Karon is concentrated around three main areas: The Karon Plaza area on the south end features a number of budget guesthouses, restaurants and bars. The side sois are worth exploring, particularly the one that leads to a small art community, where some budding Thai painters have built a complex of huts, pubs and art galleries in which they live and work.
Karon Beach is very long, 5km (3 miles), with fine white sand that squeaks when you walk on it throughout its entire length. At the north end, in front of the lake, the beach is usually deserted, making it a great spot to go if you want the beach to yourself.
Sea turtles are occasional nocturnal visitors, laying their eggs in the sand at night time. If you see any turtles or their tracks you should let your hotel know and they'll contact Phuket Marine Biological Centre who will incubate the eggs in safety.
Most of the beach has a single row of sun beds, and at the south end there are often more. As stated above, the far north part has none. A set (two sun beds, a table and an umbrella) costs THB 200 for one day.
Some good snorkeling can be found by the rocks at the south end. Equipment can be rented on the beach. Volleyball is popular when the sun begins to go down.
What better location could there be for a Thai massage than on the beach? Readily available and excellent value for money, the masseuses are set up in the shaded areas. Other types of massage and reflexology are also available.
Karon Beach Attractions
Karon is famous for its beautiful long beach, a wide variety of restaurants, its shopping bazaars and a handful of friendly and not too over-the-top bars and a relaxed night scene...
Karon Beach Shopping
Karon Beach is a five-kilometre stretch of squeaky white sand three kilometres south of Patong. The Karon area is home to several large hotels and is much less crowded than neighbouring Patong as it is more spread out. Shopping in this area is also more relaxed than in Patong yet you can buy most of the same items, it all depends if you know where to go...
