Kathu

Travel Guide

Laem Singh Beach featuring landscape views, rocky coastline and tropical scenes
Phuket - Phang Nga showing 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-meter) 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.

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 NT$2,270 per night from Sep 18 to Sep 19
NT$2,270
NT$2,695 total
Sep 18 - Sep 19
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
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 NT$4,727 per night from Sep 20 to Sep 21
NT$4,727
NT$5,611 total
Sep 20 - Sep 21
includes taxes & fees
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Food could have been better. It was more Americanized, i was expecting traditional Thai food."

Reviewed on 2025/8/27

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach
Paradox Resort Phuket

Paradox Resort Phuket

5 out of 5
509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
The price is NT$2,619 per night from Sep 5 to Sep 6
NT$2,619
NT$3,109 total
Sep 5 - Sep 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,003 reviews)
"Great location close to shops, restaurants and the beach. Spacious room premium garden view villa with small private plunge pool that was good to sit in to cool off at night. 2 large pools to sit and relax by during the day. Excellent breakfast selection"

Reviewed on 2025/8/26

Paradox 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.
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 ...
HOMA Phuket Town
HOMA Cherngtalay

HOMA Cherngtalay

4.5 out of 5
Soi Cherngtalay 4,, Choeng Thale, Phuket
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Choeng Thale. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Bang Tao Beach and Surin ...
HOMA Cherngtalay
Meet Holiday Hotel

Meet Holiday Hotel

5 out of 5
52/8 Viset Road, Rawai Beach, Rawai, Phuket Province
Stay at this 5-star luxury aparthotel in Rawai. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kata Beach and Karon Beach are located ...
Meet Holiday Hotel
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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