Kata and Karon beaches are the choice beaches for those people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, for those who want to relax and soak up the Andaman Sun, yet, be close enough to all that Phuket Island has to offer.

Introduction to Phuket, Thailand

Phuket (pronounced Pookhet) is Thailand’s largest island. It’s a province in itself and a major tourist destination. Phuket offers something for every visitor: verdant hillsides, luxurious golf courses, unique beaches, azure seas, world-class scuba diving and water sports, surprisingly cheap shopping, outstanding dining and a vibrant nightlife. As Phuket is Thailand’s richest province, the infrastructure is surprisingly good when compared to neighbouring provinces and countries.

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Location

Lying off the northwest Andaman coast 700km south of Bangkok and 150 kilometres from the Malaysian border, Phuket is roughly the same size as Singapore. Many have remarked on the similarity Phuket has, when viewed on a map, to a pearl drop. For this reason, amongst others, the island has been dubbed "The Pearl of the South." It’s connected to the province of Phang Nga by two northern bridges. Most tourists arrive by air, but there are excellent road connections to Bangkok and surrounding provinces to Phuket that are well worth visiting.

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Climate

Roughly on the same latitude as Central America, Phuket’s climate is a lot easier going than say, Costa Rica’s. The average temperature is 28 degrees Celsius and varies from 22 degrees to 35 degrees depending on the time of year. One thing you can depend on, however, is that it’s always humid on this island. From November to April the skies are generally clear and a fresh northeasterly breeze sweeps through the region, making yachting, scuba diving and a host of other water sports instantly accessible. From May until October Phuket is a lot wetter, due to westerly monsoons, but it doesn’t rain all day every day. For this reason, Phuket’s rainy season can sometimes be a misnomer. There is a mini-summer in June/July when the island is perhaps at its most idyllic with quiet beaches and glorious weather for three or more weeks.

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Geography

A central mountain range forms the backbone of the island. The highest point is 529 metres. Much of the rest of the island is given over to rubber and pineapple plantations. The West Coast is studded with truly beautiful beaches from where you can witness spectacular sunsets whereas prawn farms, mangrove forests and yachting facilities dominate the East side of the island. If there is one word that has been used to describe Phuket it is "Verdant". The island positively bursts with green plants, crops, trees and shrubbery. There is the Khao Phra Taew National Park in the northwest of the island where wild animals live in their natural habitat and Phuket is no more than two hours away from some of the most unspoiled jungle in Asia: at Khao Sok National Park.
32 smaller islands - almost all easily accessible by boat - surround Phuket, affording a rich choice of day trips and scuba/snorkeling sites.

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History

Since early times Phuket has been a melting pot of races and ethnic beliefs. The early populations were made up of hunters and gatherers. When trade routes opened and people began to travel more freely the island hosted a multitude of nationalities. Sub continental Indians, Arabs, Malay and Mokken sea nomads all arrived to make their cultural mark but with the advent of tin mining in the 18^th century the demography of the island changed radically. Hokkien Chinese migrants from Penang, seeking employment in the tin industry, arrived in large numbers and subsequently intermarried with locals, adding a persuasive Chinese hue to the multi ethnic mix on the island. At this point Phuket Town became the island’s capital and centre of administration, superseding Thalang. With the recent decline of the tin industry many mines were abandoned, leaving ugly scars and craters on the landscape. Happily, many of these eyesores have been converted and assimilated into golf courses and hotel grounds. The result is quite spectacular and a triumph for local environmentalists. In the early eighties, tourism replaced tin mining and rubber as the island’s major industry.
For historians, the best place to see architectural evidence of Phuket’s 18^th and 19^th century melting pot and financial boom is Phuket Town itself, with its Sino-Portugese style buildings. Whole streets of this mode of architecture exist downtown and exotic rubber and tin-financed mansions are to be found ensconced in the rapidly growing suburbs of this sprawling provincial capital. Phuket Town may not be the prettiest sight but it’s certainly the place to check out the recent history of this island.

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Religion

Because of the proximity of Phuket to Malaysia, there is a greater percentage of Muslims on the island than in central or northern Thailand. 35% of Phuket’s population is Muslim, compared to about 5% nationwide. Buddhism, however, is the main religion on Phuket although there are a higher number of mosques than Buddhist wats or temples on the island: Some 38 to 37, respectively. Visitors are encouraged to dress politely when viewing holy places in Thailand. Despite the heat, arms and - whenever possible - legs should be covered. Shoes must be removed when entering temples.

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Culture

Thais are proud of their rich culture, and rightly so. It’s a mixture of easy going Buddhism with strong roots in familial obligations yet is never imposing to the outsider. This is one of the reasons why Thailand is so attractive to foreigners. Thais, you’ll soon notice, are easy going people. One of the central beliefs in Thai culture is the importance in having fun: Sanuk. No wonder then that Thailand has long been called "The Land of Smiles." Tellingly, one of the worst comments one could possibly make about a work mate, a boss or anyone for that matter in Thailand is: "He’s such a serious person." A smile, therefore, goes a long way in this country.
Thais have different taboos from the west. For example: Visitors should not touch Thai people’s heads, it being the highest part of the body. Contrariwise the feet, being the lowest part, are not to be raised above, or pointed at objects or people. Open anger and extreme emotion is also frowned upon. A favourite Thai expression in times of stress is: "Jai yen, jai yen." Meaning: "Keep a cool head/heart - don’t lose face by losing your temper." Elders should always be treated with extreme respect. The wai – a closed palm greeting should be used when greeting elder people or anyone in a position of authority. Simply close palms, prayer-like and place them, fingers-upward, under your chin. A slight bow at the same time will do wonders. Do not wai people of a lower social bracket than yourself. It will only confuse and muddle things. If a waitress, a hotel clerk or a child wais to you, simply smile and nod back. Despite the complexity of correct social behaviour in Thailand the visitor is readily forgiven for his/her gaffes. It’s all part of that famous Thai hopitality.

