Photo by HutheMeow (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Karon
Four kilometer long beach
Karon is a small town between Patong Beach and Kata Beach on the West coast of Phuket. Its main attraction is its long and wide beach.
Long and wide beach
At a length of almost four kilometers, Karon has one of the longest beaches in Phuket. The soft, golden sand and warm waters make Karon beach a great place to relax. Sun loungers shaded by a beach umbrella are for rent at 100 Baht. At the end of the day, watch the sun set in the Andaman Sea.
During high season from November until March when the sea is calm and the water clear, Karon beach can get busy. Watch out for red flags on the beach that warn for strong waves and currents in the rainy season.
Eat & drink on the beach
Vendors walking up and down the beach sell snacks, drinks and ice cream. There are plenty of eateries just off the beach across the beach road.
Karon town
Karon is a small town with a wide choice of restaurants, bars and massage shops. The atmosphere is a lot more relaxed than its bigger neighbor Patong.
The easiest way to get around Karon is by tuk tuk. Prices are not fixed, agree on a price with the driver first. To go around the island to Patong, Kata, Phuket Town and other destinations, take a taxi or use the Grab app.
Dino Park Mini Golf
If you’re looking for a fun activity away from the beach, go to Dino Park Mini Golf. Play an 18 hole mini golf course in a Jurassic Park setting, a jungle environment with rocks, tropical vegetation, caves, streams, waterfalls and even an erupting volcano.
In a jurassic park setting
Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
Surrounded by the market stalls of Karon night market on Patak Road is Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, also known as Karon temple. Large Naga serpents on the stairs to the main building guard the temple. Inside, the walls are adorned with murals that show scenes from the life of the Buddha.
Please dress respectfully and take off your shoes before going inside.
Massage & spa
Thailand is known for its spas and massages. Pamper yourself with a spa treatment or a relaxing massage at one of Karon’s spas.
Anda Massage on Soi Withet is a clean massage parlor where you can enjoy several types of massages like Thai, oil, coconut, aloe vera or body massage.
For a more upmarket experience, try Let’s Relax Spa near Karon traffic circle.
Get a massage, pedicure or manicure in a peaceful and quiet atmosphere at Karma Thai traditional massage on Karon Road.
Karon night market
Karon night market is an open air market with a large number of stalls around Wat Suwan Khiri Khet on Patak Road. Vendors sell items as clothes, bags, jewelry, watches and souvenirs.
The market is a good place to try street food like Pad Thai, satay, fried rice, noodle soup, spring rolls, fried chicken or even fried insects. Also try the fresh fruit smoothies and the colorful Thai desserts and sweets.
The market is held on Tuesday and Friday from 4 pm until 10 pm.
Restaurants
There is a wide choice of eateries along the beach road and in the small town. You will find a lot of restaurants along Luang Phor Chuan Road near the South end of the beach and around Karon circle. Most restaurants have menus with pictures of the food.
Seafood restaurants have iced fish, lobster, squid and prawns on display in front of the shop. Pick what you like and it will be cooked right in front of you.
Karon nightlife
Karon nightlife is a lot less intense than Patong. There are a lot of bars along Luang Phor Chuan Road near the South end of the beach as well as on Patak Road near Karon circle like Karon Aussie Bar, Sutin Bar and Walkabout Sports Bar.
If you like discotheques, go-go bars and nightclubs, go to Bangla Road in Patong.
Where is Karon
Karon is located on the West coast of Phuket island between Patong and Kata. It’s about 43 kilometers South of Phuket airport and 7 kilometers South of Patong.
How to get there
The easiest way to get to Karon from Phuket airport is by van or taxi. Prices start at 200 Baht for a one way transfer by shared van.
Other Phuket beaches and towns
More Phuket attractions:
Attractions in Phuket
John Gray’s Sea Kayak Tour
- Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay
- Explore hidden caves and cliff lined lagoons
- Visit Panak Island and Hong Island
- Kayak in emerald lagoons
- Professional English speaking guide