Why should you go there and how do you do it right?

Kata is a 1.5 km long bay on Phuket's southwest coast, between Karon to the north and Kata Noi to the south. It boasts fine sand, clear blue water during the high season, and a small offshore island that appears in almost every sunset photo. After Patong, it is one of the island's most popular beaches and offers a quieter, family-friendly atmosphere – without the go-go bars of Patong.

One thing is often overlooked: Club Med occupies about 90 percent of the beach, so the sand is only accessible from either end. Most of the hotels, restaurants, and shops are located on the parallel street, a block further back. Sun loungers and umbrellas can be rented directly on the beach, and the front row is taken early during peak season.

The beach changes with the seasons. From about December to April, the sea is calm and clear, perfect for swimming. During the off-season, the waves transform Kata into one of Phuket's best surfing beaches. Surfboards and lessons for beginners are available, and the currents make it advisable to pay attention to the surf flags. Those who want to ride waves year-round can also use the artificial wave at Super Surf Kata.

Sunset is the best time to visit, when the longtail boats lie silhouetted in the water and the entire coastline transforms into a viewing platform. Karon is about 600 meters to the north if you'd like more space. The Karon Viewpoint is 3 km away, and the Big Buddha and Cape Promthep are each 10 to 12 km away.