Kata Beach ⛱️ in Phuket ✅

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The best beach family destination in Phuket

Kata Beach is one of the best beach family destination on the west coast of Phuket, situated between Karon Beach and Kata Noi Beach. The beach is approximately 1.6 km long and features white powdery sand and incredibly clear waters, especially during the high season from November to April. The bay is picturesque, with the iconic Crab Island (Koh Pu in Thai) standing in the ocean about 900 meters from the beach, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket.

Shot of Kata beach sigh with blue sea and blue sky in the background — Kata Beach

Kata Beach is adorned with Pandanus and Casuarina trees, offering pleasant shade and a stunning sea view. Accessible via the beach road with ample parking, the beach provides 10% of an umbrella zone, beach massages, and beachfront resorts. Additionally, there are fantastic restaurants by the beach, making it an ideal destination for families.

The atmosphere at Kata Beach is relaxed, with several restaurants, cozy cafes, shops, markets, tailors, and moderate nightlife along Kata Road, the second parallel road to the beach. This laid-back coastal resort attracts thousands of tourists annually due to its beauty, activities, and amenities. It is considered one of the most popular beach resorts on the island, second only to Patong Beach.

Shot of the beach with blue water — Kata Beach from above

Shot of 3 palm trees with green leaves standing on the beach — High season

Shot of a Kata beach with white sand and clear blue waters and blue sky — Beautiful beach of Phuket

Where Kata Beach is located?

Kata Beach is situated on the southwestern coast of Phuket, between the smaller Kata Noi Beach and the immense Karon Beach. The beach is located 11 km south of the well-known Patong Beach and 9 km north of the stunning Freedom Beach. Nai Harn Beach is just 7 km to the south, near the tiny Ya Nui Beach and the two popular viewpoints in Phuket: Windmill Viewpoint and Laem Promthep Viewpoint. The Big Buddha Phuket is 3.7 km away in a straight line, although it’s 12 km away by road.

Shot of 3 beaches with blue ocean and blue sky — Kata Beach in the middle

Kata Beach is crowded?

Kata Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular tourist destinations in Phuket. Like other popular beaches, Kata is more lively during the high season (November to April) but less crowded than Patong Beach. During the low season (May to October), it is quieter.

Shot of the beach with so many colorful umbrellas and tourists — Peak season

Shot of a green and yellow kayak on the beach — High season

Shot of the blue and colorful umbrellas on the beach — Low season

Thing to do on Kata Beach

Kata Beach offers several beach activities to enjoy for everyone all year round. Let’s see together which activity to do during the high season and during the low season known also as the monsoon season.

Generally, the beach has an excellent swimming condition during the high season months of November to April because the sea remains very calm. But of course, you always have to pay attention to the currents because you are swimming in the ocean. However, if you are planning a holiday from May to October, Kata Beach can be dangerous and unsuitable for swimming due to the high waves and the strong currents. If you spot red warning flags along the beach, you should not enter the water as it is a warning that the rip tides can be very dangerous in this area.

Snorkeling is best enjoyed at the northern tip of Kata Beach, as this area boasts a rich marine life. Remember to bring your gear; otherwise, you can rent it from vendors along the beach. Kata Beach is also an excellent destination for scuba diving enthusiasts. Diving lessons take place exclusively at the northern tips of the beach. There is a large coral reef, making the spot an excellent opportunity to explore fascinating marine life. It’s a fantastic experience that takes you to breathtaking locations, such as vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish you’ve never seen before.

Shot of the beach with 6 colorful umbrellas and blue sea waters — Great swimming condition

Shot of 5 divers in the blue clear sea water — Scuba diving lesson

The beautiful beach has two umbrella areas located on the northern end and the other on the southern end. 200 Baht is the cost of 1 umbrella with two sunbeds. It is an excellent option for families with kids and retired people who prefer to enjoy the day in a comfortable environment by the beach. For those who like to spend the day in the free spaces shaded by tropical trees, there is a great choice, especially in the center of the beach.

