53points · on 7 of 9 lists: Mama Loves Phuket, The Backpacking Family, Thailand Routes, Little Passport Crew, Phuket 101, 1001beach and Phuket Expat Guide
Kata curves for about a mile around a bay, with the small green island of Koh Pu just offshore and a river meeting the sea at the quieter northern end. From June to November the swell suits beginner surfers and a contest is held each September; from December to April the water turns blue and calm. Lifeguards work the beach and raise red flags when rip currents run in the monsoon months.
“The sand is very soft and fine, making it perfect for walking barefoot.”
Google review
“Good mix of locals and tourists, and plenty of space to enjoy without feeling too crowded.”
a Google reviewer
51points · on 7 of 9 lists: Mum on the Move, Mama Loves Phuket, Thailand Routes, Little Passport Crew, Phuket 101, 1001beach and Phuket Expat Guide
Bang Tao runs about 6 km, long enough that the sand stays uncrowded, and toward its northern end come shady trees, reef for snorkeling and a beach volleyball net. Behind it, Laguna Phuket turned abandoned tin mining land into a resort complex with an 18-hole golf course, and SAii Laguna, a beachfront hotel there, runs a dedicated kids' club. The water is calm in high season, and a steady breeze makes the bay a good place to windsurf.
“It's one of the best places in Phuket to watch the sunset.”
a Google reviewer
“You can have a patch of sand with shady trees all to yourself.”
a Google reviewer
48points · on 6 of 9 lists: Mum on the Move, Mama Loves Phuket, Thailand Routes, Little Passport Crew, Phuket 101 and BeachAtlas
Kamala was still a fishing village in 1990, with buffaloes on the sand and fishermen drying small fish on tarps, and it has kept a calm pace as the hotels arrived. Casuarina and coconut trees shade about 2 km of pale sand, and beach loungers cover only around a tenth of it. In high season the water is very shallow and clear for small children, and the Phuket FantaSea show, with its acrobatics and pyrotechnics, is a short drive from the sand.
“The beach is super wide, so you can comfortably lay down on the sand”
a Google reviewer
“This spot is a hit with tourists and perfect for families.”
a Google reviewer
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Fifth, with 32 points from 5 lists.
“It’s the kind of place where you can simply sit, relax, and enjoy the moment with family.”
a Google reviewer
Sixth, with 31 points from 5 lists.
“Wide beach where everyone comes out to witness amazing sunsets!”
a Google reviewer
The lists we counted
- Mum on the Move · July 2023
- Mama Loves Phuket · July 2026
- The Backpacking Family · December 2025
- Thailand Routes · February 2026
- Little Passport Crew · 2026
- Phuket 101 · September 2026
- 1001beach
- Phuket Expat Guide · July 2026
- BeachAtlas
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
Award badges
Related rankings
