Kata Beach is situated just a few minutes south of big brother Karon and shares many of the same traits as its longer neighbour, thanks to its beautiful soft white sand a crystal clear waters.

Like the bustling resort of Kata itself, the beach in Kata is very popular with expats and tourists alike, thanks to its combination of its aesthetics, facilities and things to do.

Kata Beach is usually busy, especially during the high season months of November through until April, without ever seeming crowded, another reason why it remains one of Phuket’s beach destinations of choice.

The beach itself is 1.5km long and is fringed by palm trees at the back and the turquoise water of the Andaman Sea at the front, producing the sort of beach you’d expect to find on the front of a postcard.

Kata Beach is considered by many in the know to be the place to surf in Phuket. During the low season months between May and October, the southern end of the beach is a hive of activity as surf enthusiasts head into the water, paddle past the breaks and hang out waiting to pick up the best wave to surf into the beach.

In 2009, Kata was chosen as one of three beaches to host the inaugural Quiksilver Thailand Surf Series. After events in Kalim and Kamala, Kata hosted the final event of the three, the Island Crown, in front of the biggest crowds the series had seen to underline the sport’s popularity at the beach.

In the high season, the sea off Kata Beach is flat and calm and is great for swimming and snorkeling, as well as wakeboarding and windsurfing.

In late November, early December, Kata plays host to Asia’s top sailing event, the King’s Cup. Held annually since 1987 to mark His Majesty the King of Thailand’s 60th birthday, the 2009 event boasted a record field of more than 110 boats and more than 1,000 sailors.

Out of the water, Kata is popular site for beach football and volleyball, and games tend to get underway late in the afternoon when temperatures are cooler. Should moving feel like too much of an effort, never fear as vendors move up and down the beach with a choice selection of snacks and treats.