Shot of many blue umbrellas on the beach — Umbrella zone

The warm and flat waters are excellent for stand-up paddle boarding, also known as SUP. It is a popular water sports activity that involves standing up on a board and using a paddle to make your way through the water. There is nothing like exercising in the fresh air to make you feel good about yourself.

Shot of 7 surf tables standing on the white sand of the beach — Surfing

Shot of a person that paddling in the blue ocean — Stand-up paddle boarding

Massages on the beach are available at affordable prices. There are several spots by the beach where you can have traditional Thai or body massage. Thai massage is an active treatment that reduces the severity of your headaches, decreases lower back and joint pain. Additionally, it increases your flexibility, calms your anxieties, and energizes your mind and body. Try it at least once, you will feel rejuvenated.

Shot of the cyan roof massage point on the beach — Massage by the beach

For the adrenaline lovers, parasailing and Jet sky activities are allowed on Kata Beach. Although generally considered safe activities, accidents can still occur, sometimes leading to severe injuries or even death. Parasailing is easy, and it costs approximately 1,500 baht per ride. Each flight is up in the air for about 10 minutes. Jet Sky costs 1.500 baht for 30 minutes per person.

Shot of a green tree and at 8 colorful umbrella by the beach — Parasailing

Taking photos and selfies at sunset is another thing to do at Kata Beach. Breathtaking sunsets often release rays of sunshine and warm colors into the sky leaving everyone speechless. The iconic island in the ocean makes an excellent sunset photo backdrop for everyone.

Shot of a golden sunset with a dark island in the foreground — Golden sunset

Shot of 3 fishing boats with a orange sky in the background — Colorful sunset

Shot of a orange sunset with a dark island standing in the ocean — Framed by trees

During the low season, beach activities decrease drastically due to the rough sea and scattered rain. Punctually, the beach becomes lively among surfers who enjoy riding the waves that are almost 2 meters high. The best spot for pro is the central area of the beach, which has a great reef break with the highest waves. The southern tips with lover waves attract beginners and passionate surfers. It is also an excellent spot for surfing lessons, making it one of the best beaches for surfing in Phuket.

Shot of a dark person in the blue sea water — Surfing

Where to eat in Kata Beach?

Kata Beach has a great choice of restaurants serving reasonably priced Thai, Italian and international cuisine. Few are located by the beach and the other in the second parallel road from the beach. During the high season street food are situated on the beach road shaded by trees.

Seafood restaurants

Kata Seafood, Kata Mama Seafood and Kata B.B.Q are 3 great restaurants located in the southern end right on the beach. They serve mostly Thai cuisine and some international dishes at affordable prices. Those are a convenient places to have breakfast, lunch or even a sunset dinner by the sea with a pleasant sea breeze.

A night shot of the restaurants lights by the beach — Restaurants by the beach

Pomodoro Italian Restaurant

Pomodoro Pizza is an authentic Italian restaurant, located in a relatively quiet area, at just 5 minutes from the beautiful Kata Beach. The open-air restaurant serves excellent Italian food at affordable prices. The list of pizza is vast with over 30 pizzas to choose from. Pizza is cooked in the wood-fire oven obtaining an excellent taste and crunchiness. Pomodoro is one of the Best Pizza Restaurants in Phuket. It opens from midday till late, and they are doing delivery service, too. Highly recommended!

Shot of a Pomodoro restaurant with blue sky in the background — Pomodoro Pizzeria restaurant

Shot of a pizza with white mozzarella, green basil leave and red Parma ham — Pizza Parma and Burrata

Shot of spaghetti with red tomato and green basil leave in a white plate — Spaghetti tomato sauce

Green Heart Garden Kata restaurant

Green Heart Garden Kata is a hidden restaurant set amongst trees and has its own kitchen garden. It is perched high on the tropical Kata hills and blessed with outstanding views of the ocean. The restaurant serves excellent Thai food prepared using their fresh ingredients growth in their organic farm. Green Heart Garden is on the list of one of the Best Local Thai restaurants in Phuket.

