Karon Beach Phuket: what to do & where to stay

By Paula Parker

Karon Beach Phuket is one of the best beaches on the Island, and personally one of our favorites.

Although still busy throughout the high season, it has a more relaxed feel then Patong.

The far northern end of Karon beach is the quieter area and there are not as many tourists, a perfect spot if you want the beach to yourself.

If your planning a family beach vacation Karon Beach is an ideal spot with it's central location which makes exploring the Island easy.

Most resorts and hotels at Karon are located across the road from the beach with only a couple of resorts situated directly on the beach.

Karon Beach Phuket would have to be one of the best places to stay and we think one of the best beaches in Thailand.

It is the second major beach destination in Phuket after Patong, but due to the length of the beachfront you will never feel as though it's overcrowded.

Towards the southern headland at Karon beach there is a fine coral reef stretching towards Kata Beach and Pu Island.

The far northern headland at Karon beach is usually much quieter then the southern end.

Beach Activities at Karon Beach Phuket

Just like Patong, there is a wide variety of water activities available throughout the high season at Karon beach, such as jet-skis, para sailing, banana boat rides, and much more.

The southern end of Karon Beach is the best area for snorkeling.

From November through to April the water is crystal clear, calm and great for swimming.
However if your planning a holiday from May to October, Karon Beach Phuket can be very dangerous and unsuitable for swimming.

Sadly there has been a number of tourists drown at Karon Beach, along with other popular beaches in Phuket.

So if your travelling to Phuket during the monsoon season always check to see if there is a red flag and if there is don't go in the water.

If the red flag is flying, find a masseuse, they are set up in the shaded areas at the back of the beach and enjoy a Thai massage or foot massage, or swim in your resorts swimming pool.

You can check the latest beach conditions at Karon Beach Phuket from the live webcam that is located at the Rocks Restaurant at the Marine Phuket Resort.

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There is a fantastic selection of places to stay at around Karon Beach Phuket, ranging from budget hotels to family friendly hotels and resorts including a couple of luxury five star hotels.

Five Star Resorts at Karon Beach Phuket

Movenpick Resort & Spa  

Centara Grand Beach Resort

Beyond Resort Karon

Pullman Phuket Arcadia Karon Beach Resort

Other Hotels & Affordable Resorts at Karon Beach Phuket

Horizon Karon Beach Resort

Centara Karon Resort

Phuket island View Hotel

Budget Hotels & Resorts at Karon Beach Phuket

Kata Villa

Karon Living Room

If you are still unsure where to stay then feel free to have a look at the detailed list of all resorts and hotels near Karon Beach Phuket in the search box below.

Night Life at Karon Beach

Night life around Karon is similar to that of Patong, although a lot quieter.

Karon has its own version of Patong's Soi Bangla with a range of bars, but on a much smaller scale.

Most of the nightlife in Karon can be found around the bars that are located off Patak Road near the Karon Circle and south off Luang Poh Chuan Road.

It is here that you will find the majority of beer bars with Thai girls.

Angus & Arfur O'Tools Irish Pub is a great place to go for a relaxing night out and international beers, bottled beer and pub food.

For live music head to the Karma Lounge on the corner of Luang Poh Chuan and Patak Road or one of many reggae bars.

For a great family fun, and a night out with the kids, visit Dino Park at the southern end of Karon, where you can play mini golf, enjoy a nice cold drink or enjoy a scrumptious dino burger.

The side soi's are worth exploring, in particular the one leading to a small art community, where Thai painters have built a complex of huts, pubs and art galleries.

Restaurants at Karon Beach

We have found some fantastic restaurants, the majority are located around Karon Circle and towards the southern end of the beach.

Seafood lovers will enjoy dining at Mali Waterfront Seafood & Lounge Bar also famous for its full moon parties, popular for both locals and visitors.

Just across the road from the Ruen Thep Inn you will find Kata Villa, the food at Kata Villa is amazing and you will be impressed with the prices..

Located just down the road from Kata Villa near the Karon stadium is a row of Thai style seafood restaurants.

These restaurants are all reasonably priced with some of the best Thai food in Phuket, they may not look much but the food is great. They also have some western dishes.

Shopping at Karon Beach

Shopping at Karon is by far more relaxed than shopping in Patong.

If you are looking for a supermarket you will find one at the Karon Circle, along with a range of other shops including pharmacies and lots of tailors.

There is also a large selection of souvenirs like wooden handicrafts, Thai silk cushion covers as well as shoes, sunglasses, suitcases and bags.

Karon has many opticians that have a great selection of genuine sunglasses and reading glasses much cheaper than you will find in Western countries.

Along the beach road you will find Karon Bazaar, a shoppers dream.

The bazaar is actually a market, where you will find everything that you will need all under the one roof.

We recommend that you shop here at night as it gets extremely hot inside the bazaar during daylight hours.

Within the bazaar you will find an assortment of DVD's, CD's, sunglasses, hats as well as fake billabong shorts and shirts.

Don't forget to haggle.

What to do at Karon Beach at a glance

1. Relax on the beach
2. Enjoy a range of beach activities
3. Visit Karon Temple
4. Enjoy the views from Karon/Kata Viewpoint
5. Play mini golf at Dino Park Mini Golf
6. Shop, eat and explore Karon Temple Markets every Tuesday and Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm
7. Enjoy stunning ocean views and a delicious meal at On the Rock Restaurant
8. Chill out and enjoy sunset views at Coast Beach Club 
9. Shop at Karon Bazaar
10. Explore the nearby beaches of Kata & Kata Noi

How to get to Karon Beach

Karon Beach is located only 6kms south of Patong.

Just follow the beach road through Patong and turn to the left into Prachanukhro Road.

Then turn to the right into Sirirat Road which will turn into Patak road, follow it around past the Nong Han lake and onto Karon road that runs parallel to the beach.

Location Map Karon Beach, Phuket Thailand