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If it’s a laidback coastal vibe, with golden beaches and delicious food, with just the right amount of buzz, Kata Beach is a great place to base yourself for your Phuket visit. We spent 8 days in Kata Beach, which was a perfect amount of time to discover some of the best things to do in Kata Beach and beyond.
If it’s beaches, good food and island hopping, minus the busy crowds of Patong, you will find Kata Beach a perfect base for your Phuket itinerary. Family-friendly, clear water and plenty of places to stay! This guide will give you plenty of ideas for things to do in Kata Beach.
Why Stay In Kata Beach?
Initially, when we booked our stay in Kata Beach, at Beyond Kata Resort, it was without a lot of research.
At first, I was worried about the distance since it’s around 19km from Phuket Old Town, but we soon realised that it was a perfect base for our first visit to Thailand, our 15th wedding anniversary. With traffic, it’s around a 40-50 minute drive, or an hour by local bus. It’s also close to 90 minutes on average to the airport.
But unlike staying somewhere like Patong, it’s far more laidback, quieter and has a more relaxed vibe. The main appeal is the beach itself. It’s a great beach. The water was so pleasantly warm.
Kata Beach has a little something for everyone. It’s family-friendly, picturesque for a romantic couple’s trip (like ours), and there’s still enough nightlife to keep it interesting if that’s what you’re keen on.
Best Things to Do in Kata Beach, Phuket
A few things on this list of Kata Beach activities take you beyond Kata Beach and Karon area, but they are easy half or full day trips to see more of beautiful Phuket!
1. Spend a Day Relaxing at Kata Beach
Kata Beach is exactly what you picture when you dream of a Thai island escape — a long stretch of soft golden sand framed by swaying palms and gentle turquoise waves.
It’s one of Phuket’s most scenic beaches, with just the right mix of atmosphere and amenities. The beach is split into two main areas — Kata Yai (the main bay) and Kata Noi, a smaller, quieter cove just to the south — and both are perfect for a laid-back beach day.
The beach stretches for 1.5 km, and while it’s certainly not the most crowded beach in Phuket, it does still have a lot of tourism happening. Like lines of beach chairs and vendors.
That being said, it’s a popular Phuket beach for families, and there’s a lot to love.
We loved spending slow mornings here, swimming in the calm, clear water before the midday heat set in. There are loungers and umbrellas available to rent, small beach bars serving icy coconuts and fresh fruit shakes, and even a few local massage huts right on the sand if you want to really unwind.
The beach chairs with umbrellas are around 200 baht to hire for the day.
If you’re feeling more active, paddleboards, surfboards and kayaks are available to hire along the beach. The water is typically calm between November and April, making it ideal for beginners.
In the late afternoon, the beach comes alive with people gathering to watch the sunset over Pu Island, the small rocky islet just offshore that adds an extra touch of magic to the view.
Tip: The mornings are best for swimming when the beach is quieter, while sunset is perfect for photos and beachside cocktails.
2. Try Local Thai Food and Street Eats
No trip to Thailand is complete without diving into the food scene, and Kata Beach did not disappoint. You will find casual beachfront restaurants, finer dining and bustling night markets, always with something delicious to try.
We loved wandering through the Kata Walking Street Market, where you can find everything from sizzling Pad Thai and spicy papaya salad to skewers of grilled chicken, banana pancakes, and fresh coconut ice cream.
The Thai pancakes were soooo good! Simon got sick for part of our trip so I ate an entire banana-stuffed Nutella pancake on my own. I didn’t eat dinner that night.
Another popular treat were the ice cream rolls. I don’t know why. They taste like normal ice cream, and they melt too quick!
Beachside restaurants offered mouthwatering seafood — whole grilled fish, prawns in garlic butter, and classic Thai curries served with stunning sunset views.
Tip: For a quick refresh, don’t miss the local iced coffee (I don’t drink coffee, but Simon was a fan) or fruit smoothies — they’re pretty cheap, and perfect for cooling down in the tropical heat.
3. Go Island Hopping to the Phi Phi Islands
A day trip to the Phi Phi Islands was one of the most unforgettable parts of our time in Phuket. The journey itself — speeding past limestone cliffs and crystal-clear bays — felt straight out of a movie.
The islands are every bit as beautiful as the photos suggest, with white sand beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and towering cliffs rising dramatically from the sea.
But they do get very crowded since this is one of the most popular day trips from Phuket!
Most tours depart early in the morning and include several stops — Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach movie, Pileh Lagoon with its emerald water, and a snorkelling spot around Bamboo Island or Monkey Beach. Lunch is typically included, either on one of the islands or aboard the boat.
Tours can be booked through local travel agencies in Kata or online ahead of time. Prices vary depending on the boat type — speedboats get you there faster, while longtail boats offer a slower, more traditional experience.
We booked this Phi Phi Islands speedboat cruise, which also visited Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, Pileh Lagoon and Nui Bay, with a buffet lunch at a restaurant on Ko Phi Phi Don. It’s rated 4.6 out of 5 on Get Your Guide with over 16k reviews, and it did not disappoint!
