Karon Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Karon Beach featuring a beach, general coastal views and tropical scenes
Karon featuring general coastal views and a coastal town
Karon which includes art as well as an individual male
Karon
Karon featuring art

Try snorkeling around the coral reef network, visit the market at the temple and relax by a lake in the beachside park.

Karon is a beach town with several coastal hotels and bars overlooking the Andaman Sea. It features a long stretch of sand on Phuket Island and its clear water makes it one of the best places along the ocean for snorkeling and scuba diving. Stay at one of the resort complexes across the road from the beach and enjoy pretty views of the water.

Stroll along the pristine white sand of Karon Beach, which is 1.9 miles (3 kilometers) long. Feel the crunch of the sand crystals between your toes as you beachcomb for marine trinkets. Bring snorkeling gear to the coral reef at the southern end of the strand and get a closer look at the colorful fish.

Head to the quieter northern side of the beach and relax with your family or friends in the Khlong Bangla Park that straddles the sand. Bring your kids to the dinosaur-themed Dino Park Mini Golf.

Rent a bike and go cycling along the wide pedestrian lane backing onto the beach. Join walkers and joggers at sunset and bask in the romantic glow of the darkening sky. At night, wander through the Karon Center district for its shopping and dining options. Have a meal at a charming restaurant and relax with a few drinks in a bar. The town isn’t over-developed, so has remained peaceful and spacious.

The town, which is pronounced by locals as Garon, puts on the Karon Market twice a week at the Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (Karon Temple). Visit on Tuesdays and Fridays to browse the local food ingredients, clothing and other products that give an insight into the Karon culture.

The town is located on the western coast of Phuket Island, standing between Patong and Kata. Arrive at Phuket International Airport and drive south for 27 miles (44 kilometers) to get here in a little more than 1 hour.

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
4.5 out of 5
14/2 Patak Road Soi 24, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
The price is NZ$160 per night from 19 July to 20 July
NZ$160
19 July - 20 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,000 reviews)
"Accurate reviews and really enjoyed our 9 night stay being set off in a beautiful place, but easy walking distance to amenities."

Reviewed on 3 Jul. 2025

Mandarava Resort and Spa Karon Beach
Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
4 out of 5
247 Koktanode Rd, Kata Beach, Karon, Phuket
The price is NZ$87 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
NZ$87
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,002 reviews)
"Very comfortable large rooms with balcony view of ocean. Loved the pool!"

Reviewed on 27 Jun. 2025

Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach
Paradox Resort Phuket
Paradox Resort Phuket
5 out of 5
509 Patak Road, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,000 reviews)
Great stay!
"The hotel is really fantastic, rooms are excellent (stayed in the private villa), location just by the beach, quiet and the staff is really lovely. The breakfast is great, if you’re thinking of having it then book it at check in which is a little cheaper; but still is great value."

Reviewed on 5 Jul. 2025

Paradox Resort Phuket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara
Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara
4 out of 5
224/21 Karon Rd, Karon Beach, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly aparthotel in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a sauna. Popular attractions Karon Beach and Kata Beach are located ...
8/10 Very Good! (144 reviews)
"The location is very convenient, beach 5 min walk. Restaurants well in walking distance. Staff all very helpful and housekeeping is on the job Kudos ! However the rooms are dated, need a renovation minimum the bathroom shower hardwear and new curtains. Plan to stay here again and look forward to ..."

Reviewed on 29 May 2025

Waterfront Suites Phuket by Centara
Malisa Villa Suites
Malisa Villa Suites
5 out of 5
40/36 Kata Road, Kata Beach, Muang, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Karon. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Kata Beach and Karon Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"Amazing villas, 5 min from the beach. Staff was very friendly and speak good english. Highly recommended"

Reviewed on 24 Jan. 2025

Malisa Villa Suites
The View Phuket By Resava
The View Phuket By Resava
4 out of 5
78/7 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly villa in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
"Had an amazing time with my family the staff were very nice and helpfull and made us feel so welcome loved the pool which came with room perfect for kids and the view was absolutely beautiful will defo come back"

Reviewed on 18 Apr. 2025

The View Phuket By Resava
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Reviews of Karon

4.2
Top destination
5 - Excellent
55
5 - Excellent 38%
4 - Good
75
4 - Good 51%
3 - Okay
13
3 - Okay 9%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 1%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

It is a very low key place to just relax and do not much but enjoy the clean beach that’s available.

4/5 - Good

GoldGirl

Top Tip: Try to get a room away from the road, as there are a number of loud cars with pumping music at all hours of the night.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Beaches were better than I expected, water was very clean and clear and a lovely temperature. Preferred Kata beach over Karon beach. Many nice restaurants around both areas and felt safe at all times.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Karon itself not as busy as some other places which makes it more relaxing. Beach is nice but be careful swimming rips there. Also usual scam artists trying to get you to do time share through winning a prize. You can see sunset from beach here

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Nicely located from the hussle and bussle of Patong Beach with a shirt taxi ride from the resort. Staff were excellent, knowledgeable, helpful nothing was a problem were great with recommendations for things to do and how to get there.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Loved the proximity to the beach, shops and restaurants and street food.

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