lot of guesthouses. This could be, for example, Honey Resort 3* And Outdoor Inn & Restaurant 2*. But in terms of comfort they cannot be compared with Russian health resorts; go to the official website of the Kazakhstan sanatorium and see for yourself. Here you will be provided with comfortable accommodation for a small amount. It is worth noting that the Thais are very hospitable. Therefore, when choosing a small guesthouse or hotel, you can rest assured that you will be greeted there as the most valued guests. They will treat you like members of their family. Our article describes how to find and book a hotel in such a wonderful place.
It has long been no secret to anyone that Kata Beach is one of the most popular destinations among Russian tourists. And this is quite understandable. This beach is a huge success because here you can find everything that the soul of a jaded tourist could desire. Sunbathing with the sound of the waves, spearfishing, excursions, diving, windsurfing, parachute jumping, yachting, beach volleyball, tonic drinks and much more will be offered to vacationers on the beaches of Phuket.
Kata Beach in Phuket is an ideal place for a family holiday, because it is dangerous to let children into deep water, and here you have to swim quite a bit to get to the depths (of course, this also depends on the tide). In the morning you can see here a large number of fishing boats, so the morning air is filled with the smell of fresh fish. Here you can eat in small cafes overlooking the sea.
The underwater world of Thailand is truly amazing in its diversity. Very close to Kata there is a small island called PU, which is located 500 meters from the northern coast. Near it there is a wonderful coral reef, which is suitable for diving enthusiasts. Here you can dive to the seabed and admire the picturesque coral reef. All necessary diving equipment can be rented.
But if your vacation takes place on Kata in the summer during the rainy season, you may not be able to go snorkeling. In this case, the weather is ideal for surfing, because at this time the waves are simply stunning. At the same time, the beach remains absolutely safe. Therefore, if you have never even tried to stand on a board, you can start training right here. Relaxing on the beach
In a word, Kata is the purest beach in the tropics, which seems to be “buried” in greenery, captivating with its gentle turquoise sea and white sand on the shore. Only here you will find a perfectly clean sea, pristine nature, amazingly fresh air.
Dining and shopping at Kata Beach
Kata has a moderately developed infrastructure. There are places here for those who like to spend active time even at night, and for those who like quiet nightlife. But it is worth considering that in the entire bay all active life ceases by 23:00. In this case, if you want to have a snack on the beach at night, purchase the products you need in advance at any supermarket. The Seven Eleven chain will provide you with a huge selection of products. By the way, here you can buy instant noodles and ask them to pour boiling water over it right here in the store. The vermicelli purchased in this supermarket has nothing in common with our vermicelli in taste. Many tourists are attracted to this dish, so it’s worth trying it at Seven Eleven at least once.
Now you should pay attention to souvenirs and other purchases. There are many stationary shops in this place. But every Thursday, in addition to these shops, a small bazaar appears on the main road. You can buy everything you need there. In addition to souvenirs, they sell seafood and fresh fish here. Having purchased these products, you can ask any restaurant to prepare them for you. This is done for a fee, which is not that big. You can also buy spices and then cook real Tom Yam for your family and friends. Let them feel the flavor of Thailand.
Judging by the extensive experience of travelers, this is where the food from makashnitsa is the most delicious. For example, Thai pancakes are the absolute favorite of most of those who have tried them at least once. So don't forget to try this deliciousness.
The complex is replete with many restaurants with varied cuisine and bars, there is a swimming pool, a hairdresser, a fitness center and a massage parlor, and parking. Currency exchange offices and mini markets are located nearby.
To decide which part of Kata Beach you like best, take a bike and ride around the area. Be sure that there is something to see here at any time of the year, and what you see will leave you with a lot of positive impressions.
If you are tired and want to relax away from everyone, welcome to Katata Beach!