Lifeguards by day
Lifeguards patrol during the day and post flags showing when you can swim; check them before going in.
Kata Noi Beach
Karon · west coast
A quiet bay of soft white sand and very clear water just south of Kata, shared by three resorts, with sunset bars on the hill above. Public, free and never crowded.
Also written Hat Kata Noi, Kata Noi Bay, Little Kata, Kata Noi Phuket · กะตะน้อย · Ката Ной
Kata Noi Beach in photographs
The way down to the beach, a warning board. Road signs at the beach entrance. The bay at dusk.
- Sand
- Soft white sand in a quiet bay
- Water
- Very clear, shallow water in season
- Quiet
- Only three resorts on the bay
- Sunset
- Sunset bars on the hill above
- Entry
- Public beach, no entry fee
About Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi, 'little Kata', is a bay of soft white sand about 1.5 km south of Kata Beach, separated from it by a rocky headland. From November to April the water is calm, shallow and a shade of blue rarely seen on busier beaches, and because the bay is out of the way, it stays quiet.
Only three resorts share the beachfront: Katathani, which occupies most of it, The Shore at Katathani and Mom Tri's Villa Royale on the rocks at the northern end. The beach is public and free to enter from the road, but the sunbeds and beachfront restaurants belong to the resorts. Day visitors bring a towel and look for shade under the trees at either end.
The evening happens on the hill. A line of bars and restaurants on the steep road towards Nai Harn, from After Beach Bar, here since the late 1990s, to The Sundeck and Fira, looks down over the whole bay at sunset, with Karon Viewpoint just above.
Kata Noi Beach, north to south
The north end, below Villa Royale
Below Mom Tri's Villa Royale on the rocky headland: the surf spot in the low season, with trees for shade and Mom Tri's Kitchen by the sea.
Good
- Shade under the trees.
- Beginner surf from May to October.
- A romantic restaurant by the water.
Less good
- Rougher sea in the low season.
Surfers in season, and couples.
The main beach in front of Katathani
Most of the bay, in front of Katathani, with its Seaside Restaurant open to outside visitors, the small car park at the southern end and trees for shade at the far end.
Good
- Calm, clear swimming in the dry season.
- The only resort restaurant open to non-guests.
- Car park close by.
Less good
- Resort sunbeds only for guests.
- No shade in the centre after mid-morning.
Families and swimmers.
Things to do at Kata Noi Beach
The way down to the beach, a warning board. Road signs at the beach entrance. The bay at dusk.
Swimming · dry season
Swim in the dry season
Flat, clear, shallow water from November to April.
Surfing · monsoon months
Learn to surf at the north end
Decent waves for learning in the low season; the waves are never huge.
On the sand
A towel under the trees
No public sunbed rental: bring a towel and find shade under the trees at either end.
Nightlife
After Beach Bar
The first panoramic bar above Kata Noi, once a Bob Marley reggae bar, still with the same view.
Nightlife
The Sundeck
A cosy terrace on the road towards Nai Harn looking straight down over the bay; edge seats go fast before sunset.
Nightlife
Fira Beach Club
A Mediterranean-style rooftop above Kata Noi with daybeds and cabanas, a sky bar and a restaurant; dress up a little.
Food and drink
Mom Tri's Kitchen
One of the most romantic restaurants on the island, by the sea at Villa Royale; pricey, so keep it for a special occasion.
Food and drink
Heaven Rooftop
A panoramic rooftop restaurant just below Karon Viewpoint.
Food and drink
Sabai Corner
A hidden Thai restaurant at the end of a narrow road below Karon Viewpoint; the view is worth the effort.
Food and drink
Chopol's Plantation
A Thai restaurant among palm trees on a small lane off the road to Karon Viewpoint, easy to miss.
Culture
Karon Viewpoint
High above Kata Noi: the first bay in the famous three-bay view.
A day at Kata Noi Beach
On busy high-season weekends, arrive before 10:00 to find a spot in the small car park at the southern end. Kata Noi car park
From November to April the sea is flat and clear; claim a spot under the trees at either end before the shade shrinks.
