Kathu Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Laem Singh Beach which includes general coastal views, island images 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 toPhuket 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 toKathuShrinein 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.

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
5 out of 5
284 Prabaramee Road, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket
The price is £65 per night from 7 Jul to 8 Jul
£65
7 Jul - 8 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
"Hotel was beautiful and the view of the ocean is amazing. The entire staff was very friendly and welcoming during our stay. Location nice to be away from the main strips but close enough it only took a short taxi to get there."

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong Beach
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
4.5 out of 5
14/2 Patak Road Soi 24, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
The price is £72 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
£72
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Karon. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,001 reviews)
"Great"

Reviewed on 5 Jul 2025

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
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 £215 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£215
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 3 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,003 reviews)
"Beautiful beach resort with plenty of activities"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2025

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.
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 Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Very great place to stay and nice view"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
The Bell Pool Villa Resort
The Bell Pool Villa Resort
5 out of 5
41/31 Moo 5, Baan Hua Khuan, Kamala, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Kamala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 15 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kamala Beach and Surin Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"The villas are large and spacious and the staff attends to all your needs. It is located in an area a little off the beaten path, so it is very quiet and peaceful. This will be our new yearly destination"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Bell Pool Villa Resort
Diamond Resort Phuket
Diamond Resort Phuket
4 out of 5
106 Soi Cherngtalay 14, Choeng Thale, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Choeng Thale. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 1 Mar 2025

Diamond Resort 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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

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.

Cities near Kathu