Karon Beach

Come here if you want Patong's convenience without Patong's noise. Karon is one of the longest beaches on Phuket's west coast, about 3 km of wide, soft sand between Patong to the north and Kata to the south, and even in high season it never feels crowded. The fine, quartz-rich sand squeaks as you walk on it.

The layout is different from its neighbors. A beach road runs between the sand and the town, and only two hotels, Centara Grand and Beyond Karon, have direct beach access. Everything else is across the road, usually a short flat walk from the water, which is part of why rooms here cost less than on other west-coast beaches. Sunbeds and umbrellas rent on the sand, and massage mats sit under the trees all year.

December to April is the swimming season. From May to October the rip currents are serious and the red flags mean it, so stay out when they're up. Evening is when the beach earns its keep, with the sun going down over the Andaman and everyone who spent the day flat on a lounger getting up to walk.

Away from the sand, the Karon Temple Market in the grounds of Wat Karon runs twice a week in the evening, and Dino Park mini golf at the Kata end keeps children busy for an afternoon. Kata Beach is about 600 meters south when you want a change.