These are two adjacent beaches separated by a hill: Kata Yai to the north, and Kata Noi to the south. Kata Yai's gentle surf and scenic beachfront is a big hit with families; it's about a mile long, with a beach road on one side and the Koh Pu islet peeking from the Andaman Sea on the other. It's a fairly well-developed piece of real estate - you'll find a variety of resorts, hotels, and restaurants in nearby Kata Center - but still mostly quiet and peaceful compared to Patong.

Just over the hill, secluded Kata Noi offers great surfing during the monsoon season, though there's not much else to do. Which is precisely what brings many visitors to Kata Noi: a lot of them just want to enjoy an unspoiled beach without civilization getting in the way!

Kata Center is located behind both Kata Yai and Kata Noi - a touristy town center with restaurants, internet shops, travel agents, bars, and lodgings. While the nightlife is nothing compared to Patong, the bars here can get a little loud too.

You can ride a bus from Ranong market going to Kata Beach, or take a taxi going there.