Karon | Phuket
Karon is the second largest of Phuket's tourist beaches at 3
km length. It is 8 km south of Patong on Rte 4233 and 20 km
from Phuket town.
Few, if any, hotels have direct beach frontage. Most are
across the road (which usually is not a busy one). The
entire beach is public (as are all beaches in Thailand).
Large resort complexes line the opposite side of the road
from the shoreline, but the long, broad beach itself has no
development. The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly
when walked upon. The southern point has a fine coral reef
stretching toward Kata and Bu Island. Also, there is a wide
pedestrian / bicycle path on the beach side of the road
running the length of the beach.
Most restaurants, bars, tour companies and other
non-hotel businesses are at the north central end, near the
traffic circle, or near the south end, on Bangla Rd (not
that Bangla Rd!) connecting the back road with the beach
road. Nightlife is pretty much confined to dining and a few
beer bars.
The northern third of Karon Beach is essentially
undeveloped and flanked by Nong Harn Lake which is the
largest beach side park in Phuket offering a nice
exercise/jogging/cycling path. North Karon also offers white
beach and clear water with no crowds.
At the south end of Karon, a narrow road between Kata and
Karon has a number of small businesses.
There is a regular daytime bus service to and from Phuket
Town.