Southern Phuket: Kata Beach, Big Buddha & Rawai Seafood
Theme: Beaches, Temples & Seafood
Morning
Breakfast at Kata Beach
Start your first morning at Kata Beach, one of Phuket's most picturesque stretches of sand. Grab breakfast at Kata Mama or The Boathouse — both serve excellent Thai and Western breakfasts with sea views. Kata is more relaxed than Patong, with cleaner sand, a gentler curve to the bay, and the small island of Koh Pu visible offshore. After eating, take a quick dip in the warm Andaman water — the southern end of the beach tends to be quietest.
Tips
- Kata Beach is on the southwest coast, about 20 minutes south of Patong.
- During high season (Nov-Apr) the water is calm with green safety flags.
Big Buddha (Phra Phutthamingmongkol Akenakkiri)
Drive up the winding road from Kata to the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-tall white marble statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill at 400 metres elevation. The journey takes only 15 minutes from Kata. The panoramic views from the terrace are staggering — Chalong Bay spreads out to the east, Kata and Karon beaches sweep along the west coast, and on clear mornings you can spot the Phi Phi Islands on the southern horizon. This is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and speak quietly. Ring the brass bells for good luck as you walk the perimeter.
Tips
- Visit before 11 AM to avoid tour bus crowds and the worst heat.
- The marble platform scorches bare feet — wear slip-on shoes.
- Sarongs are available at the entrance if you need to cover shoulders or knees.
Afternoon
Wat Chalong Temple
Just 10 minutes downhill from Big Buddha, Wat Chalong (formally Wat Chaiyathararam) is Phuket's most important Buddhist temple. The complex features ornate buildings set amid manicured gardens, with the grand pagoda housing a splinter of bone said to be from the Buddha himself. Climb to the top floor for 360-degree views and beautiful murals depicting the Buddha's life. The temple also honours the monks who helped quell the Chinese coolie rebellion of 1876 — a fascinating chapter in Phuket's history.
Tips
- Remove shoes before entering any building. No shorts, tank tops, or beachwear.
- Buy incense and gold leaf offerings (20-40 THB) at the main hall for a traditional blessing.
Lunch at Chalong Area
Stop for lunch at one of the excellent local restaurants around Chalong Circle. Kaab Gluay serves outstanding massaman curry and pad thai at local prices, or try Sharkfin Restaurant (despite the name, they don't serve shark fin) for spicy southern Thai curries and fried whole fish. This area is where locals eat, so portions are generous and prices are honest.
Tips
- Southern Thai massaman curry is noticeably richer and sweeter than central Thai versions — don't miss it.
Karon Viewpoint (Three Beaches Viewpoint)
A short 10-minute drive from Chalong brings you to Karon Viewpoint, one of Phuket's most photographed panoramas. From this elevated platform, you can see three beaches — Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon — sweeping into the distance, separated by forested headlands with the Andaman Sea glittering beyond. There's a small cafe selling drinks and ice cream. Morning light is technically better for photos, but the early afternoon offers dramatic cloud formations over the water.
Afternoon at Kata Noi Beach
Head to Kata Noi, a smaller and more secluded sister beach to Kata, just south of the viewpoint. This 700-metre crescent of soft sand is sheltered by headlands and backed by the luxurious Katathani Resort. The water is clear and excellent for swimming, and the beach is less crowded than the main Kata stretch. Rent a lounger (200 THB), swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the quieter atmosphere of one of Phuket's most underrated beaches.
Tips
- Kata Noi has limited food vendors — grab a water bottle before settling in.
- The snorkeling around the rocks at the northern end is surprisingly good during calm water months.
Evening
Transfer to Rawai
Head to Phuket's southern tip for the evening's highlight — a seafood feast at Rawai. The drive from Kata Noi takes about 15-20 minutes along the scenic coastal road. Rawai is a working fishing village with a long seawall promenade, local boat moorings, and the best fresh seafood market on the island.
Promthep Cape Sunset
Before dinner, make a quick detour to Promthep Cape, the southernmost point of Phuket island, just 5 minutes past Rawai. This dramatic headland offers arguably the best sunset viewpoint on the island — a sweeping vista of the Andaman Sea with small islands dotting the horizon. Arrive by 5:30 PM to stake out a good spot. The sky typically erupts in colour between 6:00-6:30 PM. There's a lighthouse and a small shrine at the top of the cape.
Tips
- Promthep Cape gets very crowded at sunset during high season — arrive early for the best position.
- The breeze up top can be strong — hold onto hats and lightweight items.
Rawai Seafood Market Dinner
At Rawai Seafood Market along the beachfront promenade, you choose your own live seafood — tiger prawns, blue crabs, lobster, barracuda, squid, rock lobster, scallops, and whatever the day's catch brought in — from vendors along the seawall. Then carry your selection to one of the cooking restaurants behind the market where they'll prepare it to your specifications: grilled with garlic butter, steamed with lime and chilli, stir-fried with basil and pepper, or deep-fried with turmeric. The quality is outstanding and the prices are a fraction of what you'd pay in the resort areas.
Tips
- Negotiate at the seafood stalls before buying — prices are flexible, especially later in the evening.
- The garlic-grilled prawns and steamed whole sea bass with lime are always excellent choices.
- The cooking restaurants charge a separate cooking fee (typically 100-200 THB per dish).
Night
Evening at Hotel or Kata Nightlife
After the seafood feast, head back to your hotel for a well-earned rest, or if you're staying around Kata, take a stroll along the beach road where a handful of relaxed bars offer cocktails, live music, and pool tables without the intensity of Patong's Bangla Road. Ska Bar and After Beach Bar are local favourites with a laid-back vibe.