Katathani's Seaside Restaurant is the resort restaurant open to outside visitors. Seaside Restaurant at Katathani
Drive up to Karon Viewpoint for the classic photo of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon. Karon Viewpoint
The original cliffside bar above the bay, since the late 1990s; arrive 30 minutes early for a front-row seat. After Beach Bar & Restaurant
Mom Tri's Kitchen at Villa Royale, by the sea at the northern end, for a special occasion. Mom Tri's Kitchen
Our Kata Noi Beach score
4.6out of 5
A quiet swimming day in the dry season, ending with sunset at a hilltop bar above the bay.
One of Phuket's most beautiful bays: soft white sand, water that turns a rare blue from November to April, and only three resorts, so it never gets crowded. It stops short of the top because day visitors get no sunbeds or beach food, shade in the centre is gone by mid-morning, and the sea is rough in the low season.
The character of the beach
A profile, not a mark: where Kata Noi Beach sits on four scales, and what it is known for.
- Lively
- For children
- Surf
- Snorkelling
Lifeguards on duty · Soft white sand in a quiet bay
What is good about Kata Noi Beach
Rare blue water
From November to April the sea is flat, shallow and clear, with a colour you seldom see on the busier beaches.
Never crowded
With only three resorts sharing the bay and no strip of shops, the sand stays calm even in high season.
Sunset from above
After Beach Bar, The Sundeck and Fira on the hill road look down over the whole bay; come half an hour early for a front-row seat.
Beginner surf in the low season
The northern end gets decent learning waves from May to October.
Below Karon Viewpoint
Kata Noi is the first of the three bays in the famous Karon Viewpoint photo, a short drive up the hill.
Before you swim at Kata Noi Beach
Check the flags every time
From May to October the waves pick up; swim only when the flags allow.
Best from November to April
The sea is flat and clear from November to April; in the low season the north end becomes a beginner surf spot.
No shade in the centre
Shade in the middle of the beach disappears by mid-morning. Use the trees at either end and bring water and sunscreen.
A hilly walk from Kata
The 15-minute road walk from Kata is hilly with no pavement on some sections; watch for traffic or take a scooter or Bolt.
Beach clubs, bars and restaurants on Kata Noi Beach
2 places open on the sand in September 2026, walked south to north, then the road behind the beach and a few minutes inland. A price level is what one visit typically costs a person.
The north end, below Villa Royale
Mom Tri's Kitchen
Restaurant · on the sand · 11:30–22:30 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
The restaurant of Mom Tri's Villa Royale on Kata Noi Beach, with a view over the bay.
The main beach in front of Katathani
Seaside Restaurant at Katathani
Restaurant · on the sand · lunch 11:00–18:00, dinner 18:00–22:00 (last order 21:30)
A beachfront bistro of the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort, steps from the sand of Kata Noi Beach; the one restaurant of the resort open to non-residents.
Kata Noi car park
Transport · the road behind
The small car park at the southern end of Kata Noi, near Katathani; full early on busy high-season weekends.
A few minutes inland
After Beach Bar & Restaurant
Bar · a short drive · every day 09:00–22:00 by phuket101; Google Maps showed the same on Thursday
A Thai bar and restaurant on a panoramic terrace above Kata Noi Bay, on the road from Kata to Nai Harn.
The Sundeck
Bar · a short drive · every day 11:00–22:00 by phuket101; Google Maps showed opening at 11:00
A lounge bar and restaurant on two floors overlooking Kata Noi Bay, on the road between Kata Noi and Nai Harn.
Fira Beach Club
Beach club · a short drive · 11:00–22:00
A pool club with a steakhouse and a sky bar on the hill above Kata Noi Beach; despite the name it is not on the beach.
Heaven Rooftop Restaurant & Bar
Restaurant · a short drive · 12:00–23:30 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A rooftop restaurant and bar near the Karon Viewpoint, looking over the three bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.
Sabai Corner
Restaurant · a short drive · Tuesday–Sunday 11:00–21:00; closed Monday
A Thai restaurant on a hilltop near Kata Noi, at the end of the small road past Karon Viewpoint, with a panoramic view of the Andaman Sea.
Chopol's Plantation Bar & Restaurant
Restaurant · a short drive · 10:00–21:00 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A small Thai restaurant and bar in a palm plantation on the hill past Kata Noi, off the road to the Karon Viewpoint.
