Kata is one of the most popular resorts in Phuket and in our opinion, the best mix between a beautiful beach and a bustling city.

You will also find some very quiet places, especially in the southern part of the resort.

Find hostel and resort prices - Kata

Beaches and swimming

Kata has two large beaches and on this page we will be describing the main Kata beach in particular, which is sometimes also called Kata Yai.

It is over 1.5km long and stretches all along the town. It is separated from the neighbouring Karon Beach by an elevated headland.

Kata Beach is covered with very fine white sand that continues into the water. The entrance to the sea is thus very comfortable and also gradual. The beach is therefore ideal for families with children and non-swimmers.

Kata Beach is quite lively with a large number of water sports facilities, sunbed rentals and dozens of beach bistros or large restaurants.

About 1km south of Kata town centre you'll also find the considerably quieter Kata Noi beach, which we describe in separate detail.

Kata town

Kata is busier than neighbouring Karon, but considerably quieter than, say, Patong.

Along the main street you'll find a huge number of restaurants, shops, supermarkets, massage parlours and the ubiquitous local tour operators offering trips to the surrounding islands.

Heading inland, Kata takes on a more local character with several markets.

Overall, Kata has a pleasant character and is one of the resorts very suitable for families with children and tourists who prefer smaller but still very lively resorts.

Accommodation Kata

In the town you can find really cheap yet pretty good quality hotels, but also more expensive and bigger resorts.

Which hotels in each category would we recommend?

• Cheapest (up to 40 usd) - Hotel Kata Hill Sea View **
• Best value for money right on the beach (do 70 usd) - Ibis Phuket Kata ***
• Luxury resort - Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa *****

Transportation to Katy

You can get to the city by bus, songtaew and of course Grab or Bolt.

Travelling by car is problematic mainly because of the lack of large parking lots. Generally, although you can park anywhere along the street, the local streets are very narrow and parking is virtually impossible.

Buses

There are two regular bus lines that pass through Kata.

• Smart Bus - single price 100 thb or 299 thb for a day ticket
  • Runs between HKT Airport - Surin - Kamala - Patong - Karon - Kata - Rawai
  • Frequency 30 to 60 minutes
  • Timetable and information: phuketsmartbus.com
• Phuket Bus Express - prices vary by distance from 80 thb to 150 thb
  • Runs on the route HKT Airport - Kathu - Patong - Karon - Kata
  • Frequency 60 minutes
  • Timetable and information: phuketbusexpress.com

Buses stop in the middle of the resort.

Songthaew (Blue Bus)

Local buses, pick-ups converted to carry passengers, run to Phuket Town and the neighbouring resort of Karon.

They have a punctual timetable and run every 30 minutes from about 6:30am to 4:40pm.

The fare is 40 thb and they run along the entire promenade and then through the centre of Kata inland. When travelling from Phuket Town, the bus always goes first to Karon and then to Kata resort.

Taxi, Bolt, Grab

Of this trio, the Bolt mobile app almost always comes out best.

The most expensive rides tend to be in the morning towards Kata and in the afternoon from Kata to the hinterland or neighbouring resorts.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Phuket.