Hotels near Kata Beach and Kata Noi

Kata Beach is a 1.5 km west-coast crescent immediately south of Karon, beloved for its surf break (the only consistent break on Phuket, June-October) and gentler family atmosphere than Patong. The smaller Kata Noi (Little Kata) beach a 5-minute walk south is a 700-metre cove tucked between high headlands and even quieter. Together they make the most balanced beach pair on Phuket - good food, decent waves, no jet skis or thumping bass.

Surf rental and lessons available May-October at the southern end (300 THB board rental, 1500 THB 90-min lesson). Beach loungers cost 200 THB. Kata Noi is dominated by the Katathani resort, which means the public beach access is well-maintained. The Karon Viewpoint between the 3 beaches gives the iconic three-bay panorama. Beach is public, free, open 24 hours. The food in Kata Centre is the best non-Old-Town eating on the west coast.

Pro Tip: The Phuket Surf School at the southern end of Kata Beach (just before the rocks) is the only ISA-certified school on the island. The southernmost 100 metres of Kata also has the best snorkelling - small reef around the headland rocks.