Kata Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket Thailand and it’s easy to see why! Set on the Southwestern shore of Thailand’s largest island, this is a great area to base your vacation from. After one month of staying in Kata Beach, we share our experience in the area as well as the best restaurants and hotels nearby.
How to Get to Kata Beach Phuket
Not only is Kata Beach stunning in itself, but it’s also a great spot to stay and explore Phuket from. We planned to be there for only a few days and loved it so much we ended up staying for one month!
One of the best things about Kata beach is the location. Here you’ll be just a quick tuk-tuk or motorbike ride away from all the best places on the island. From the airport, we paid 700 Baht ($21 USD) for the hour ride to the South.
→ When’s the Best Time to Visit Thailand For Perfect Weather?
Kata Beach Phuket Thailand Breakdown
Northern Kata Beach
Running from North to South there are some different areas of Kata Beach Phuket to take in!
Starting at the most Northern point, there is a cluster of boats that fill the water and a small island off in the distance. At the beach entrance, you’ll find a set of food carts that sell everything from smoothies to Thai Pancakes and cold beer.
If you have a motorbike in Phuket you can drive on the one-way road that runs along the full stretch of the beach. We loved to do this then stop in the middle of Kata beach where it is less crowded. Also, the middle section is where we recommend renting your sunbed for the day!
Southern Kata Beach
Now at the most Southern point is where you will find all the Kata Beach restaurants and bars. One of our favorite spots in all of Phuket is actually here, too!
Ska Bar is a small pub built up into the rocks on the corner. Its funky vibes and reggae music make it a fun place to be any time of the day. Next door is Katamama Seafood and Kata BBQ which ended up being a couple of our go-to Kata Beach restaurants.
Here you can also rent snorkels, kayaks, jet-skis, or even go paragliding! While Kata Beach Thailand is sandy and crystal clear, there is a rocky coastline that starts at the southern section of the beach. If you’re up for an adventure you can have a climb and look around the corner.
→ Planning a Trip to Thailand: 10 Step Easy to Follow Travel Guide
Sunrise to Sunset on Kata Beach Phuket
Sunrise: There is something so magical about walking on Kata Beach first thing in the morning. After sunrise and a quick breakfast, head down to the beach and take a stroll. There will only be a few others around at this time so you can experience Kata Beach in all its glory.
Afternoon: In the hot afternoon sun the beach fills up with travelers. Day beds are the first to go! The good news is all along Kata Beach in Phuket you can get an umbrella and two beach chairs for just 200 baht. The sun is extremely strong in Thailand so make sure to stay hydrated with lots of coconuts!
Sunset: Golden hour is the most popular time to head to the beach so know that it does get crowded. Yet, once you see the colors change across the sky at one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand? You won’t regret a thing!
→ Our 6 Favorite Places to Watch the Sunset in Phuket Thailand
Is Kata Beach the Best Place to Stay on Phuket?
Absolutely! Kata Beach in Phuket Thailand is one of the most popular areas to stay, and for good reason. There is a solid mix of upscale Kat Beach hotels, as well as hostels and budget accommodations.
Really, the main attraction is the beautiful long beach that every traveler will love. However, the fun water sports, local restaurants, and abundance of hotels to choose from make it an easy choice for your vacation.
Best Kata Beach Hotels
Ultra Luxury – Kata Rocks – Sitting elegantly above the Southern tip of Kata beach is the super-luxurious Kata Rocks! Take in the views from your private swimming pool with all the amenities you’d expect at this unique Thailand escape.
Beachfront Hotel – The Boathouse Phuket – The Boathouse is located front and center in a perfect location, making it one of the best Kata Beach hotels. The rooms are large and comfortable and there is an onsite restaurant.
Fun Vacation – The SIS Kata, Resort – This awesome resort is set just back from Kata Beach while still being within walking distance of all the action. Here you can enjoy sea views in a gorgeous and relaxing jungle setting.
Budget-Friendly – Da Bungalows – Colorful and spacious bungalows in the heart of Kata. Wake up and smell the fresh island air from your balcony before your daily adventures in Phuket!
Hostel Life – Sino Hostel @ Kata – Hostel life is thriving in Phuket and there’s nowhere better to experience that than Sino. Choose from dorms and private rooms as you use it as a base to explore Kata from.
For more of the best hotels on Kata Beach you can explore the latest prices here!
Kata Beach Street Food and Market
Behind the beach is the actual town of Kata. This area stretches back away from the sand towards the mountains and is filled with restaurants, shops, and accommodations to fit any budget.
Yet, if you’re in the middle of the beach you won’t have to look far for great food. Here there is a pop-up of street food carts that serve food from morning to night.
Some of the things we loved were the papaya salads, soup stand, and Pad Thai with veggies. The meals here will cost almost 1/3rd of what you’ll pay at Kata Beach restaurants and are very delicious!
On the same street, there is also a small row of pop-up tents that come out at night. This is where you can shop for souvenirs and clothes from Kata Beach Phuket.
→ What’s Thai Food? 40 Delicious Dishes & Drinks You Must Try!
Other Beaches Around Kata Phuket
By now you know there are beautiful beaches EVERYWHERE on the island. However, two of our absolute favorites are directly surrounding Kata Beach in Phuket Thailand.
Karen Beach: Directly to the North is a long sandy stretch called Karen. Due to its length, you’ll have no issues finding a place to lie out and soak in the sun. At the far end just past the rotary are some great restaurants and one of our favorite places to watch the sunset.
Kata Noi: Just to the South of Kata is one of the most stunning beaches on the island! Although much smaller than Karen and Kata, what it lacks in size it makes up for in pure beauty. Make sure you take a trip to the crystal clear waters of Kata Noi on your visit!
Nui Beach: Just a quick 5 minutes by scooter is the main parking lot for Nui Beach! From here you’ll have to take a van or hike down to the unique beach. Read our full Nui Beach guide which explains how to get there and why it’s a must visit!
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own favorite Kata Beach hotels & restaurants? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
PIN FOR LATER ↓
Phuket Travel Planning
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: While traveling through Thailand 12Go is where we find all our ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! You can find everything from island hopping speed boats to the night train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
___________________________
Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Promthep Cape Sunset – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – 15 Best Beaches – Nai Harn & Yanui
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More Islands: Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
*We receive a commission for purchases made through links in this post. This allows us to continue our travels and keep providing great content to our readers! Also, as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.