Where is Kathu, it may sound a bit confusing?!
Kathu is one of three sub districts that make up Kathu district, alongside Patong and Kamala, and it's the one this guide is about, not those two beach towns. Kathu town sits inland, in the middle of Phuket Island, tucked into a green valley roughly midway between Patong Beach and Phuket Town on the main road connecting the two. A ridge of hills separates it from both Patong and Kamala, so unlike them it isn't on the coast at all.
What makes Kathu unique?
Kathu is Phuket's quiet core. While the district's name technically covers Patong and Kamala too, the town of Kathu itself is a different world: a lush, hilly, historically Chinese Thai settlement that grew up around the island's old tin mining industry. Wat Kathu and the Kathu Shrine, birthplace of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, are reminders of that history. Because it sits at the geographic centre of the island, Kathu has become the default live here, go anywhere base for a lot of long term expats and well off Thai families, thanks to good road links in every direction and no tourist crush from the beaches nearby.
Why is Kathu a nice place to live?
It's green, it's quiet, and it's local. No beach clubs, no tourist menus, no inflated prices. Kathu is surrounded by hills and jungle, with golf courses dotted through the valley, giving it a genuinely different feel to the coast just a few minutes away. It's the kind of area where daily life is easy: independent cafés, local clinics, and schools line the roads, and you're never far from a proper Thai meal that hasn't been adjusted for tourists.
It's also about as well connected as Phuket gets. Sitting at the geographic centre of the island on the main road between Patong and Phuket Town, Kathu has good links out in pretty much every direction, so you're within easy reach of the airport, Phuket Town, and most of the west coast beaches, without having to live on any one of them.
Where's good to eat, drink, and hang out in Kathu?
The food scene is unpretentious and very good. Kha Mu Boran is a no frills local favourite for stewed pork leg with rice. Red Clam, also known as Hoi Pai Daeng, is a casual spot for simple Thai food and a beer with friends. Krua Jongjit has picked up a Michelin mention while staying firmly local in feel. For something greener, Kathu Waterfall, modest by waterfall standards and better in rainy season, has a small road running alongside it lined with noodle stalls and simple family run eateries. Bang Wad Reservoir is the spot for a proper outdoor walk or run: a shaded 6.4km loop around the water with barely any traffic.
Khrua Ohm is one of our favourite places to eat cheap tasty local food, a small, easy to miss Southern Thai restaurant run by owner Somphop, who shops the market daily for fresh fish and seafood. It has held a spot in the Michelin Guide for several years running, with dishes like braised fish in salted soybean sauce and prawns with salted egg and acacia, all at proper local prices.
And Ketho Coffee & Kitchen is a must visit for coffee, cakes and snacks
Are there schools and amenities near Kathu?
Kathu is home to two well regarded international schools: Kajonkiet International School Phuket, known as KIS, which follows the British curriculum, and QSI International School of Phuket, which runs an American curriculum through to Advanced Placement. Both are actually in Kathu, not just the general area.
For day to day amenities, Central Phuket, the island's main shopping and entertainment centre, is in Kathu, along with Big C, Andamanda water park, Decathlon, Makro, and Index Living Mall. Bangkok Hospital Phuket, one of the island's major private hospitals, is also located in Kathu.
Frequently asked questions
Is Kathu on the beach?
No. Kathu town is inland, in a valley roughly midway between Patong Beach and Phuket Town, separated from the coast by a ridge of hills.
Is Kathu a good base if I don't want to be tied to one beach?
Yes. It sits at the geographic centre of Phuket with good road links out in most directions, so the airport, Phuket Town, and most west coast beaches are all within easy reach.
What international schools are in Kathu?
Kajonkiet International School Phuket, known as KIS, and QSI International School of Phuket are both actually located in Kathu.
Is there a hospital near Kathu?
Yes. Bangkok Hospital Phuket, one of the island's major private hospitals, is located in Kathu.
What is Kathu known for?
Its Chinese Thai heritage tied to the old tin mining industry, including Wat Kathu and the Kathu Shrine, birthplace of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, plus a quiet, green, local feel away from the tourist beaches.