Phuket Part VI

Kata Beach

Towards the southern end of Phuket's Kata Beach, which is divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Both beaches offer stunning scenery and a relaxed atmosphere.

Kata Yai

This is the larger of the two beaches. The bay is very picturesque with Koh Pu (Pu Island) at the north end. Half of the beach is bordered by a road, while the southern half has a few resorts right on the beach. Club Med occupies much of the land behind the beach road to the north end of the beach, keeping the end of the beach fairly quiet.

Because of its relatively small size, Kata has a cozy feel about it and is ideal for families. There are quite a few shops, restaurants and bars around Kata Centre and between Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Kata is perhaps the best compromise between the frenetic pace of Patong and some of the quieter beaches on Phuket.

Kata Noi

Kata Noi only has a few hotels and is dominated by the Kata Thani Hotel. The beach is lovely and there has only been a little development.

There is a good range of accommodation in Kata, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses behind the beach. At the southern end of Kata Yai beginning at Kata Beach Resort there are hotels right on the beach, which are a rarity on Phuket's west coast.

There are plenty of watersports to be enjoyed at Kata. The bay is excellent for sailing and plays host to the annual King's Cup Regatta every December.

Kata Yai and Kata Noi are quite popular with surfers during the rainy season. You can rent all kinds of boards on the beach. It is also one of the best beaches on the island for snorkelling. Confident swimmers can try swimming out towards Koh Pu to view the beautiful coral there, although don't attempt this during the rainy season. The area to the South of Kata Noi beach has some decent coral that is worth exploring.

It is a good variety of restaurants in Kata, especially around Kata Centre. Seafood restaurants serving Thai, Italian, Scandinavian and of course can all be found here. Restaurants right on the beach can also be found at the southern end of Kata Yai.

The nightlife in Patong is quite relaxed but there are a few bars to find, especially around Kata Centre. There is also a collection of beer bars title, the interior of the junction in Kata Center. However, for a great evening that you are better off heading to Patong.

Phuket Part V

Phuket View and Sightseeing

Laem Phrom Thep

Located between Rawai and Nai Harn beaches, Phrom Thep Cape is a dramatic promontory that extends into the sea at the southwest corner of Phuket Island. The course has spectacular views of the small island of Koh Kaew Yai and the Andaman Sea, and is an essential place to enjoy the sunset.

At the top is a shrine dedicated to Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, whose cape is named after. (Phra Phrom is the Thai name for Brahma, Laem means "cape" while Thep means "god"). To get a better view, climb a couple flights of stairs to an elevated platform in the Golden Jubilee Lighthouse. The lighthouse also contains a small nautical museum.

The view attracts many tourists and locals at sunset, so if you want to avoid crowds consider going earlier in the day. There is an outdoor restaurant with fantastic views of the cape that can sustain a memorable dining experience.

Laem Phrom Thep is located between Rawai and Nai Harn. Go south to Rawai for a couple of miles. There is ample parking and plenty of little souvenir shops so you will not miss it. The road is steep and windy so take extra precautions, especially if its wet.

 

Kata Viewpoint

A large sala or pavilion by the side of the road between Kata and Nai Harn marks the location of this view. Clear day the view over the bays of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, Karon and Pu Island all put on before you is nothing less than magnificent.

The view is approximately five minutes drive south of Kata on the way to Laem Phrom Thep.

 

Rang Hill

This hill is located at the northwest edge of Phuket City, providing lovely views across Phuket's capital. At the top is a fitness park as well as a statue of Phuket's most famous governor, Ratsada Korsimbi Na Ranong, who presided over the city's early development at the turn of the twentieth century.

The best reason to visit Rang Hill (Khao Rang in Thai), is to dine at one of the hill-top restaurants. The view, particularly at night, is a perfect accompaniment to a tasty meal.

Pictures Credit : navithaitour.blogspot.com