Travel tip: Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, and a dry bag to keep your camera and phone safe from splashes. And if you’re staying in Phuket longer, consider adding a day trip to Coral Island (Koh Hey) or Racha Island (Ko Racha Yai), both of which are closer and a little less crowded.
4. Try The Waverider
For something a little different, why not give Super Surf Kata a try! This surfing simulator is also a bar and restaurant, right next to Kata Beach and beside Beyond Kata Resort. It’s kid-friendly too.
The flow wave machine can be fun just to watch other people try their luck, while enjoying a cocktail and a bite to eat!
We didn’t try it because neither of us had any hope of doing well, but it was fun to watch, and the cocktail menu was good.
5. Explore Phuket Old Town
It’s a little out of the way from Kata Beach itself, but a visit to Phuket Old Town gave us a completely different glimpse of the island — colourful, cultural, and full of character.
Located about 30–40 minutes from Kata Beach, it’s easily reached by local blue bus (songthaew) if you don’t mind a slightly longer, more scenic trip, or by taxi, or scooter.
The town is famous for its Sino-Portuguese architecture — pastel-coloured shophouses with intricate facades that line the narrow streets. We spent time wandering around Thalang Road, stopping for chilled drinks and street snacks between the boutique shops and galleries.
Highlights included the China Inn Café for lunch, Phuket 346 for a cool drink, and exploring the many pieces of street art hidden down side alleys. It was the perfect cultural detour from the beach life in Kata and a chance to soak up a little more of Phuket’s history.
Tip: On Sundays, between 4 pm and 10 pm, the Phuket Old Town Walking Street Market transforms the area with live music, street food stalls, and handmade crafts.
6. Learn to Surf (or Watch the Surfers)
Kata Beach is known as Phuket’s surf capital, especially between May and October when the waves roll in.
We saw plenty of surf schools lining the beach, offering surfing lessons and board rentals for all levels. Beginners can join a one-hour lesson, while experienced surfers can rent a board and paddle straight out.
Even if you’re not surfing (like us), it’s great fun to watch from the sand, cold drink in hand, as locals and travellers catch waves against the backdrop of Pu Island.
Or have a giggle at the ones who seem to only hire the board for the purpose of getting shots for their Instagram account…
During the calm season (November to April), the waves disappear and the beach transforms into a tranquil swimming spot, perfect for families — proof that Kata is enjoyable year-round.
7. Visit the Ethical Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Visiting the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was one of the most rewarding experiences of our trip. Located in a lush jungle setting in the island’s north, this ethical sanctuary is dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating elephants that have been freed from logging or tourism industries.
Now, before we get into details, initially, we weren’t going to visit an elephant sanctuary. It was such a grey area, and the thought of these enormous, beautiful animals being mistreated for entertainment just wasn’t okay with me, so I did some research.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket. You’re not bathing with elephants here. And their elephant feedings will cease from April 2026.
The elephants live on 30 acres of natural habitat, and they have Thailand’s longest canopy walkway, so you can view the elephants from above too… a more natural viewing experience.
The visit begins with an introduction about the elephants’ stories and the sanctuary’s mission, followed by a chance to observe the elephants as they roam freely through the forest, bathe in mud, or enjoy their favourite snacks.
There’s no riding, no tricks, and no forced interactions — just a peaceful environment that allows visitors to learn about these incredible animals in an ethical way.
Make sure you book your visit in advance, as spaces are limited to ensure a calm experience for both guests and elephants. The half-day tours include transfers, refreshments, and a light vegetarian meal.
This visit was a reminder of how important responsible tourism is — and it’s an experience we’d highly recommend adding to any Phuket itinerary.
Tip: There are other elephant sanctuaries in Phuket but they still allow human interaction in a way that is distressing to the animals. Make sure you do your research before you visit to ensure you are visiting an ethical sanctuary.
8. Watch the Sunset at Karon Viewpoint (Kata Viewpoint)
You can’t visit Kata without catching at least one sunset from the Karon Viewpoint, also known as Kata Viewpoint.
Located between Kata Noi and Nai Harn beaches, this lookout offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Phuket — three sweeping bays framed by lush greenery and the endless blue of the Andaman Sea.
We arrived late in the afternoon to secure a good spot and stayed as the sky shifted from gold to pink to deep orange. It’s a favourite spot among locals and visitors alike, and for good reason — the views are spectacular.
Tip: Bring water, a hat, and your camera. The sun can still be strong even later in the day, and there’s little shade at the top.
9. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Joining a Thai cooking class is one of the most fun and interactive ways to experience the local culture. We’ve done this in a few Asian countries before, and it’s always good fun, especially when you get a meal out of it!
Many classes in Kata include a guided market visit, where you learn about Thai herbs and spices before returning to the kitchen to prepare a few classic dishes like green curry, tom yum soup, and pad see ew.
