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Relaxation is king at Karon. You won't find yourself dangling
from the end of a bungee cord or watching a contrived sideshow. What
you will find is peace. The beach is expansive and seems doubly so due to
a lack of crowds. The end-to-end walk is a thirty-minute hustle or an hour-long
thoughtful stroll. Stretch out on a beach chair. Take in some sun. Fall
asleep with an open book on your chest. Or lose yourself in the sound of
the sea while a masseuse works that famous Thai-massage magic.
Should you want your beach experience to include getting wet, head to the point
at the south end of the beach with snorkeling gear and check out the sea life
among the rocks and coral. Excursions in deeper water can be handled by
one of the numerous local dive operators. Battle the waves on a personal
watercraft or ride in harmony with them on a surfboard. Regardless of how
you enjoy the water, check the flags and remember green means go, red means no.
Off the beach are ample opportunities to get down to the serious business
of unwinding. From simple massage shops to luxurious spas, pampering options
for every budget are plentiful. Street-side you'll find the cheapest route
to bliss with traditional Thai and oil massages. Some shops have expanded
their list of services and will happily beautify your nails, braid your hair,
or stamp your hide with a temporary henna tattoo. Upscale spas, while more
expensive, are sure to provide an experience that won't soon be forgotten.
Exotic herbs, fruits, minerals, and oils combined with massage, steam therapy,
wraps, baths, scrubs, masks, and facials, are offered in peaceful, private
surroundings by expert therapists that promise to work out the bad and work in
the good.
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Earn your sleep with a range of land-based physical activities.
Bicycles rentals are available for exploring road or jungle. Joggers flock
to the wide footpath that parallels the beach in the evening. Head to the hills
for a spectacular view from atop an elephant. Impromptu football and volleyball
games spring up at Karon Park on the north end of the beach. The stadium,
on the south end of the beach, is home to an assortment of sporting activities
including rugby and football.
Guests at the large resorts can
choose from a smorgasbord of entertainment options. Fitness centers, tennis
and squash courts, and pools keep your body in top form. Classes in Thai
cooking or local arts invite you to experience the culture hands-on. Programs
for children keep the little ones busy while mom and dad partake in a hotel-packed
picnic on the beach. Karon Temple is perched on the hill above Karon Circle
and hosts a night market on Tuesday and Saturday. Local eats, clothing, and random
oddities can be had for cheap after friendly negotiations. Fred Flintstone
and Barney Rubble were turned loose with orders to build a miniature golf complex;
Dino Park was the result. Situated between Kata and Karon, this prehistoric putt-putt
is a hit with both children and adults alike. The 18 holes take about forty minutes
to complete, but with a restaurant, bar, and unending Bedrock photo-ops, it’s
easy to lose track of time millions of years back in time. Need more? The
day trip selection available from the many handy travel agents is vast. Choose
from an army of nouns: canoe, jeep, monkey, sunset, elephant, snake, seashell,
golf course, boat, cabaret, cave, view… the list goes on. And if you really
can’t shake the bungee craving, Patong Beach is only minutes away. |
