The beaches were beautiful. Soft white sand and warm water, all surrounded by hills and rocks. Karon Beach, where we stayed the first four days, was very quiet and laid back. Not very many people on the beach. This was my favorite of the two beaches.
Me on Karon Beach. 
Karon Beach
Karon Beach
Patong Beach was bustling with activity –– jet ski rentals, parasailing, people selling fruit, sandwiches, chicken, drinks and tons of handmade items. You couldn't sit without someone coming by trying to sell something every 3 minutes. But it did provide entertainment value to those who like to people watch.
It was cool to just sit there and watch how the culture and everything works. You never see Thai women in bathing suits. Many times they are covered in long sleeves and long pants. They do not like to get any darker than they are. To some extent that makes them look "working class". One tour guide told us that some even do skin lightening. Now the men are a different story. You see many of them in shorts and T-shirts.
Patong BeachI did find it funny that both beaches offered massage services. Seriously though, who wants to get all rubbed down while sweaty and covered in sand? So odd.
Here are a few more pictures from our beach afternoons.
