Several times a year, I travel to Phuket for a short vacation. Phuket is an island off Thailand and is one of the country’s most popular tourist spots. From Bangkok, where I live, it’s only a short plane ride (about an hour) and on Air Asia or NokAir it’s cheap to get there too. I’ve been at least 10 times now and, other than the first time, I’ve always stayed at the same hotel – Baan Karon Resort near Karon Beach on Phuket.
Baan Karon Resort in Thai means ‘Karon Home’, and that’s what it’s always felt like to me – a home away from home. It’s independently owned by some of the nicest Thai people I’ve met, and who always make you feel welcome – especially if you’ve been there before.
Usually, when I go, I fly into Phuket Airport and then pay to have someone from the hotel pick me up. Karon Beach and Baan Karon Resort is about a 45 minute drive from the airport and taxis at the airport are usually more expensive so it’s best, I think, to have a ride arranged from the hotel. They are always there waiting for you when you arrive and immediately help you with your bags, so it makes the beginning of your vacation that much nicer.
The hotel itself is located at the top of a small hill about a five minute walk from Karon town. I like the location as it’s a little quieter at night, with none of the noise from the bars or the restaurants.
I usually get a Standard Room on the ground floor. This is the basic room but they’re very nice. Every room is Air conditioned and has cable TV,a safe deposit box, a hair dryer and a small but nice bathroom with shower. I always request a room next to the pool, so I can walk straight out from my room and into the pool. Just love it, especially at night when it’s quiet and you often have the pool to yourself.
One time I stayed in a Superior Room, which was located pool side. It was a beautiful room and much larger than the Standard Rooms, but I went in high season (very hot!) and I found the room’s airconditioning unit wasn’t strong enough for the room so I was soon parboiling. I moved to a Standard Room on the second day and was perfectly happy with that.
Last time I went I took my parents with me and they were thrilled with the hotel. My parents are actually quite picky about hotels and stay in very nice places, so I was a little nervous, but they really loved the hotel and the staff.
Baan Karon Resort has 57 rooms, which include three family suites. The Family Suites are lovely and perfect for three or four people, as they have large bathrooms, two bedroom areas and a large living room area. They also have a beautiful pool and a jazuzzi, as well as a pool bar that is open at high season. Every morning, you can have breakfast in the small dining room for a very cheap price and are waited on by friendly staff who serve great food.
Baan Karon Resort is a perfect place for a quiet vacation, whether you’re single, with friends or a family. Price-wise it’s inexpensive (usually around $30 to $55 a night, depending on the season), the staff is friendly and helpful and the location is quiet but pretty.
There are several places online where you can book a room or rooms at Baan Karon Resort, and you will get a slightly cheaper rate if you book online. Baan Karon Resort is in Karon Beach, which is one of the prettiest areas of Phuket with a lot of small restaurants, shops and cafes and a beautiful beach, so it’s a wonderful vacation spot whether you go for a few days or a couple of weeks. I highly recommend Baan Karon Resort and don’t think you’ll be disappointed.
