What to Do in Karon Beach?
Karon is one of the longest beaches in Phuket, ranking 3rd on our beach popularity page. It enjoys a 3-kilometre stretch of white sand, a decent choice of dining and nightlife, and never seems to draw crowds of tourists, which is a good thing. Karon is known for its big beach with big hotels lined along the frontage road and the small town of Karon. While the beach is vast and long, there are only two hotels with direct beach access: Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Beyond Karon. All other hotels are across the road.
Karon Beach Travel Guide
Pros and Cons of Karon Beach
Pros:
- Long, spacious beach: 3 km of soft, white sand with plenty of space to relax.
- Quiet and less crowded: Even during the high season, it feels open and uncrowded.
- Family-friendly: Offers various restaurants, bars, and affordable accommodations.
- Dining and nightlife: Decent range of dining options and nightlife without being overwhelming.
- Easy access to other areas: Close to Kata Beach and Patong Beach for more activities and attractions.
Cons:
- Scattered nightlife: Modest nightlife compared to Patong, with only small beer bars and pubs.
- Limited landmarks and activities: Few attractions besides Karon Temple and nearby beaches.
- Seasonal swimming risks: Strong waves and rip currents during the monsoon season.
WHAT TO DO IN KARON?
Karon Beach is a great place to take it easy. The beach is long and wide, perfect for swimming or just laying on the sand. If you like a bit of action, you’ll find parasailing and jet skis right on the beach. You can also get a beach massage under the trees. In the evening, check out the Karon Temple Market, great for local food and souvenirs. There are loads of restaurants nearby too. For a change of scene, Kata Beach and Patong are just a short ride away.
The Beach
Karon Beach is one of the longest beaches in Phuket, stretching with soft, white sand known to make an unusual sound when you walk on it. Karon shoreline gives plenty of space to relax without feeling crowded, even in high season. The water is clear and usually has small waves during the high season (December to May), making it fun for a casual swim or a bit of body surfing. The beach is backed by a line of tall trees that offer shade, and you’ll spot a few beach vendors and sun loungers, but overall it has a very laid-back vibe. It’s a great spot for long, peaceful walks along the shore.
Dinner in the Sky in Phuket
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Dinner in the Sky takes eating to new heights—literally. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner. The experience blends thrill and luxury, with guests safely secured into their seats. Chefs cook excellent dishes directly in front of your eyes, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether it's a romantic date or an adventurous adventure, Dinner in the Sky promises an unforgettable dining experience above the clouds. Click here to book and to check availability.
Karon Temple
Karon temple, locally called Wat Suwan Khirikhet, is beautifully crafted and open to visitors any day of the week. You can walk around freely, take photos and admire the carvings and paintings, but try to make a small donation; it is always a nice gesture. The temple hosts a famous night market twice a week with lots of food and little things to buy. Remember to dress politely, just like in any temple in Phuket and Thailand, which means no short skirts, no sleeveless shirts and no topless. Remove caps and shoes if you wish to walk into the temple.
Dino Park Mini Golf
Dino Park is a Jurassic Park-inspired mini-golf with dinosaurs and even a volcano. It is technically in Kata beach, but it’s not very far from Karon and is always good family fun.
Parasailing
Parasailing offers a unique birdview of the bay and a bit of adrenaline rush, but safety issues are somewhat controversial.
Spa Treatments
Thailand is well-known for massages and aromatherapy, and it would be a shame not to take advantage of the quality and array of treatments available at this price. Spend the end of your beach day with a spa treatment at Centara Grand Beach Phuket or Paradox Resort, especially on those occasional rainy days!
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is just 600 metres south of Karon, making it easy to visit on foot or by a short drive or even walk. The beach is smaller than Karon, with a softer sand and clear water, and feels more enclosed, with hills at both ends. Kata is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing in the low season. Kata is a lot busier, with plenty of small restaurants, massage shops, and local markets nearby. Many visitors staying in Karon enjoy coming here for a change of scenery.
WHERE TO STAY IN KARON BEACH?
Karon Beach hotels offer something for every traveller, from luxury resorts to budget guesthouses. While only two beachfront hotels sit directly on the sand, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket and Beyond Resort Karon, most Karon Beach hotels are located just across the road with easy access to the beach. Budget-friendly hotels and guesthouses can also be found a short walk from the beach. The area is known for its long, wide shoreline, laid-back vibe, and great dining options, making Karon Beach a popular choice for couples, families, and solo travellers visiting Phuket.
