Karon and Kata sit just south of Patong, sharing the same coastline but with a noticeably calmer feel.
Karon
One of the island's longest beaches, backed by a lower-key strip of hotels and restaurants than Patong. Good swimming for much of the year, with a wide stretch of sand that rarely feels overcrowded. See our viewpoints guide for the well-known hillside lookout just south of here.
Kata & Kata Noi
Kata is smaller and more compact, popular with families and surfers during the green-season swell (see our surfing guide). Kata Noi, just around the headland, is quieter still — a small crescent beach backed by hillside resorts.
Why travellers choose this area over Patong
Same general west-coast location and easy access to the same tours and restaurants, without Patong's nightlife-driven noise. A short taxi ride connects all three areas.
Where to stay
A wide spread of hotel tiers, from simple guesthouses to hillside luxury resorts overlooking Kata Noi — see our best areas to stay guide for how this compares to nearby Patong and Bang Tao.