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Kata and Karon’s Beaches - Phuket, Thailand

Kata has two beaches: Kata Yai (Big) and Kata Noi (Small). Kata Yai is about two kilometres long and is of outstanding beauty. Palms and rocket trees line the beachside road, providing shade and on the beach itself, lines of sun beds are for hire. There’s good swimming during high season, from November to April and the snorkeling is excellent at low tide off the southern reef and also off Poo Island towards the north. Further north, between Kata and Karon, the snorkeling is absolutely epic. Paragliding is possible, although not highly recommended, as there have been a number of accidents. Kata is swimmer friendly, in that one can splash around in the shallows for quite a way out before being in any danger. The middle section of the beach is the most prone to riptides in low season so should be approached with care.
Kata hosts a yearly surf competition in June/July. Even though the surfing on Phuket isn’t exactly Kelly Slater stuff, a lot of surfers of varying standards can be seen going at it almost daily during the rainy season, when storm-generated waves crash into the western coast. In the high season, windsurfing at Kata can be positively electrifying, although the ever-present fishing boats should be taken into consideration. At both ends of the beach you’ll find a plethora of restaurants, bars and souvenir shops. Indian tailors abound too and with a bit of bargaining, you’ll land yourself some neat dress clothes at surprisingly cheap rates.

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Kata Noi

Just over the southern ridge at the end of Kata Yai is Kata Noi. Despite its name it’s not so much of a mini version of Kata Yai but an entity in itself. Sure, it’s smaller than Kata Yai but it’s escluded and there’s good swimming, body surfing and, at the south end, a beautiful reef to snorkel over. Also available on this beach is kayaking, at 200 baht an hour: Kids over 6 years old can try this activity. Generally, kayaking trips will head south to Nui beach. As this coastline is virgin, the reefs, snorkeling and whole experience is remarkable. Longtail boats can also be rented for 600 baht an hour.

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Karon Beach

Head north from Kata along the beach road and, two hundred metres on the left is the start of Karon Beach. This is a long three to four kilometre strand with undoubtedly the finest sand on Phuket. It positively squeaks beneath your feet on the walk from the road down to the water. Karon beach offers little in the way of shade except a few palms and rented parasols, so precaution against sunburn should be taken before spending extended time on it. There’s also quite a steep underwater cant dropping off into the ocean, so weaker swimmers are advised to either stay out of the water or head south to safer Kata Beach. The beach itself is a marvelous place for an invigorating morning or evening walk, and, with hundreds of small shops and eateries dotting the road between Karon and Kata, the beach road is also a well-frequented walking route. At the southern end of the beach you can snorkel around the rocks and gradually make your way around the headland. Further north, past the village of Karon, there is more good snorkeling. Karon Beach is the place to go if you desire an uninterrupted view of the ocean. It’s as though the world comes to an end and drops off into the azure waters of the Andaman. Then maybe it’s because, after years of development, there are still no fishing boats to obscure the view of the horizon.

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Things to Do: Kata

With a town centre totally independent of the beach, Kata still retains a village atmosphere yet can cater to most visitors quite easily. Shopping-wise, the town has everything you need. There are boutiques, tailors, delis, beach toy stores and supermarkets to shop in and, of course, the ubiquitous street stalls, making a nighttime stroll reminiscent of a walk through a bazaar. Dive shops abound, making trips out into the azure Andaman a daily possibility – even in the rainy season. One can also hike in the jungle above the beaches or rent a motorbike (usually from 150 to 250 baht a day) to explore Phuket. There is a bank, a post office and several exchange booths in the area, as well as a rather unusual but popular chemist. Kata also has a large selection of accommodation. From top end hotels down to simple guesthouses you will find whatever suits your wallet and tastes. There are two excellent and cheap second hand bookstores and numerous cyber caf?s. At night, Kata is exciting, fun, and possesses more of a family atmosphere than neighbouring Patong. Several bars have good live music acts, with no cover charge to enter and ethnic restaurants abound. You’ll soon find out that finding good food in Thailand is the least of your problems. Kata’s nightlife carries on as long as you can. Have fun.

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Things to Do: Karon

Different flavour from Kata. For a start, it’s more spread out. There’s a Buddhist temple overlooking the road leading down to the beach, several up market hotels only a few hundred metres from the sea, and a town centre that is friendly by day and downright cheeky by night. The beach road itself, following the curving banana-shaped coast is dotted with shops, eateries and a good selection of tailors. Karon is expanding, but with caution. Building projects are kept well away from the beach and the byword is ‘discretion’. Like Kata, there are many dive shops to choose from if you wish to explore the extraordinarily beautiful underwater world of the Andaman sea. By night, Karon’s bars compete for the visitor’s attention in various ways: Loud music, atmospheric beach bars, haute cuisine, expat haunts, they’re all there to draw you in if you feel like it. Some visitors opt for the stroll along the beach road to Kata and back. It’s certainly a fascinating vignette of Thai life. Like Kata, Karon nightlife lasts as long as you do.

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Getting There

Kata and Karon are, roughly speaking, forty-five kilometres away from the airport, depending on the route your driver chooses. This trip will take an hour and costs 500 baht by taxi. If you wish to take a taxi to Phuket Town, then clamber aboard a local bus at the fresh market. ( A Song Taeuw, so called because of the "two bench" arrangement used to seat passengers) The fare from Phuket will be 20 baht. Hiring a car from the airport is also possible and, once arrived, you may want to rent a motorcycle in Kata or Karon itself. There are many beautiful viewpoints above Kata and Karon that are only accessible to either the extremely fit or to people who have their own locomotion.

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