Shot of 3 red cushions with the green jungle in the background — Green Heart Garden

Boathouse Restaurant

The Boathouse is a chic restaurant overlooking Kata Beach and the Andaman Sea featuring outdoor and indoor seating options. The highlights of the restaurant is the large terrace which offers breathtaking views towards the sea and Phuket’s colorful sunsets, making it the perfect place for a romantic dining. It serves mostly excellent Thai and Western cuisine, boasting a superb wine list with over 150 unique labels. The restaurant is open also for the outdoors and booking in advance is recommended.

Shot of 2 black tables with 4 black chairs with blue sky in the background — The Boathouse Restaurant

Pizzeria Trattoria Il Tagliere

Pizzeria Trattoria Il Tagliere is an authentic Italian restaurant located in the lively center of Kata. It serves excellent Italian cuisine and great pizzas cooked in an handmade wood-fire oven. The cozy restaurant with casual setting, provides outdoors and indoors seating options. The menu is extensive and well-illustrated, the wine list is pretty long and the staff is friendly and speak English. It is a great dining option after a long day spent on the beach.

Shot of the restaurant entrance with green and white sign light — Pizzeria Trattoria Il Tagliere

Where to stay in Kata Beach?

Kata offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly to luxury. In the center of Kata, there are many affordable guesthouses and bungalows. Additionally, there are numerous 4-star resorts with spacious swimming pools, well-appointed rooms, and beautiful tropical gardens, situated in the heart of Kata, surrounded by plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops. For those seeking an upscale experience, there are outstanding 5-star resorts, often featuring private pool villas and luxurious rooms at medium to high prices, especially during the high season. In the southern part of Kata, the Boathouse Boutique and Beyond Kata Resort are the only two hotels with direct access to the beach, offering great value for money.

Beyond Resort Kata

Beyond Resort Kata (formerly Kata Beach Resort & Spa) is a long-established hotel in Phuket having direct access to Kata Beach. The popularity of this 4-star hotel is due to its combination of location near the beach, great service, and good value for money. The hotel has 275 rooms and suites with sea view designed in contemporary style, a beachfront restaurant, and a beautiful swimming pool with a pool bar. The resort is ideal for both couples and families seeking a comfortable and relaxing summer vacation spot in Phuket.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 1 Pakbang Rd, Kata Beach, Phuket 83100 Thailand

Phone: +66 (0) 76 360 333

Beyond Resort Kata

Club Med Phuket

Club Med Phuket is a vast resort nestled along 25 hectares of tropical garden that occupies 80% of the 1.5 km beachfront, but has not direct beach access. This all-inclusive family resort in Kata has 325 well-furnished rooms and suites in traditional Thai style surrounded by swaying palm trees. It provides 2 renewed restaurants, 2 bars, a swimming pool, a kid’s park, and a spa. It is a great holiday destination for families and couples with a wide array of activities and facilities to ensure the guests needs.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: A, 3 Kata Road, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 330 455

Club Med Phuket

OZO Phuket

OZO Phuket is a compact 4-star luxury resort conveniently located within walking distance of the beautiful Kata Beach. The hotel is an L-shaped building of 255 well-appointed rooms and suites with 9 typologies to choose from. It has an outdoor swimming pool and a water park for the kids. There is also a restaurant which serves delicious International and Thai cuisine. This resort provides a serene environment and premium amenities, making it the ideal destination for travelers seeking a peaceful and rejuvenating vacation.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 99 Kata Rd, Ban Kata, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 563 600

Shot of a resort with blue swimming pool surrounded by green trees and red roofs — OZO Phuket Resort

The Boathouse Phuket

The Boathouse is a 4-star hotel in Kata Beach having direct access to the beach. This superb hotel boasts 38 well-designed rooms and suites, all with sea-facing balconies and providing a large number of amenities to immerse yourself in a world of comfort. The hotel has an acclaimed seafront restaurant with an award-winning wine cellar which serves local and International cuisines. It has also 2 beautiful seafront swimming pools with a pool bar. Beautiful setting, excellent service and strategic location by the beach and near the town of Kata, it is one of the best choice for couples or friends.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 182 Kohktanod Road, Kata, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 330 015

