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$2,361 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
NT$2,361
NT$2,803 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"Thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Mandarava. Felt like a boutique resort with lovely staff who remembered our names and amazing facilities including a choice of pools, games rooms and activities. Special thanks to Apple in the day spa. A truly restful stay."

Reviewed on 2025/8/2

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
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 NT$2,576 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
NT$2,576
NT$3,057 total
Aug 5 - Aug 6
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Patong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,011 reviews)
"Great location in front of the beach. Not so walkable and no sidewalk in the area, but tuktuk were easily available."

Reviewed on 2025/8/1

Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, Patong 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$5,071 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
NT$5,071
NT$6,020 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
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! (1,002 reviews)
"Perfect for families"

Reviewed on 2025/7/29

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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (77 reviews)
"Very great place to stay and nice view"

Reviewed on 2025/4/30

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 ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
Great for Nomads
"Well equipped and convenient. Would stay here long term!"

Reviewed on 2025/3/10

HOMA Cherngtalay
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 WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (133 reviews)
"Great staff"

Reviewed on 2025/3/1

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

Cities near Kathu