Kata Noi (Little Kata) is the smaller, quieter cousin of Kata Yai, separated from it by a short rocky headland. The beach is around 700 metres long, with finer sand and clearer water than its bigger neighbour, and a single line of low-rise hotels rather than open beachfront restaurants. It feels much more relaxed.
Swimming is generally safer here in the high season, but the same monsoon rip currents apply. There are a handful of sun-lounger operators and a couple of beach restaurants. Get a tuk-tuk from Kata centre — it's a 5-minute ride or a hot 20-minute walk over the headland.