Kata, Phuket
Our journey through Thailand began in Kata, a bustling beach town on Phuket’s west coast. Framed by golden sands and packed with sunseekers, it offered a soft landing into Thai life, a place to adjust, explore, and catch our breath.
While not our favourite stop overall, Kata gave us postcard sunsets, a few standout meals, and one unforgettable ethical elephant experience. This was where we first swapped routine for adventure, and where the real trip began.
🧾 Quick look
🛏️ Stayed: Sawasdee Village (฿30,804 (~£647, ~$801, €739) / 6 nights)
🐘 Tour: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve (฿2,900 (£61, ~$75, ~€70) pp)
🍽️ Best meal: Pad Thai & pizza at Ska Bar
☕ Tip: Coconut milk latte at The Coffee Club
📅 Weather: Hot (high 20s–low 30s °C), 80–100% humidity, dry and sunny
👥 Crowd level: Busy and heavily touristed, dominated by package holiday traffic
🚫 Warnings: Scam-prone ATMs, overpriced taxis, and roads that aren’t pedestrian-friendly
💡 Booking tip: Free cancellation on Booking.com helped us rebook cheaper later
✅ Would we return? No — the resort was amazing, but the town wasn’t for us
✔️ Would suit you if… You want a tropical base with lots of bars, restaurants, and beach access
❌ Avoid if… You’re looking for culture, quiet, or authentic Thai experiences
Getting There
We booked our airport transfer in advance via Booking.com, the only journey we arranged ahead of time. Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, don’t linger inside the terminal. Instead, exit the building and make your way to the area marked by large, numbered concrete pillars. There you’ll find a network of desks and noticeboards, with printed name lists displayed on tables or taped to surrounding stands. There are transfer coordinators on hand to help you locate your booking. Despite confirming in advance, we still waited nearly an hour for our vehicle to arrive. It’s a somewhat chaotic system, but with a bit of patience, it gets the job done.
Where We Stayed
Sawasdee Village is a tranquil retreat tucked away on a quiet backstreet in Kata. From the outside, it appears modest and unassuming. Step through the entrance, however, and the atmosphere transforms completely. Stone paths wind through lush tropical gardens dotted with koi ponds, intricate statues, and softly glowing lanterns that flicker to life after dark. It feels like stepping into a peaceful, almost enchanted oasis.
We stayed in a Garden Room, which was compact but beautifully presented. The Thai-inspired décor added a sense of place, and the air conditioning worked efficiently, a must in the Phuket heat. Amenities included robes, a mini-fridge, a safe, bottled water, and coffee-making facilities. Wi-Fi was excellent throughout the property, and daily housekeeping was prompt and reliable. For those wanting something more luxurious, the poolside rooms looked spectacular, with some offering direct access into the water. Of course, that level of proximity to nature may come with the occasional mosquito.
The resort features two distinct pool areas. One is a larger, more traditional setup with plenty of loungers, but we preferred the quieter, winding lagoon-style pool surrounded by dense tropical planting. It was beautifully designed, peaceful, and never too crowded, perfect for a relaxed afternoon swim.
While breakfast wasn’t included in our stay, and we didn’t dine at the resort’s on-site restaurant or use the spa, both looked elegant and well-maintained. We typically picked up food from the nearby 7-Eleven or visited local restaurants instead. There’s also a poolside bar that serves drinks and snacks, which added to the laid-back vibe.
Getting to Kata Beach took around 20 to 25 minutes on foot. It involved navigating a few turns and a long stretch along the main road, but it was manageable. The hotel offered beach transfers, though we preferred walking. The night market, restaurants, and shops were closer, about a 10-minute walk from the resort. The road directly outside Sawasdee Village was quiet and calm, but the surrounding area became much more touristy as you approached the town centre.
Despite its central location, the resort always felt serene, private, and secure. The staff were consistently warm, helpful, and cheerful. Their hospitality made a lasting impression, and the whole place felt meticulously cared for. While we didn’t plan to return to Kata itself, we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Sawasdee Village, especially for couples looking for a peaceful, romantic base. It’s a hidden gem that punches far above its price point.
💡 Alternative Options
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The SIS Kata Resort
Perched just above Kata Beach, The SIS delivers a sleek, contemporary escape with commanding sea views and a youthful, design-led aesthetic. Think rooftop infinity pool, ambient lighting, and modern rooms made for unwinding in style. Perfect for couples seeking a romantic base within walking distance of the beach.
From ฿1,800 per night (~£38, ~$47, ~€44)
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Chanalai Flora Resort
Tucked into lush gardens just minutes from the sands of Kata Beach, this laid-back, family-friendly resort offers excellent value and warm hospitality. With two pools, traditional Thai accents, and consistently high service ratings, it’s ideal for travellers who want comfort without the fuss.
From ฿1,500 per night (~£32, ~$39, ~€36)
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Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery
A luxurious five-star retreat on the Karon–Kata border, this colonial-inspired gem blends vintage glamour with modern indulgence. Expect rich interiors, a stylish rooftop bar, a full-service spa, and service to match. A sophisticated choice for those seeking elegance and serenity just beyond the bustle.
From ฿3,200 per night (~£68, ~$84, ~€78)
What We Did
Kata Beach offers the kind of postcard-perfect views that lure travellers from around the world: soft golden sand, warm turquoise water, and dramatic sunsets that light the sky in shades of amber and pink. But beneath the beauty lies a more commercial reality. Much of the shoreline is densely packed with sunbeds and umbrellas, operated by private vendors. While the beach remains publicly accessible, the sheer volume of loungers can make the sand feel more like a sunbathing showroom than a slice of paradise.
