The Beach, Kata Noi

Kata Noi beach is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. At about 700m long (nearly half a mile) it's one of Phuket's smaller beaches but it's pretty popular.

Soft sand, crystal clear water and the lush green jungle backdrops are the main attractions that ensure visitors keep coming back for more. As Kata Noi is on a dead end road the only traffic is competition for car parking spaces.

From December to April the sea is calm, lake-like even. Surfers come out to play from May to October, riding the larger waves and care should be taken, especially if red flags are flying.

How to get there

Kata Noi is located just south of Kata Beach. Keep going straight after the Mom Tri's Boathouse and the road will eventually rise and veer to the left.

Do not take the sharp rise turn to the left but continue on and the road will pass the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort. You will have parking direct access to the beach.

Facilities on the beach

Sunbeds line the beach however not all of them are rentals. Katathani resort has an area of sunbeds for their guests only.

You can usually find sunbeds no problem but during high season and especially at weekends it pays to arrive early if you want a good spot.

There are no public toilets however there are several sets of facilities in the hotel which most people use without any problems.

Beach Eats

There are a few local restaurants that serve reasonably priced Thai dishes and also international favourites on the left hand side of the road as you enter Kata Noi. Additionally, the sunbed vendors serve all kinds of snacks including pizza if you're lucky.

For those looking for a finer dining experience there are many restaurants to choose from in Katathani Resort.

Part way up the hill towards Kata is Mom Tri's Kitchen which is nothing short of first class (beachwear is not suitable), but maybe it's more appropriate for dinner.

Watersports

Banana boat is popular, everyone loves being towed through the water by a speedboat, clinging on tightly to the inflatable trying to be the only person that doesn't fall off.

At times many queue for parasailing and also to jetskis. Hobie cats and kayaks can be rented by the hour which is a great way to see Kata Noi's beauty from afar. Lifejackets should be worn for all watersports with necessary care taken at all times especially when jetskiing.

Snorkeling

The rocks at the southern end of the beach offer excellent snorkeling, lots of colourful fish and also some coral can be seen. Equipment can be purchased or rented easily locally.

Surfing in Kata Noi Beach

On the occasional stormy days during May to October surfers flock to Kata Noi to ride the waves, it's a spectacle worth seeing. Here, the good waves are usually off the northern headland and can be quite fast, but good at times. The right-hander main wave breaks near the northern headland.

Details: Winds are southeasterly to northeasterly with waves up to two metres. Beach break. (Read more about surfing)

Beach Activities

Sunbathing and watersports are the main pass-times on Kata Noi Beach however most evenings there's a game of volleyball which anyone is welcome to join.

Beach Vendors

Kata Noi is a major stop on a beach vendor's hotlist. Much fun can be had looking at and buying their wide range of wares.

If you don't wish to buy from the vendors simply smile and give them a polite ‘no thank you'. If you are interested in their goods and wish to see them please remember that you are under no obligation to buy. However, if you do wish to make a purchase always bargain the price down. Remember: a smile will get you a long way in Thailand.

Hotels located directly on the beach

• Katathani Beach Resort