Kathu
Kathu lies in the center of the island and combines a traditional city center with modern areas that make up the rest of the town. It spreads from the edge of Phuket Town westward towards Patong and is mainly a residential area with a lot of locals and expats choosing to make it their home. This is due to its quiet atmosphere and convenience; however, being connected to major thoroughfares, it offers easy access to the whole island with two nearby medical centers including Phuket International Hospital and Dibuk Hospital.
The local temple has a beautiful structure of intricate design and perfect for a few shots during the day. The local shrine is also worth mentioning; this Chinese temple has seen some extensive reconstruction over the years and contains historical artefacts, such as Taoist deities. It is also the birthplace of the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, which happens annually on the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar.
New restaurants are popping up frequently, continuously adding to its already impressive list of eateries. You’ll find many other types of cuisine aside from Thai, such as English, Indian, Italian, Scandinavian, Swiss, Belgian and a number of steak houses, bakeries, and cafes. There are also many bars where you can enjoy a relaxing drink in a town that has a strong sense of community. You’ll often meet locals and expats in such watering holes who can tell you more about the local area, as well as the whole island.
It is also a few minutes away from Phuket’s largest shopping malls, such as Central Festival, Big C Center and Tesco Lotus. A lot of activities can be found at its center, and it is famous for its numerous golf courses, all following international standards.
A magnificent waterfall, made up of several drop pools, is worth a visit during the rainy season (May to November) when it actually holds some water. You can climb to the top of the falls by way of some steps, as well as natural ground to reach an inviting pool to have a soak in.
This city is a great choice for people who want to experience the traditional way of life of modern Phuketians and make some friends in a casual yet comfortable environment.
