Of the three main beaches at Phuket: Patong, Karon and Kata, Kata is the most laid back, quiet and atmospheric. The beach itself is quite beautiful with a cove surrounded by rocky cliffs and a small island in the distance. The grassy area in front of the beach is manicured and lounge chairs and umbrellas are symmetrically laid out. The sense of uniformity and cleanliness instantly made me feel slightly uncomfortable and self-conscious. What if my cajones popped out of my briefs on a beach like this? Would I be hauled off to the pokey with the other riff-raff?

Pretty Kata Beach

Many of the resorts are top-end, including the Boathouse, some type of super pretentious, beautiful-people-in-fancy-pants resort, strategically located in front of one of the nicest beach areas. Economical bungalows however can be rented for between 300 baht and 2,000 baht per day, roughly three times the price of bungalows in Koh Samui. Some alternatives include: Kata on Sea for about 400 baht, Friendship Bungalow for 800 baht and Dome Bungalow for 1500 baht. Rates drop in the low season.

There are numerous spas and we had one of the most pleasant herbal team baths at the Kata Beach Spa. Herbal steam rooms are really an art that few spas do well. First, there has to be the right combination of herbs. Second, they must be steamed in such a way to draw out the essential oils into a mist. Third, the temperature should not be too hot. A herbal steam bath is of a different principle than a regular steam bath, and a herbal steam bath is intended to infuse the body with the essential oils of therapeutic plants, rather than merely sweating. Finally, there needs to be a plunge pool with cooling water. Kata Beach Spa fit the bill on all counts. Steam baths are 500 baht per person.

Two of the best ways to economize in Phuket are (1) to rent a motorbike and (2) to select restaurants carefully. Motorbikes can be rented for 250 baht a day. Restaurants abound and we had some good meals at several Italian restaurants. the Tratoria is open air and specialized in pastas and Italian cold cuts. Tratoria is on a busy corner and you could sit and observe the street life while sipping espresso. We definitely exceeded our budget on food in Phuket, but we had some memorable meals.

Kata Gym

Kata Beach Gym was also a real find (if you like working out.) You can work out in the gym located at the bottom of the shophouse for 120 baht per day. Monthly and weekly rates are also available. The equipment is not state-of-the-art but gets the job done. The owner is a friendly chap who will also give you advice. There's quite a cast of characters that go the gym; I met Nepali, Swiss and Italian folks there.

The bottom line is this: Although somewhat sterile, there are some good times that can be had in Phuket, even for people on a budget. The scenery is beautiful as are the beaches. It's very convenient. It's a good place for families or to bring your elderly parents. Major pluses are at least one really good spa and many delicious restaurants.