Kathu

Travel Guide

Laem Singh Beach which includes a pebble beach, rugged coastline and island views
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 toPhuket 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 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 P4,998 per night from Aug 5 to Aug 6
P4,998
P5,933 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! (1,009 reviews)
"Villas were delighful-heaps of room, pool was lovely, nice water features and plenty of privacy. Staff were thoughtful, friendly and kind. Transport options were easily accessible. Day spa treatments were nice and easily available. Food at thai and japanese restaurants were great but oceanview restaurant ..."

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

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 P9,841 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P9,841
P11,681 total
Sep 3 - Sep 4
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! (1,001 reviews)
"Perfect for families"

Reviewed on Jul 29, 2025

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin 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 P4,582 per night from Sep 3 to Sep 4
P4,582
P5,439 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! (1,001 reviews)
"Excellent property and staff was super nice and helpful. Be prepared to walk stairs and hills, as there are no elevators. Not handicap friendly just an fyi"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon 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 Apr 30, 2025

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 Mar 10, 2025

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 Mar 1, 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.

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