On our first visit, the contrast was jarring. The setting was stunning, yet the crowds were relentless, shoulder to shoulder in a space that should have felt expansive. Keen to escape, we gravitated to the southern end of the beach, where shade from the trees offered relief and Ska Bar became our sanctuary. Perched on driftwood benches with cold beers in hand, reggae tunes floating from an old speaker, and waves lapping just metres away, we found the laid-back beach bar of our dreams. Late afternoon quickly became our favourite time, the sun softened, the crowds thinned, and the whole beach seemed to exhale.
In search of something quieter, we set off one particularly sweltering day to reach Kata Noi Beach, a smaller bay just over the hill. What looked like a simple walk on the map turned into a punishing trek in 34°C heat, with no shade and the pavement radiating like a griddle. We arrived drenched and hopeful. The beach was, without doubt, beautiful, but equally busy. The reward didn’t quite justify the effort.
The local night market, on the other hand, delivered in spades. It was one of our first full-sensory “this is Thailand” moments. We had seen the scenes online, sizzling woks, tangled fairy lights, food stalls lit by fluorescent bulbs, but stepping into it in person was a rush. The aroma hit first: garlic, grilling meat, incense, and fried chicken. The air was thick with noise and steam, locals calling out prices and music clashing from different corners. It was chaotic, yes, but undeniably electric. We wandered for hours, sipping fruit smoothies, browsing endless rows of souvenirs, and soaking in the organised mayhem. Surreal and unforgettable, exactly what we’d hoped Thailand would be.
Tours
Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve
One of the most profoundly emotional experiences of our entire trip came during our visit to the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve, an ethical sanctuary tucked deep within the jungle.
Before travelling, we had spent countless hours researching elephant sanctuaries, watching documentaries, reading testimonials, and scrutinising mission statements, determined to support a place that truly prioritised animal welfare. No rides. No chains. No bathing. Hidden Forest stood out not only for its transparency and strong ethical stance but also for its clear focus on rehabilitation over spectacle. This wasn’t just another excursion. For us, it was personal.
Booking was straightforward through their website, and we were collected directly from our resort. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that Hidden Forest was different. The atmosphere felt peaceful and purposeful, shaped by a deep respect for the elephants who call it home. Their philosophy is simple yet powerful: elephants should live free from fear, restraint, and exploitation. Here, there are no performances or staged interactions, just the chance to observe these magnificent animals on their terms, in an environment designed to honour their autonomy.
The experience was deeply moving. It began with a short but impactful introductory film about the elephants’ pasts, many of which involve trauma and captivity. We found ourselves in tears before we had even stepped into the forest. But it was the first encounter that truly stayed with us: a grandmother elephant slowly emerging through the trees, her skin weathered, her gait heavy with history. There were no distractions, no chains, no commands. Only the soft rhythm of her breath and the quiet crunch of the forest floor beneath her feet.
It was a moment of stillness, connection, and quiet awe. And one we will never forget.
💡 Quick Reference: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve
🚐 Tour Type: Half-day ethical elephant encounter
💰 Cost: ฿2,900 (approx. £61, $75, €70), including lunch and round-trip transfers
📍 Location: Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve, Phuket
⏱️ Duration: Approximately half a day
💬 Highlights: A moving experience feeding and gently connecting with rescued elephants in a serene, cruelty-free environment
⚠️ Tips: No riding, no performances. Wear closed-toe shoes and pack tissues, it can be emotional
🔗 Booked via: hiddenforestelephantreserve.com
🧭 Verdict: One of the most emotionally powerful experiences in Thailand, unforgettable, responsible, and deeply rewarding.
Where We Ate
Right on the sand at the southern end of Kata Beach, this laid-back reggae bar serves great Pad Thai, ice-cold beers, and hosts lively fire shows every Tuesday and Friday at 10pm. It’s the kind of place where driftwood benches, warm sea breezes, and chilled beats do all the talking. Beers are around ฿90 (~£1.90, ~$2.30, ~€2.15), and the food is tasty and affordable.
O’cha Smoothies (Night Market)
A small stall with a big following. Their avocado smoothie was a standout, rich, refreshing, and perfect after a sweaty market wander.
Night Market Must-Try
Chicken pineapple fried rice served inside a hollowed-out pineapple. It’s a tourist favourite for a reason, fun presentation, generous portions, and loads of flavour.
The Coffee Club
A cool, modern space just off the main road, ideal for a quiet morning. The coconut milk latte was smooth, lightly sweet, and exactly what we needed to ease into the day.
What To Know Before You Go
Transport Caution
To sidestep the risk of scams and inflated prices, we avoided scooters and unmetered taxis altogether. Instead, we relied on walking and pre-arranged transfers, keeping our travel stress-free and straightforward.
Money Tip
We kept our cash and cards secure in slim waist bags worn under clothing. It’s a simple precaution, but one that added peace of mind in busy markets and unfamiliar towns.
Final Thoughts
By the time we wrapped up our stay in Kata, we felt both grateful and restless. Grateful for the soft landing it provided, a gentle introduction to Thailand’s rhythms, flavours, and culture. But also ready for more. Kata gave us the space to decompress and find our footing, yet it quickly became clear that the real adventure was still ahead.
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