Kathu

Travel Guide
Laem Singh Beach which includes island images, tropical scenes and landscape views
Phuket - Phang Nga which includes a playground
Kathu
Kathu
Photo by Sudip Majumder
The smallest of Phuket’s districts has attractions for thrill seekers, while those looking for something quieter will find beaches, shrines and temples. 

There are many ways to enjoy Kathu's beautiful scenery. Laze on a beach, swim beneath a waterfall and wakeboard on a freshwater lake. Then turn your attention to the province's cultural attractions, including an important religious shrine.

Relax on the gorgeous sands of Patong, a popular resort town. In addition to the beach, many come here for the nightlife in its hundreds of restaurants and bars. Take a 10-minute long-tail boat ride from the southern end of Patong Beach to Freedom Beach, an enchanting strip of white sand flanked by jungle-covered hills. Due to its difficult accessibility, the beach is quieter than many others in the province. 

A refreshing swim in the sea is one way to escape the midday heat, and so is a visit to Kathu Waterfall. This is a series of pools that sometimes fill up and overflow with rainwater, particularly from June to November during the monsoon season. Swim in the plunge pools and dip your head under the cascading water for an even more refreshing sensation. 

A short walk southeast from the waterfall will lead you to Phuket Wake Park. Learn to wakeboard at this 1,345-foot (410-metre) long manmade freshwater lake. Lessons are given by professional instructors, while experienced riders can jump and spin off a range of obstacles. 

After your fun on the water and beach explorations, experience some of Kathu’s cultural highlights. Learn about the area's tin mining heritage at the Phuket Mining Museum. Make your way to Kathu Shrine in the heart of Kathu village. Beneath a flowing green Chinese roof you can admire several exquisite woodcarvings. These depict deities from the ancient religion of Taoism.

While you are in the village, visit a street market for fresh fruit and vegetables or to barter for clothes and handcrafted souvenirs.  

Reach Kathu by flying into Phuket Airport, about 40 minutes away by car. One of the easiest ways to get around to the province’s fabulous beaches, villages and cultural sites is by rental car. However, taxis and local bus services are also available.

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
4 out of 5
198 8-9 TAWEEWONG ROAD PATONG, Patong
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$276 per night from 10 Dec to 11 Dec
S$276
includes taxes & fees
10 Dec - 11 Dec
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly hotel in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (842 reviews)
Beach hotel
"The hotel is outstanding, brilliant location, super friendly staff and the facilities are superb, couldn’t ask for anything better."

Reviewed on 20 Nov,2024

Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort
Amari Phuket
Amari Phuket
5 out of 5
2 Meun-ngern Road, Patong, Phuket
The price is S$319 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
S$319
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Book a stay at this beach resort in Patong. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,001 reviews)
"It is a beautiful resort with stunning views . The food is amazing specially the breakfast."

Reviewed on 26 Nov,2024

Amari Phuket
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
5 out of 5
99 Muen-Ngoen Road, Tri-Trang Beach, Patong, Phuket
The price is S$368 per night from 9 Dec to 10 Dec
S$368
includes taxes & fees
9 Dec - 10 Dec
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (988 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 18 Nov,2024

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
STUDIO CENTRAL HILLVIEW A901
STUDIO CENTRAL HILLVIEW A901
3 out of 5
Vichitsongkram Road, Tambon Kathu, Kathu, Phuket
Stay at this 3-star villa in Kathu. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bangla Road and Patong Beach are located ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4 reviews)
"Just a bit far away from everything.. also tv was complicated process , but overall it was great value"

Reviewed on 18 Aug,2024

STUDIO CENTRAL HILLVIEW A901
HOMA Phuket Town
HOMA Phuket Town
4 out of 5
3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Ratsada, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ratsada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (48 reviews)
"Only staying here for one night due to wanting to stay closer to the airport since we got an early out the next day. But when I return to Phuket again, I would stay here longer. The hotel is modern, rooms are big (my buddy and I have our own rooms), two air conditioners in each room (trust me... ..."

Reviewed on 14 Oct,2024

HOMA Phuket Town
GP House Phuket
GP House Phuket
3 out of 5
13 Thanon Sawatdirak, Patong, Chang Wat Phuket
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, parking (surcharge), and dry cleaning or laundry services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (95 reviews)
"We stayed here for 4 days. The room was big and clean, the staff provided amenities such as water upon check-in. Great walkable location close to beach as well as boardwalk. The staff here were very helpful with any questions we had. Also, motorbike rental directly in front of the hotel was quite ..."

Reviewed on 28 Oct,2024

GP House Phuket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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Reviews of Kathu

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
" "5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
3
" "4 - Good 75%
3 - Okay
0
" "3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Perfectly located a few meters from Patong beach and within walking distance from Bangla street.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Kathu is more for locals and less for tourists. There is little nightlife. If you just want to party or beach, look somewhere else. If you prefer travelling the Island It's great.