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Kata Beach

Пляж Ката
Thailand · Beach · Phuket
high
Best month: January

Best for

Ideal for families with children, couples and lovers of quiet relaxation with soft sand and gentle waves. Not suitable for those seeking noisy parties and vibrant nightlife.

Best month

January

Water
+29.0°C
Length
1 500 m
Kata Beach is one of the most balanced beaches in Phuket with white sand and crystal-clear water. It features a calm atmosphere and scenic views, popular for swimming and family holidays. Restaurants, cafes and shops are available.
Surface
sand
Waves
calm
Entry
gentle
Description Pros & Cons Best For Features Beach & Entry Water & Waves Swim Season Safety Infrastructure Vibe Nature Activities Tips Nearby
Description
General information about the beach
Kata Beach is one of the most balanced beaches in Phuket with white sand and crystal-clear water. It features a calm atmosphere and scenic views, popular for swimming and family holidays. Restaurants, cafes and shops are available.
Pros and cons
Main advantages and disadvantages

Pros

  • Soft sand
  • Crystal-clear water
  • Calm waves suitable for swimming and snorkelling
  • Picturesque bay views
  • Well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, cafes, shops
  • Suitable for families with children
  • Less crowded than Patong

Cons

  • Can be crowded during high season
  • Water is not always crystal clear
  • Limited natural shade
  • Parking may be full
Best for
Who this beach is ideal for
Ideal for families with children, couples and lovers of quiet relaxation with soft sand and gentle waves. Not suitable for those seeking noisy parties and vibrant nightlife.
Features
What makes this beach unique
Kata Beach consists of two coves separated by a rocky headland, which locals call "Kata Yai" (Big Kata) and "Kata Noi" (Little Kata). This creates a variety of beach zones with different atmospheres.
Beach & Entry
Surface, sand, water entry and bottom
Surface Type
Main surface type
sand
Sand Color
Main sand colour
golden
Sand Texture
Grain size
fine
Water Entry
How steep the drop-off is
gentle
Shallow Distance
Metres to waist-deep water
20 m
Bottom Type
Main bottom type
sand
Water Shoes
Whether special footwear is needed
not needed
Beach Length
Beach length in metres
1 500 m
Water & Waves
Colour, clarity, temperature and waves
Water Colour
turquoise
Water Clarity
high
Underwater Visibility
10.0 m
Average Water Temp
+29.0 °C
Max Water Temp
+30.0 °C
Wave Type
calm
Wave Height
0.4 m
Swim Season
When the swimming season starts and ends
Season start
November
Season end
April
Best month
January
Safety
Currents, water quality, dangerous creatures, hospital
Rip Currents
Likelihood of rip currents
moderate
Water Quality
Water purity rating
good
Jellyfish Risk
Likelihood of jellyfish
moderate
Shark Risk
Likelihood of sharks
none
Crime Level
Overall safety level
safe
Hospital Distance
Kilometres to hospital
10.0 km
What exactly is dangerous
No serious threats. The beach is well monitored, with lifeguards on duty.
Dangerous creatures
jellyfish in season
Insurance & Connectivity
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Infrastructure
Amenities on and near the beach
Sunbeds
Yes
Umbrellas
Yes
Showers
Yes
Toilets
Yes
Changing Rooms
Yes
Lifeguards
Yes
First Aid
Yes
Parking
Yes
Wi-Fi
Yes
Kids Playground
Yes
Sports Ground
Yes
Restaurants Nearby
30 pcs
Best restaurants

Beachfront Restaurants

Thai and seafood

Restaurants along the beach, offering Thai cuisine and fresh seafood.

Nearby cuisines

Thai

Traditional Thai cuisine with Tom Yum, Pad Thai and fresh seafood.

Must try: Tom Yum, Pad Thai, fresh fish

Seafood

Fresh Andaman Sea seafood grilled to perfection.

Must try: Grilled fish, prawns, calamari
Vibe
Energy, crowd, silence and sunsets
Energy
active
Crowd Level
crowded
Silence Level
moderate
Sunset Quality
beautiful
Nature
Trees and natural shade
Trees on Beach
Yes
Natural Shade
moderate
Activities
Snorkelling, diving, surfing, kayaking
Snorkeling
Yes
Diving
No
Surfing
Yes
Kayaking / SUP
Yes
Tips
What to bring, best time, local rules
What to Bring
SPF50+ cream Water Towel Swimsuit Flip-flops Cash Hat Snorkelling mask
Best Time to Swim
The best time for swimming is the dry season from November to April. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Local Rules
Swim only in areas with lifeguards. Littering is prohibited.
Getting there & Car rental
Flights, transfers and car rental to reach the beach
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Nearby
Attractions and places near the beach

Karon Viewpoint

Picturesque viewpoint with panoramic views of three bays.