Shot of a blue swimming pool with blue sky in the background — The Boathouse Phuket

Metadee Concept Hotel

Metadee Concept is a 5-star hotel nestled in the earth of Kata just at 5 minutes from the beautiful Kata Beach. Metadee Concept Hotel is one Hotel with 2 concepts, Metadee Elite Kata and Metadee Concept Hotel. It boasts for a total of 264 rooms, suites and villas artistically designed in modern style with superb décor. This hotel has the largest free-form swimming pool in Kata plus a tiny water park for the kids. Spa and wellness centre, fitness centre, free parking, room service and airport shuttle are some of the most popular facilities of the hotel.

Let yourself be carried away by the flavors of Thai and International cuisine at the all-day dining restaurant by the pool or enjoy a dining experience with sublime Mediterranean tapas and refreshing cocktails at the large rooftop while admiring colorful sunsets. Metadee Concept is a great hotel for everyone especially for those love to stay in a superb location plenty of shops, restaurants, bars, markets nearby and not far from beach.

Range: 5-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 66 5 Kata Rd, Phuket 83000

Phone: +66 (0) 76 337 888

Shot of red umbrellas and blue swimming pool with blue sky in the background — Metadee Concept Hotel

The SIS Kata Resort

The SIS Kata is a 4-star resort nestled up on the hillside of Kata near the heart of Kata and not far from the beach. It is just at 15-minute walk from Kata Noi Beach and Kata Beach. The SIS Kata, SIS stands for ‘Stay In Style’ is ideal escape for travelers that seeking a peaceful and restful vacation experience, with a serene atmosphere and top-notch amenities.

It has 124 well-appointed guest rooms and suites with desk, free WI-FI, flat screen TV, private bathroom, and coffee/tea maker to cater guests’ needs. But not all rooms have balcony and sea view. The SIS Kata Resort provide an on-site fitness center, 2 swimming pools, Spa and Wellness Center, 2 superb restaurants and a wonderful rooftop overlooking the ocean. The hotel’s popularity is due to its superb location, great facilities, exceptional service and value for money.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 255 Koktanode Road, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 609 555

Shot of 6white sun loungers and cyan swimming pool with blue sky in the background — The SIS Kata Resort

Kata Rocks Phuket

Kata Rocks is Phuket’s luxury 5-star resort perched on the rocks between Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach overlooking the Andaman Sea. It is a perfect destination for travelers looking for an intimate and a holiday experience. The chic hotel is popular by its iconic 35-metre infinity pool with white umbrellas and for its 34 luxurious private pool villas with sea view meticulously crafted to provide a haven of comfort and tranquility.
Range: 5-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 186/22 Kok Tanod Road, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 370 777

Shot of a rersort with cyan swimming pool and grey roofs with blue sea in the background — Kata Rocks

Chanalai Garden Resort

Chanalai Garden Resort is a 4-star hotel with 209 modern rooms located at just 200 meters by walk from Kata Beach. It features 2 outdoor pools, 2 pool bars, a fully-equipped fitness centre, and 2 on-site restaurants. The hotel is a 20-minute drive to Phuket Town and 47 km from Phuket International Airport.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 247 Kata Road, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 285 211

Shot of a blue swimming pool and green trees — Chanalai Garden Resort

Orchidacea Resort

Orchidacea Resort is nestled on the hills of Kata just at short walk away from the white soft sand and clear waters of Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. The 4-star hotel features 154 well-appointed rooms, each skillfully designed to provide comfort and tranquility. It is a perfect escape for all of those who want to stay in a superb hotel with a good value of money and a great location not far from the beach.

Range: 4-star Hotel

Location: Kata

Address: 210 Kok Tanod Road, Phuket 83100

Phone: +66 (0) 76 284 083