[Phuket] Western Islands: Kalim, Patong, Karon and Kata

The chains of beaches to Kalim and Kata are the places where gathered most of the tourist accommodation on the island of Phuket.

Nakalay

4 kilometers north of Patong is the two small beaches of Nakalay. Close to these two small beaches are indeed a number of villas and luxury residences, especially between Nakalay Beach and Kamala Beach. Perfectly isolated from the road and distant from each other, they benefit most from an exceptional location overlooking the sea and the rocky reefs.

This tranquility in the hills of Nakalay and sense of isolation are balanced by moderate distance from Patong, the main tourist hub of the island.

Kalim

Kalim beach is an extension to the north of Patong beach, only separated from it by a small rocky headland. Far from the bustle of Patong, Kalim remains a quiet place both in the day and after dark. Indeed, the beach is nice but lined with coral and a few rocks, which gives a certain charm but does not promote swimming that much compared to the Patong area.

The nightlife is also less vibrant. Many hotels and resorts are still based in Kalim. Due to the close proximity to Patong, many prefer staying in Kalim for its calm while enjoying the nightlife of Patong.

Patong

Patong is the tourist mecca of Phuket, considered as the most frequented island by tourists worldwide. Its attractiveness has built around its magnificent white sand, one of the most beautiful on the island. Hotels have settled restaurants, shops, bars and nightclubs. Today Patong gained worldwide reputation.

Besides a large selection of hotels of all ranges, Patong also offers a wide range of shops, ranging from traditional art shops in the streets to modern shopping malls with cinemas.

Water sports are one of the strengths of Patong Beach. From sunbathing, through diving clubs diving or beach volleyball, the beach is full of possibilities. Some tour operators also offer transferred aboard a speedboat to explore small surrounding islands. Patong is also known for its surfing, one of the most famous of the island. In addition to the sea activities, Patong is close to several golf courses and has an adventure mini golf popular with families.

After dark, Patong is transformed into a festive place. Taste buds are the first alert before choosing plethora of international restaurants (French, Italian, Mexican, Indian, Thai, etc.). As for the ears, they appreciate the numerous bars with their live bands playing every night of the year. From jazz to hard rock through international standards, all musical tastes are represented. The night owls will end the evening in one of the many nightclubs of Patong.

At the southern end of Patong, the forest reasserts itself. This is where we chose to settle some hotels and villas hand-picked to enjoy tranquillity and small heavenly creeks.

Karon

Karon resembles its northern neighbor but in a relaxing and family version. The consecration came recently by the Lonely Planet that it has been elected be one of the top ten vacation destinations in the world for families.

Hotels are medium in size and ideal for families or couples. The restaurants along the beach are numerous, offering varied cuisine. Another great quality is that this Karon offers shopping, at once traditional market full of colors and art shops where Thai artists display their fashion creations.

North of Karon Beach is a small beach called Relax Bay, entirely occupied by the Hotel Meridien.

Kata

Located in the southern extension of the Karon Beach, Kata is split into two parts: Kata Beach and Kata Noi. The first is a white sand beach in the turquoise water of about one kilometer lined with boutique hotels and resorts with bungalows. Kata Noi (meaning small) is the little sister of Kata Beach, separated from it by a small rocky headland. Shorter than its big sister, the beach is also very beautiful, bordered by coconut palms and casuarina trees.

Many hotels are huddled on the outskirts of Kata but the larger complex is at Club Med, making Kata primarily a family destination. Nightlife is lively with many restaurants and bars but far less hectic than Patong. Furthermore, Southern Kata beach is renowned for hosting some of the finest restaurants on the island such as Mon Tri’s Kitchen or The Boathouse Wine and Grill. A brewery, Wine Connection is also open in Kata.

Kata is also renowned for being the capital of surfing in Phuket, by hosting the main surf competition in Thailand every year. Renting a surfboard and taking classes there are possible here.

Kata also has a Buddhist temple worth visiting in the middle of nature, the rainforest and the green hills. Furthermore, continuing on the road to the south of the island, the views of Karon gives a postcard view.