Kata Noi Beach

Neighbouring secluded beach with a calmer atmosphere.

Kata Temple

Traditional Thai Buddhist temple near the beach.

Where to stay
Hotels and apartments near the beach
Frequently asked questions
Kata Beach: what is the water like at this beach?
At this beach, water colour — turquoise, clarity high, average temperature +29.0°C, warms up to +30.0°C in the warmest season. Check the exact temperature by month in the chart section.
Kata Beach: what are the waves like and is it safe to swim?
Waves at this beach are — calm. Average wave height — 0.4 m. Calm water is great for families with children and those who prefer not to deal with strong swell.
Kata Beach: what is the water entry and bottom like?
Water entry is — gentle. The shallow area extends for 20 metres from the shore. Bottom — sand. Special shoes are not required — the water entry is comfortable. The gentle slope is safe for children and inexperienced swimmers.
Kata Beach: what kind of sand and surface does the beach have?
Beach surface — sand. Sand colour — golden. Texture — fine. Beach length — 1 500 metres.
Kata Beach: when is the swimming season?
The swimming season starts in November. It ends in April. The best month for a holiday is January. This is when the water is warmest and the weather is most comfortable.
Kata Beach: is it safe to swim?
Water quality is rated as good. Rip currents are likely — swim only in designated areas. Jellyfish risk — moderate. Always watch for warning signs and follow lifeguards instructions.
Kata Beach: which dangerous creatures live in the water?
The water contains: jellyfish in season. We recommend wearing protective footwear, not touching marine life and taking care when entering the water.
Kata Beach: what infrastructure is available on the beach?
The beach offers: sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, toilets, changing rooms, parking, Wi-Fi, kids playground, sports ground. All amenities are listed in the "Infrastructure" section above.
Kata Beach: are there lifeguards and a first aid station?
Lifeguards are on duty on the beach — an important safety factor. A first aid station is available.
Kata Beach: where can I eat near the beach?
Popular places nearby: Beachfront Restaurants. Cuisines available: Thai, Seafood. See the "Infrastructure" section for details.
Kata Beach: what should I bring to the beach?
We recommend bringing: SPF50+ cream, Water, Towel, Swimsuit, Flip-flops, Cash, Hat, Snorkelling mask.
Kata Beach: when is the best time to swim?
The best time for swimming is the dry season from November to April. In the morning the water is calmer and there are fewer people.
Kata Beach: what are the rules and restrictions on the beach?
Swim only in areas with lifeguards. Littering is prohibited.
Kata Beach: what activities are available?
The beach offers: snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and SUP. See the "Activities" section above for details.
Kata Beach: who is this beach best for?
Ideal for families with children, couples and lovers of quiet relaxation with soft sand and gentle waves. Not suitable for those seeking noisy parties and vibrant nightlife.
Kata Beach: what makes this beach unique?
Kata Beach consists of two coves separated by a rocky headland, which locals call "Kata Yai" (Big Kata) and "Kata Noi" (Little Kata). This creates a variety of beach zones with different atmospheres.
Kata Beach: what are the pros and cons of the beach?
Pros: Soft sand, Crystal-clear water, Calm waves suitable for swimming and snorkelling, Picturesque bay views, Well-developed infrastructure: restaurants, cafes, shops, Suitable for families with children, Less crowded than Patong. Cons: Can be crowded during high season, Water is not always crystal clear, Limited natural shade, Parking may be full.
Kata Beach: what is near the beach?
Nearby you can visit: Karon Viewpoint, Kata Noi Beach, Kata Temple. Detailed descriptions in the "Nearby" section above.
Kata Beach: how do I get to the city of Phuket?
The beach is located near the city of Phuket. Full information about the city — hotels, restaurants, attractions, transport — is available on the city page for Phuket.

City

Phuket

Full information about the city: prices, hotels, attractions.

Best month

January

Useful information

Country: Thailand
Type: Beach
Coordinates: 7.816700, 98.300000

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