© Kong Leng Yeo
Karon Beach is a more laid-back, more family-friendly alternative to Patong - a long expanse of beach with hotels and nightclubs far less densely distributed along its almost 2-mile length. Sure, it's got its fair share of dining, accommodations, and nightclubs, but Karon is generally cleaner, neater, and more sensibly developed than Patong further north.
The facilities on Karon Beach can be divided into three sections. The south part of the beach is marked by Karon Plaza, along with its attendant restaurants, bars, and guesthouses. The center of Karon Beach features the Hilton Phuket and the Thavorn Palm Beach Hotel, and to its north Aroona Plaza, housing some souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars. At the north end, you'll find Karon Circle, with its statue commemorating Phuket's traditional industries (tin mining, fishing, farming, and rubber).
Luxury tourists and backpackers alike can find a wide range of accommodation along Karon Beach. There are several hotels right on the beach, like Ruam Thep Inn and Karon Beach Resort - the rest are clustered around Karon Plaza and the circle at the north.
Throughout the high season, the beach is great for swimming, but that changes quickly when the monsoons roll around. The water becomes too rough and treacherous in the off season.
To get to Karon Beach, you can ride a bus on Ranong market for 200B, or charter a taxi from Patong or Phuket City.