Kata

Kata sits on the west coast south of Karon, built around Kata Yai, a sheltered crescent of sand backed by low green hills. It is quieter than Patong but far fro…Kata sits on the west coast south of Karon, built around Kata Yai, a sheltered crescent of sand backed by low green hills. It is quieter than Patong but far from sleepy, with a full spread of hotels, restaurants and shops packed into the valley behind the beach.

The main road, Kata Road, runs inland from the beach past the bulk of the guesthouses, dive shops and restaurants, meeting Patak Road at the top of the village. Club Med occupies a large stretch of the beachfront, with the public access points at either end. The southern headland separates Kata Yai from Kata Noi, and carries the Kata viewpoint road towards Nai Harn.

Kata is the island's best-known surf beach: the break works during the southwest monsoon from May to October, which is when the surf schools, board rentals and contests run. In high season the water flattens and the beach turns to swimming and loungers. The village keeps a steady long-stay and yoga trade year round, so more places stay open through the green season here than in some of the west-coast resorts.