Top Things to Do in Kathu

Patong has the island's most concentrated nightlife (Bangla Road), Muay Thai boxing stadiums, and proximity to most island-hopping tour departure points. Kata and Karon have surf schools and calmer water sports suitable for beginners and families. The Phi Phi Islands (reachable by speedboat from multiple piers) are the signature day trip from Phuket — dramatic limestone karsts, turquoise water, and Nemo-rich snorkel spots. Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) is accessible by longtail or speedboat tour from Ao Po in the northeast. Rawai's Chalong Pier is the departure point for most scuba diving day trips to Shark Point, King Cruiser Wreck, and Anemone Reef.

Phi Phi Islands speedboat tours (full day from any major beach area pier) are consistently the most popular activity in Phuket — excellent value and genuinely spectacular scenery. Phang Nga Bay day tours by longtail boat cover sea caves, hongs (enclosed lagoons), and the James Bond Island rock formation. A Phuket Old Town walking tour combined with a cooking class in Phuket Town makes for an excellent cultural half-day. Scuba diving day trips from Chalong Bay visiting 3–4 sites are ideal for those with PADI Open Water certifications or above. Night snorkelling and bioluminescence tours from Surin or Karon are available during certain seasons.

Kata Beach has the gentlest surf on Phuket's west coast and is home to several reputable surf schools catering to children and beginners. The shallow northern end of Kata beach is safe and calm for young children during the dry season (November–April). Surin Beach is calmer than Kata in the dry season and has good snorkelling off the rocks at either end of the bay. From both areas, full-day island-hopping speedboat tours to Phi Phi and Coral Island are family-friendly and well-organised. Elephant sanctuaries in Thalang (inland, 30 minutes from most west coast beaches) offer ethical encounters and are very popular with families.