Hotels Right on the Beach
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket
| On The Beach |
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket is a large resort with a desirable location, right on the sands of the superb Karon Beach on the west coast of Phuket. With such a unique situation, large pools, and many outlets, including a beach club, Centara Grand Beach Resort is a top-rated mid-range hotel in Phuket. It is perfect if direct access to the beach is what you care about most, with enough restaurants and simple nightlife nearby. Read more
5-star
Swimming Pools: 2
Restaurants: 3
Facilities: Kids Club, Spa, Fitness, Cooking Classes
Distance from the Beach: on the beach
Check the rates
Beyond Karon
| On The Beach |
Beyond Karon is a 4-star adults-only resort with an unbeatable beachfront location on Karon Beach. The 81 sea-view rooms and suites are just steps from the soft sand. The key is the resort’s setting — right on the beach and perfectly placed between Karon and Kata, giving guests easy access to both beaches and a huge choice of nearby shops and restaurants. After enjoying the hotel’s beachfront restaurant and lively beach bar, guests can relax at the seafront pool or enjoy Kanda Spa. Read more
4-star
Swimming Pools: 1
Restaurants: 2
Distance from the Beach: on the beach
Check the rates
Great Hotels near the Beach
Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery
| 100 m from the Beach |
Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery is a luxurious 5-star hotel located in Karon Beach, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Phuket. The hotel, which is at a very short walking distance from the immense beach of Karon, is known for its soft white sand and incredibly clear waters during the high season (December to May). Read more
5-star
Swimming Pools: 2
Restaurants: 3 + rooftop bar
Facilities: Kids Club, Spa, Fitness, Cooking Classes
Distance from the Beach: 100 m
Check the rates
Other popular hotels in Karon Beach
WHERE TO EAT IN KARON BEACH?
Karon Beach offers a wide range of restaurants where everyone can find something to enjoy, from Thai food to Middle Eastern and Western Cuisine. On the budget side, you will find good local food in the small restaurants along the roadside, near the lake, and even more at Karon Plaza, which is not far from the circle.
Saneha Steak-Thai @Karoncafe
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Saneha is the Thai word for passion, which here signifies “passion for cooking fantastic food.” Saneha Steak-Thai @Karoncafe was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic. After 35 years of experience in the restaurant business, their best chefs locked down for 2 years to test new ideas at Pacific Club Resort, their sister property. The result is a completely new menu that brings together the best of Royal Thai Food, Steakhouse, and Mediterranean fusion cuisine into one restaurant offering both indoor Air Conditioned and Al Fresco Dining.
Hours: 6.30 am - 11.30 pm
Phone: 076 396 217
See the menu here: https://saneha-karoncafe.ps.me/
The Dim Sun
The Dim Sun is a large rooftop terrace with sunset views over the Andaman Sea, the perfect way to end your happy exploration day with excellent cocktails and a romantic candle dinner! The rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the sea and a poolside bar that serves light snacks and drinks. The food is of high quality, and there are plenty of options to choose from, whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner or a family-friendly meal.
Local Restaurants near the Beach
Visitors can find many small Thai and seafood restaurants by the beach, at the north end of Karon Beach, near the lake. These places are simple and affordable, with a beach view. While they do not serve fine cuisine, the setting is easy going. It is best to walk around and check the illustrated menus displayed in front. In the morning, they also offer a basic European breakfast with eggs, omelette, toast, sausages and bacon, which goes well with the beach atmosphere.
Dinner in the Sky in Phuket
Sponsored post
Dinner in the Sky takes eating to new heights—literally. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner. The experience blends thrill and luxury, with guests safely secured into their seats. Chefs cook excellent dishes directly in front of your eyes, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether it's a romantic date or an adventurous adventure, Dinner in the Sky promises an unforgettable dining experience above the clouds. Click here to book and to check availability.
KARON BEACH NIGHTLIFE
There is a bit of nightlife in Karon Beach, but it’s nothing like what you will experience on Bangla Walking Street in Patong Beach. Karon nightlife rotates around three areas: the best known is near the Karon Circle, with few bars and live music, a little further is a small alley once called ‘Little Bangla’, and an L-shaped street near Kata Beach, where you can enjoy some beer bars.
COAST Beach Club
COAST Beach Club is an excellent place to enjoy a couple of drinks at the end of the day. The bar is not exactly on the beach but quite near and is part of the Centara Grand Beach Phuket.
Tann Terrace
Tann Terrace is a new restaurant with an immense beachfront wooden terrace at the very south of Karon Beach, just next to Beyond Resort Karon and opposite the old football stadium. The restaurant mostly serves Italian and Thai food and has an excellent bakery, perfect for enjoying breakfast on the beach.
