Kata Beach is a great place to take a scuba diving trip or a surfing lesson or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. The southern end of the beach offers the most shade and boasts a clutch of eateries. You can also find restaurants, bars, and shops also on Soi Pakbang road, which runs parallel to the sand.
You can opt to stay in one of Kata Beach’s hotels and resorts, or visit on a Phuket Island tour that also includes sights like the Big Buddha and the Karon Viewpoint (both of which offer stellar views of Kata Bay). Alternatively, see the beach on a scooter, tuk-tuk, or bike excursion, or book a mountainside spa treatment that offers beach views.
Lounge chairs and beach umbrellas are available for rent.
Beachside businesses offer equipment rentals for jet-skiing, kayaking, and other water sports.
Restaurants and restrooms are located at the beach’s southern end.
Kata Beach can be reached by cab, tuk-tuk, or bus. Cabs and tuk-tuks congregate at both ends of the beach. From Phuket Town, the easiest (and cheapest) way to reach the area is to hop on one of the blue songthaew buses that regularly head to Kata Beach from the Ranong Road bus station.
Kata Beach is at its best from November–April, when the weather is hot and the sea perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and watersports. While the area gets busy at peak times, you can still find quiet spots. Surfers prefer to visit during monsoon season (May–October), when the waves are at their highest.
The town of Kata Beach has plenty to keep you entertained. After you’ve had your fill of the beach, head for Kata Road to eat at a local restaurant and browse in some of the shops. You can even try out the town’s FlowRider surf machine. In the evening, many visitors head to the Kata Night Market, a lively spot packed with food vendors and craft stalls.