Karon

Phuket

A long, wide beach just south of Patong, with big resorts, a relaxed atmosphere and easy access to both Patong and Kata.

Best for Families · First visit

Transport: 2/5
Sights: 2/5
Value: 4/5
Quiet: 3/5
Food: 3/5

Typical mid-range hotel ~$120/night · 35 min to Phuket Old Town

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Why stay here

Long, wide, less crowded beach
Between Patong and Kata
Good-value resorts

Who should stay here

Families
Couples
Repeat visitors

Not ideal if…

You want nightlife on your doorstep
You want a village feel
You want calm seas in the rainy season

What it's like

Karon has one of Phuket's longest beaches, with soft sand and fewer crowds than Patong. Big resorts line the road behind it, and the small village has restaurants, massage shops and a weekend market. Karon Noi, a cove at the northern end, has one of the island's best resort beaches.

It's a good middle ground: calmer than Patong, livelier than Kamala, and close to both. The sea can be rough in the rainy season, and the beachfront road separates many hotels from the sand.

Best streets and sub-areas

Karon Beach Road
Resorts behind the long beach.
Karon village
Restaurants and shops around the roundabout.
Karon Noi (Relax Bay)
Secluded cove at the northern end.

Getting around

Nearest stations: Songthaew buses to Phuket Town, taxis, Grab and scooter hire.
To Phuket Old Town: About 35 minutes
From Phuket International Airport (HKT): About 60 minutes: taxi or Grab from HKT.

Nearby attractions

Karon Beach
Long, wide beach for walks and swimming.
Karon Viewpoint
Classic view of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon bays.
Big Buddha
Hilltop statue with views over the south of the island.

Where to eat and drink

Karon village
Thai and seafood restaurants.
Karon Temple Market
Evening market with street food.

Where to stay in Karon

A few hotels we'd book in this area, at different budgets.

Luxury pick

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket

Why we like it: Family resort on the beach with a water park.

Typical luxury rate in Karon: ~$300/night

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