Karon Viewpoint
Viewpoint · a short drive · open 24 hours
A roadside lookout on the coast road between Kata and Nai Harn with a view over three bays: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.
Baan Chom View Restaurant
Restaurant · 09:00–23:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A restaurant on stilts on the road from Kata to Nai Harn, above Kata Noi, with a large wooden terrace looking over the Andaman Sea; the second of the row of view restaurants when coming up from Kata.
Kipo
Restaurant · 17:00–00:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A Spanish-inspired restaurant on the second floor of the Fira Phuket hotel on Khok Tanod Road, Karon, run by executive chef Ramon Verano.
La Scala
Restaurant · 18:00–23:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
An Italian restaurant on Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi, with live piano in the evening.
Reeno’s Coffee & La cabana
Café · Monday–Tuesday and Friday–Sunday 09:00–21:00, Thursday 09:00–18:00
A small coffee shop in Kata with a few tables inside and a green veranda.
The Harbor
Restaurant
A beachfront restaurant at Kata Noi, set beside an infinity pool above the beach, with a full menu and wine list.
Tree Bay Clubhouse
Bar · every day 12:00–23:00 (kitchen until 22:00; happy hour 12:00–16:00) by its own site and phuket101
A two-storey open terrace on the hillside below Karon Viewpoint, looking down on Kata Noi, Kata and Karon bays.
What it costs to live near Kata Noi Beach
6 months or more
Apartments
฿44,500/ month
median of 6 · from ฿20,000
- The zone
- The waterline
- Chosen step: The zone
- A home and its rent
- A place, as the list numbers it
Homes for rent near Kata Noi Beach
6 months or more
- homes for rent nearby
- 11
- within a 13-minute walk of the sand
- 2
- the nearest home to the sand
- 420 m
Three resorts share the beachfront: Katathani, with over 500 rooms along most of the 850 m bay, The Shore at Katathani's pool villas, and Mom Tri's Villa Royale on the northern headland. Other hotels and villas are on the hill and in Kata, 1.5 km north.
Homes by type
Rent a month
6 homes in the beach zone
- Workspace
2‑bedroom apartment in Kata Noi, Laguna Villas
฿44,500/ month
420 m to the sand · 5 min on foot
- Sea view
2‑bedroom apartment in Kata Noi, Laguna Villas
฿44,500/ month
570 m to the sand · 7 min on foot
- New building
2‑bedroom apartment in Kata Noi, Cherngtalay Heights
฿38,000/ month
1170 m to the sand · 15 min on foot
- Rooftop pool
Studio apartment in Kata Noi, Cherngtalay Heights
฿20,000/ month
1200 m to the sand · 15 min on foot
3‑bedroom apartment in Kata Noi, Laguna Villas
฿50,000/ month
1380 m to the sand · 17 min on foot
2‑bedroom apartment in Kata Noi, Cherngtalay Heights
฿36,500/ month
1460 m to the sand · 18 min on foot
Around Kata Noi Beach
Every place inside the beach zone, by category: choose one to see its places, nearest the water first, each numbered as its mark on the map.
- The Harbor110 m from the sand · 1 min on foot
- La Scala120 m from the sand · 2 min on foot
- Baan Chom View Restaurant450 m from the sand · 6 min on foot
- Kipo450 m from the sand · 6 min on foot
- Reeno’s Coffee & La cabana830 m from the sand · 10 min on foot
- Kata Noi car park20 m from the sand · 1 min on foot
Kata Noi Beach by month
The season · November to April
Calm sea, clear water
November to April: the sea is flat and the water a rare shade of blue; the best months for swimming.
The monsoon · May to October
Waves, walks and red flags
May to October: waves pick up and the flags often close the water, especially at the north end, which becomes a beginner surf spot. Enjoy the view from the hilltop bars instead.
| Month | The sea |
|---|---|
| Jan | Calm |
| Feb | Calm |
| Mar | Calm |
| Apr | Calm |
| May | Changing |
| Jun | Rough |
| Jul | Rough |
| Aug | Rough |
| Sep | Rough |
| Oct | Changing |
| Nov | Calm |
| Dec | Calm |
Calm: swim any day Changing: check the flags Rough: monsoon swell, red flags on many days
Kata Noi Beach with children
Kata Noi suits families in the dry season: calm, clear, shallow water, lifeguards and few crowds. Day visitors have no sunbeds, food or shade in the centre, so bring supplies; families staying at Katathani have its family facilities and pools.
