Phuket’s western coast is ideal for swimming year-round, with water that averages 28ºC (82ºF). However as with any beach, Phuket’s pristine shores sometimes do experience rip tides and or strong currents of water below the surface. While these tides may assist surfers, they can be quite dangerous even for experienced swimmers and those who know what to be aware of. Please be on the look out for any red flags on Phuket’s beaches as these are a sign that the water is not safe for swimming due to rough waters and or known rip tides. Otherwise, kick back and dive into the aquatic paradise that are Phuket’s beaches!
Patong Beach
‘Patong’ is Thai for banana leaf forest. Well,
that was a long time ago. Like a siren, stunning Patong Beach beckons beach bums, clubbers, foodies, shoppers, and all-around hedonists to Phuket. Tucked away in a wide bay on the island’s western side, Patong has a large beach, crystal clear water for snorkeling, and it’s semi-sheltered location make it one of Phuket’s favorite spots for year-round swimming and water sports.
The beach is a stunning three-kilometer stretch of golden sand, enclosed by two long headlands. The beach slopes gently into the sea making an absolutely perfect bathing beach. A road runs the full length of the beach. Hotels, shops, restaurants and bars line the entire length of the road. The beach is a hive of activity with parasailing, banana boats and jet skis fizzing across the water. Even in the low season, this beach is busy. The northern end of the beach is a little quieter than the south end, but there’s always a lot of activity and people watching as tourists are everywhere in this bustling local.
Patong Bay is one of two anchorages off Phuket deep enough to be used by US Navy ships. During the winter season (NOV – APR) Patong Bay, on Phuket’s west side, 7º54′N 98º17′E, is used because it is protected from the northeasterly winds that prevail in the winter season. During the summer season (APR – NOV) Makham Bay, on Phuket’s east side, 7º49′N 98º25′E, is used because it is protected from the southwest monsoon winds that prevail in the summer season. According to Thai authorities, the decision to switch locations from Patong Bay to Makham Bay, and vice versa, is made sometime in November and April and varies from year to year. The date is dependent on the time of onset and cessation of the southwest monsoon.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach, otherwise known as Kata Bay, is on the sunny Island of Phuket.
Kata Beach is in fact not one beach but two beaches that are separated by a headland at the south end of Kata Yai Beach and the northern end of Kata Noi Beach. Kata is a broad and curving beach with soft white sand, an evergreen small island out in the bay named Poo and lush green hills in the background. Located on Phuket’s lovely west coast, Kata really does have all the elements of a perfect holiday. Surrounded by high mountains which separate it from the other west coast beaches, Kata retains a more laid back character than neighbouring Patong and more attractions than Karon.
This is the beach of choice if you are swimming with small children because it remains shallow for about thirty meters from the shoreline. Koh Poo (crab Island, because of its shape), the small island off the north end, has a lively coral reef that is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. If you stroll to either end of the beach you will find many little places that offer tasty Thai food.
Kata Yai Beach
This sweeping beach is one of the more popular Phuket spots for flash packers, due to the proximity of the beach to Kata centre, with its reasonable selection of budget accommodation (by Phuket standards). While there are some cheapish places on the beach itself, the bulk of the hotels and resorts here are mid to upper range — don’t leave your credit card at home.
A particularly scenic beach, with squeaky soft sand and gentle lapping waves, Kata Yai, like Karon beach to the north, is a hit with families. A small islet sits off its northern headland and when the waters are calm, able swimmers can make it across for a spot of not unreasonable snorkeling.
Kata Noi Beach
Quite a contrast to big sister Kata Yai, this lovely little beach is hidden away over the headland to the south and gets but a fraction of the crowds. This is in part because the beach is dominated by a massive resort owned by the Kata Thani group, but there is also a smattering of budget accommodation just off the beach, making it one of Phuket’s most desirable bays.
Kata Noi is a reasonable place to escape the rest of Phuket, with just about nothing in the way of nightlife, and, as already mentioned, relatively low crowds. Even in high season, when the water can be like a millpond, the beach is rarely busting at the seams. During off-season, when the sea can get pretty rough indeed, chances are you’ll have the beach largely to yourself, though swimming is for able-swimmers only.
Things to do in Kata
Kata Viewpoint
The Thai name for this popular viewpoint is ‘Kho Saam Haad’ which means Three-Beach Hill. You can see Kata Noi Beach, Kata Yai Beach and Karon Beach, as well as Pu Island, just off Kata Yai Beach. Situated on the road between Kata and Rawai, it is a fairly well-frequented spot with a car park, nicely cultivated gardens, a few snack outlets and two large pavilions to sit in while you admire the sweeping vista.
