4 Best Hotels in Karon Beach, Phuket and the Andaman Coast

On a hill between the two beach areas of Kata and Karon, these well-situated accommodations are a great value. The bungalows are basic but clean, and all rooms have balconies that overlook a garden courtyard area. Some of the rooms are a little dated and on the small side, but they are good for the price. Email for direct booking.

Between Patong and Karon Beach, this sprawling resort has more bars, cafés, and restaurants than in many small towns, while the range of outdoor diversions—everything from tennis to water skiing—means you never have to leave the property. There are hundreds of guests at any given time, yet the resort never feels too crowded, thanks to its thoughtful design and staff that are always eager to help. Two huge wings are where you'll find the rooms, many of which have sea views or overlook the pair of large pools.

This surprisingly quiet option has luxury cottages that stretch over the lush hillside that separates Karon from Kata Beach---those higher on the hill are the quietest. Best of all, Marina Cottage has its own beach access, keeping the hordes at bay. Half the jungle rooms around the pool have all the latest high-tech amenities; note that some older rooms don't have certain amenities, like TVs.

This resort takes great pride in its service levels, with polite, knowledgeable, and informative staff. There are many categories of rooms with something for everyone, from two-bedroom family residences on the beach to romantic villas that have rooftop plunge pools. Live classical Thai music greets you as you enter an expansive lobby lavishly decorated with Thai art, and the landscaped grounds include a scuba diving center and a peaceful spa. The sprawling property has entrances on the town side and the beachfront.