Central district between beaches and town, known for waterfalls, golf and the mining museum.
Kathu sits in the hills at Phuket's geographic centre, connecting west-coast beaches with Phuket Town. It is greener and quieter than coastal resorts, with waterfalls, golf courses, and cultural sites.
Few tourists stay overnight, but Kathu is worth a half-day visit and is home to many resort staff and local communities.
Hike to Kathu Waterfall, play golf at Loch Palm and Red Mountain courses, visit Phuket Mining Museum, explore Wat Kathu, and use Kathu as a crossroads to Patong, Bang Tao, and Old Town.
Limited accommodation — most visitors stay in Patong or Phuket Town. Small hotels near the Kathu–Patong border suit budget travellers.
Local Thai restaurants along Kathu's main roads serve excellent value lunches. Night markets appear on rotating schedules. Patong dining is 10 minutes away.