Patak Road
Patak Road is the main nightlife area, and while it’s relatively modest, it’s always fun. Angus O’Tool’s is a long-time Irish pub, and the neighbourhood is full of tiny beer bars such as Clapton Bar and a great live band bar called The Garage.
Mini Bangla on Luam Por Chuan Rd
Further down the beach, just before the hill leading to Kata Beach, is an L-shaped street with a dozen old-fashioned beer bars where ladies always loudly invite you for a drink, it somehow reminds you of what the famous Bangla Road in Pationg used to look like in the past. Walking around is easy-going and safe, so stopping for a beer is okay.
SHOPPING AT KARON BEACH
Karon Beach has enough shopping options to keep everyone happy, even those who don’t like shopping but need convenience stores or forgot something important at home. There are also some markets, bazaars and, of course, night markets.
Karon Temple Market
If live music and bars are not your thing after dinner, check out the Karon Temple Market, which opens only twice a week: Tuesdays and Fridays, from 4 pm to 10 pm. Wat Suwan Khirikhet, the temple at the end of Soi Patak in Karon, is an excellent photo opportunity and is famous for the popular night market held every Tuesday and Friday.
Never miss a chance to visit it; it’s full of fun things to try, games to play and fun local food. You might even try fried insects and giant water bugs or take a photo to share back home.
Karon Bazaar
The Karon Bazaar is a vast covered market situated just next to the Paradox Karon Resort. You will mostly find tee shirts, bags, trousers, beach toys and accessories and cheap souvenirs. It’s fun and colourful but can be hot during the day. Most vendors can speak decent English (they are not often Thai), so don’t forget to bargain hard!
Creative Karon Tailors
Creative Tailors is a third-generation family-owned business located in a beautiful shop on the beach road of Karon beach in Phuket.
Location: Karon Beach – click for a map
Address: 192/36 Unit B1-B2, Soi Withet, Karon Road, Karon, Beach, Phuket 83100
Open: Mon-Sat: 10 am – 10 pm, Sunday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Phone: 081 891 5784, 081 899 0939
Website: www.creativephuket.com
The Geography of Karon
Did you know? Karon consists of 3 areas: Karon Center (a small town), the Lake area and the beachfront road that ends at the hill reaching Kata Beach.
1. Karon Center and Patak Rd
Patak Road is mostly a street going perpendicularly inland from the very fancy and convoluted ‘Karon Circle’ to the temple. It’s small, messy and feels rather old; additionally, parking there is impossible. Around here, you will find a few long-established restaurants, convenience stores, ‘ Hellooooo you want massage‘ parlours, and lots of bars of all sizes and shapes. Just like everyone else, walk up and down Patak Road and pick one bar; ultimately, they are all the same same but different.
2. The Lake
The Lake near the circle has also been the subject of many attempts to make the area an upmarket zone or a convention centre. Once in a while, especially during the Songkran Festival, the lake hosts one of those popular local funfairs where you can play some typical funfair games, try local food and even shop.
3. Beach Front Road
The beachfront road goes from the lake to Kata Beach, which is mostly occupied by large resorts with a few small hotels. At the beginning of the beach road, you’ll find Karon Beach Square, the Night Bazaar, a temporary roofed market selling mostly tee shirts and beach toys, including all the usual fake brands.
More interesting is Soi Aroonson, a small street in the middle of the beach road. Some good restaurants, lots of massages, and a few convenience shops have opened here. It’s still quiet but doesn’t feel as messy as Karon Center.
Then, you’ll reach the end of Beach Road when a small hill leads to Kata Beach (boundaries have never been visible). Noticeable around here is the restaurant built on the beach, a football stadium (also used for cricket competitions) and one of the two nightlife areas around.
This very narrow and hard-to-spot alley is called ‘Bangla Plaza’ and has always been here, but nothing to compare with Soi Bangla in Patong Beach nightlife. You won’t find more than a few beer bars with colourful spotlights, even more colourful staff, and plenty of tiny shops and foot massages.
KARON BEACH PHOTOS
Karon Beach Fast Facts
| ⛱️ Beach condition: | Great |
| ⛱️ Beach length | 3.3 km |
| ⛱️ Other beach nearby: | Kata Beach |
| 🛍️ Best shopping: | Karon Plaza |
| 🍴 Best restaurant: | EAT Bar & Grill |
| 🍹 Best beach club | Tann Terrace |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Avista Grande Phuket Karon |
| 🧳 Best mid range hotel: | Beyond Resort Karon |
| 🚙 Distance to Patong Beach: | 17 km |
| 🚙 Distance to Phuket Town: | 17 km |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 43 km |
KARON BEACH MAP
Get the directions on your phone: https://goo.gl/maps/FA3raog3WUFJVWjd6
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