Kata Beach

Kata Beach lies on the west coast of Phuket island in southern Thailand, about 17 kilometres south-west of Phuket Town. It sits between Karon Beach to the north and the smaller Kata Noi Beach to the south, and runs for about 1.5 kilometres along a curved bay.

The area grew from a quiet fishing and coconut-growing community into one of Phuket's main resort areas from the 1980s, but it has kept a calmer, more family-oriented feel than Patong further north.

The beach has fine white sand and clear water, backed by casuarina trees and low hills. Small Koh Pu island sits in the bay and protects part of it, and the coral at its northern end is used for snorkelling. From November to April the sea is usually calm, which suits swimming and families. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings waves, and Kata becomes one of the main surf spots in Thailand, with surf schools and board rental. Lifeguards post red flags when currents are dangerous. Beach chairs and umbrellas can be rented in some sections, and restaurants, bars and shops line the streets behind the sand.

The Karon Viewpoint on the hill to the south looks over Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches.

The beach is free and open at all times. Swimmers should check flags carefully in the monsoon season, as rip currents can be strong.

What is Kata best known for? Kata is Phuket's main surfing beach. The Phuket Surfing Contest is held here every September, during the south-west monsoon, and the Kata Beach Resort area at the southern end has hosted the Phuket King's Cup Regatta, one of Asia's largest sailing regattas, held each December. Surf schools along the beach road rent boards and teach beginners from May to October.

The beach is split into two halves. Kata Yai is the longer main beach, and Kata Noi, over a small headland to the south, is shorter and quieter, with one large resort taking up much of its frontage. Both face the Andaman Sea and catch the sunset.

Getting there and around. Phuket International Airport is about 45 to 60 minutes away by taxi, depending on traffic. Blue songthaew buses run between Kata and Phuket Town during the day, and taxis and ride-hailing cars cover Patong and Karon. The streets behind the beach, Thai Na Road and Kata Road, have most of the restaurants, massage shops and minimarkets. The Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill, about 20 minutes inland by road, is the usual half-day trip from Kata.