- Calm, shallow water from November to April.
- Lifeguards on patrol during the day.
- Bring shade, water and snacks if you are not a resort guest.
- Swim in the dry season; in the low season the sea is rough.
Getting to Kata Noi Beach and parking
- From the airport, by car
- 55–75 min
- From Patong, with the traffic
- 25–35 min
- From Phuket Town
- 25–40 min
From the southern end of Kata Beach, follow the road past The Boathouse and keep going straight; it rises, veers left and passes Katathani. Kata Noi is about 1.5 km from Kata, 13 km from Patong and 17 km from Phuket Town.
- On foot. About 15 minutes from Kata along the road; hilly, with no pavement in places.
- Grab and taxis. A Bolt ride from Kata takes about 3 minutes.
- The local bus. Take the local bus or Smart Bus to Kata Beach, then continue south on foot or by taxi.
- By scooter. The easiest way from Kata; the road over the headland is steep.
Parking. A small car park at the southern end near Katathani and a few spots along the road. On busy high-season weekends, arrive before 10:00.
Who will love Kata Noi Beach, and who will not
Will love it
- Anyone who wants Kata's beauty without Kata's crowds.
- Couples who end the day at a cliffside sunset bar and dine at Mom Tri's Kitchen.
- Families with small children in the dry season, especially those staying at Katathani.
- Beginner surfers at the north end from May to October.
Will not
- Night owls: evenings are very quiet, apart from the hilltop sunset bars.
- Day visitors wanting cheap beach food and chairs: there are none on the sand.
Tips for Kata Noi Beach
Bring your own towel
Sunbeds are only for Katathani and The Shore guests; there is no public rental.
Claim shade early
The trees at either end give shade; the centre loses it by mid-morning.
Beat the car park rush
On high-season weekends, arrive before 10:00 or you will be circling.
Watch the sunset from above
Skip the beach at sunset and drive up to After Beach Bar or The Sundeck for the full panorama.
Eat at Seaside
Katathani's Seaside Restaurant is the only one of its restaurants open to outside visitors.
Take a Bolt from Kata
The road walk is hilly with no pavement in places; a 3-minute ride is easier.
Questions about Kata Noi Beach
Is Kata Noi Beach good for swimming?
From November to April, yes: the sea is calm and clear. From May to October the waves pick up, especially near the northern end. Lifeguards patrol by day and post flags; always check them.
Is Kata Noi Beach public or private?
Public, with free access for everyone. Katathani occupies most of the land behind the beach, so it can feel like a resort beach, but you are free to walk onto the sand from the road.
How do I get from Kata Beach to Kata Noi?
Follow the road past The Boathouse and keep straight; Kata Noi is about 1.5 km south. There is no coastal footpath. The walk takes about 15 minutes on a hilly road; a scooter or Bolt ride takes about 3 minutes.
Are there sunbeds at Kata Noi Beach?
Only for guests of Katathani and The Shore. There is no public sunbed rental, so bring a towel or mat and look for shade at either end.
Is Kata Noi better than Kata Beach?
For a quiet swimming day, yes: softer sand, clearer water and far fewer people. For restaurants, shops, nightlife and public transport, Kata Beach is more convenient.
Where can I eat on Kata Noi Beach?
Only at the resorts by the sea: Mom Tri's Kitchen at Villa Royale and Katathani's Seaside Restaurant, which welcomes outside visitors. Small local restaurants are on Kata Noi Road, and panoramic bars line the hill above.
Where is the best sunset near Kata Noi?
Up on the hill: After Beach Bar, the original since the late 1990s, The Sundeck and Fira all look down over the bay. Arrive half an hour early.
Is there parking at Kata Noi Beach?
A small car park at the southern end near Katathani and a few spots along the road. Arrive before 10:00 on busy weekends.
Can you surf at Kata Noi?
Yes, at the northern end from May to October, when the waves are decent for learning.