The road is fairly quiet and it is actually possible to walk up to this viewpoint from Nai Harn and Rawai, although it’s a bit of a challenge. If you like a drink or even a meal with your view, further down the road back towards Kata there are two adjacent Reggae bars, the After Beach Bar and Viewpoint. Both are strikingly similar with exactly the same view out over Kata Noi and both feature non-stop throbbing reggae tunes.
Wat Kittisangkaram (Kata Temple)
Kata Temple is located on a big piece of land surrounded by beautiful mountains and tropical forest. The temple itself was built in 1832 and was simply known as Wat Kata, after the name of the village. Eighty years later, it was renamed Wat Kittisankaram. The temple features a beautiful “ubosot” (ordination hall) housing the temple’s main statue of Lord Buddha, a ”karepriiy” hall (or monastery pavilion), monk’s dormitories and a primary school on the same grounds. Though the temple was built a long time ago it has undergone regular renovations. The result is the whole temple looks quite new with bright and fresh colours on most of its buildings. Wat Kata is truly a lovely local temple to pay a visit.
Dino Park Mini Golf
Fire-breathing dragons, an active volcano, T-Rex and Brontosaurus replicas and eerie jungle sounds make for an exciting round of mini-golf! Dino Park mini golf is great fun for the whole family. The Jurassic-themed restaurant and bar are perfect for a post-game drink or meal. Watch out for the hungry elephant!
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is one of the best tourist beaches in Phuket with
only two rows of sun beds and crystal clear sea, perfect for swimming. Long, lovely Karon Beach grows more and more popular with each passing season. The development is spread out along the 1.5 kilometres of beach and, even at the height of the season; it’s possible to have a swatch of sand all to yourself. The beach is very exposed and the sand much coarser than on other Phuket Beaches (except Mai Khao to the far north) but, in the high season, it’s terrific for swimming.
Sand dunes and a small waterway separate the beach from the road which gives it a nice isolated feel despite the close proximity of so many hotels. Karon was one of the beaches least affected by the tsunami and this is generally credited to the protective effect of the sand dunes.
Things to do in Karon
Relaxation is king at Karon. You won’t find yourself dangling from the end of a bungee cord or watching a contrived sideshow. What you will find is peace.
Spa and Thai Massage in Karon Beach
The art of Thai spa and massage has deservedly gained a good worldwide reputation and many visitors include it in their ‘must-do-on-Phuket’ list. At Karon Beach you will find plenty of world-class spas and massage centres. Some therapists use special ingredients such as royal Thai honey, black sesame and jasmine rice. The treatments range from the famous Thai massage to head and scalp massage, jetlag relief, body polish and wrap, face essence and nail care. All of the high-end spas (usually located in five-star hotels) also carry a good variety of spa products including blended oils, body care and spa accessories – all in all an ideal souvenir for your loved ones.
Elephant Trekking near Karon
The Thai elephant is one of the friendliest animals in the world. It is also the national symbol of Thailand. In the old days, elephants took part in all of Thailand’s major wars and later on worked hard in the logging business. Now the Thai elephant is a star of the country’s tourism industry. For an elephant trekking tour, try Koh Chang Safari (based in Kata Noi and offers free transportation to Karon). Happy trekking!
Thai Cooking Classes in Karon
Thai cuisine is one of the most popular Asian foods and is well known around the world. Add a culinary edge to your Phuket holiday by joining a classic Thai cooking class. Learn to make your own tom yum soup, green curry, phad Thai and Thai-style barbecued chicken in a friendly environment, taught by the experts. If you are lucky, you might even get inside knowledge as to how the local market is run (which can be full of fun and surprises too) as in some classes the teachers take students to the market to handpick fresh ingredients. The same venues usually offer other interesting activities such as fruit carving and cocktail-making classes.
Yoga Classes in Karon Beach
Most of the 4-5-star resorts in Karon can arrange yoga classes inside their grounds. Alternatively, try the following two centres for private lessons or lessons at your resort: Shiv Yoga Studio at the Boat Lagoon Marina offers classes for all levels in a variety of yoga styles including Power Ashtanga/Vinyasa, Hatha and Flowing Hatha. Julie Hirunchai at the Ganesha Yoga Shala located in Rawai offers Ashtanga Yoga. She is one of Phuket’s top Ashtanga Yoga teachers and a long-term resident.