The instructors are welcoming and full of personality, and cooking everything from scratch to give you a new appreciation for the complexity of Thai flavours.
Plus, you get to eat your creations at the end — the perfect experience for food lovers!
10. Unwind with a Traditional Thai Massage
After a full day of sightseeing or island hopping, there’s nothing better than indulging in a traditional Thai massage. Kata Beach has an abundance of spas and small massage shops — some right along the beachfront, others tucked into quiet side streets.
You can find options to suit different budgets, from quick 30-minute foot massages after long walks to full-body Thai massages that leave you feeling completely relaxed. And they are soooo affordable! Especially compared to the prices back here in Australia.
For something gentler, oil massages and aromatherapy sessions are also popular options. Prices were very reasonable (Around AU$10-15 for a 30-minute massage), so we didn’t need much convincing to make it happen a few times during our stay.
Funny, though, I didn’t realise they would literally climb up onto the table and actually sit on you at times, bending your body in ways you didn’t think it could bend.
Make sure you let them know you want it a little gentler, though, if you’re not a fan of a hard massage. I had one massage at a parlour along the main street that hurt. Felt good afterwards, but during, ouch! It’s all an experience.
Getting Around Kata Beach
Kata Beach was surprisingly easy to navigate, and getting around didn’t require much planning.
The main stretch of town is compact enough to explore on foot, with most restaurants, shops, and accommodation options within a short walk of the beach.
For exploring beyond Kata, we used a mix of local songthaews (shared blue buses), taxis, plus if you’re a little more daring than us, there’s also scooter rentals.
The songthaews run regular routes between Kata, Karon, and Phuket Town and are by far the most affordable option — though don’t expect strict timetables. Just flag one down roadside and hop on. It takes about an hour to get to Phuket Old Town.
If you want more flexibility, rent a scooter for the day. It’s a convenient way to reach nearby beaches like Nai Harn or Kata Noi, and parking was generally easy to find. Just make sure to wear a helmet and carry an international driver’s license, as police checks can happen.
Tuk-tuks were everywhere for shorter rides, especially at night, though fares were often higher than we expected — a quick negotiation before getting in usually helped.
Tip: If you’re planning a full-day trip to Phuket Town or the north of the island, consider arranging a private driver or using a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Grab for comfort and clear pricing. That taxis don’t always run the meter otherwise and you don’t want to get caught out!
Where to Stay in Kata Beach
Kata Beach offers a range of accommodation to suit every style and budget. We found it to be one of the best areas in Phuket for balancing convenience, comfort, and atmosphere — close enough to Patong for nightlife, but far enough away to stay peaceful.
We stayed at Beyond Kata with their all-inclusive package – all meals and drinks included. The resort itself was a little older but recently renovated and modern, the location was great, and we enjoyed everything about our stay!
For a touch of luxury, The Shore at Katathani is an adults-only resort. Mid-range travellers will love Sawasdee Village.
There are also plenty of budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels, like The Boathouse, particularly inland along the backstreets behind the main road, where you’ll still find cafes and massage shops within walking distance.
Tip: Book early if you’re visiting during the dry season (November–April), as the most popular resorts and sea-view rooms fill up quickly.
Tips for Visiting Kata Beach
A few helpful things we learned along the way made our stay in Kata Beach even better:
- Best time to visit: Phuket’s dry season runs from November to April, offering sunny skies, calm seas, and great swimming conditions. From May to October, you’ll get fewer crowds, lower prices, and consistent surf, though expect the occasional afternoon downpour.
- Pack light and cool: The heat and humidity can be intense, so breathable clothing, a hat, and plenty of sunscreen are essentials. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen to help protect marine life.
- Cash and cards: ATMs and currency exchange booths are easy to find, but some small eateries and markets are cash only, so it’s worth keeping a few smaller notes handy. ATMS can have high withdrawal fees.
- Respect local customs: When visiting temples or local neighbourhoods, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.
- Stay hydrated: Bottled or filtered water is best for drinking. Most hotels offer refill stations, and reusable bottles help reduce plastic waste.
- Responsible tourism: Avoid elephant rides, animal shows, or attractions that use wildlife for entertainment. Visiting ethical sanctuaries like Phuket Elephant Sanctuary helps support change.
- Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi was widely available in cafes and hotels, but we used an eSIM from Airalo for easy navigation and communication. Affordable and simple to set up.
- Safety: Phuket felt safe overall, but as with any tourist area, keep valuables close and be cautious with beach belongings.
Kata Beach turned out to be everything we hoped for — the perfect blend of relaxation, adventure, and Thai hospitality. It offered all the beauty of Phuket’s coastline with a slower, friendlier pace that made it easy to unwind and truly enjoy island life.
From swimming and surfing to island hopping and cultural discoveries, there was never a shortage of things to do. Whether you spend your days sipping coconuts under a palm tree or exploring every corner of Phuket island, Kata Beach is the kind of place that makes you want to return before you’ve even left.
Next time, though, we won’t visit during the peak rainy season… Make sure you read our Thailand tips here!
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