StayAreasPatong or Karon: where should you stay in Phuket?
- Patong is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $110 a night, against $120 in Karon.
- Patong has more nightlife.
- Karon has quieter nights.
- Karon has an easier time with kids.
- From Phuket International Airport (HKT), Patong is quicker: 50 min against 60 min.
PatongNightlife, shopping & the busiest beachPick Patong if
- Nightlife lovers
- Budget travellers
- Groups of friends
KaronLong beach & relaxed resortsPick Karon if
- Families
- Couples
- Repeat visitors
Patong vs Karon, side by side
The better one in each row is in green| What | Patong | Karon |
|---|---|---|
| What a night costs · typical double outside peak events, Oct 2026 | ||
| Budget double | $40 (better) | $50 |
| Mid-range double | $110 (better) | $120 |
| Luxury double | $280 (better) | $300 |
| Door to door · public transport or on foot, weekday morning | ||
| To Phuket Old Town | 30 min (better) | 35 min |
| Arriving · weekday afternoon | ||
| From Phuket International Airport (HKT) | 50 min (better) | 60 min |
| What it's like · our ratings | ||
| Sights on foot | Limited | Limited |
| Nightlife | Excellent (better) | Good |
| Quiet at night | Poor | Good (better) |
| Food | Very good (better) | Good |
| Families | Limited | Very good (better) |
| Transport | Good (better) | Limited |
Hotels in Patong and Karon
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Patong or Karon: questions
Is Patong or Karon better to stay in?
Patong is cheaper: a mid-range double costs about $110 a night, against $120 in Karon. Patong has more nightlife. Karon has quieter nights. Karon has an easier time with kids. From Phuket International Airport (HKT), Patong is quicker: 50 min against 60 min. Patong suits nightlife lovers and budget travellers; Karon suits families and couples.
Which is cheaper, Patong or Karon?
Typical doubles in Patong: $40 budget, $110 mid-range, $280 luxury. In Karon: $50, $120 and $300. Rates outside peak events, updated Oct 2026.
How far is Phuket International Airport (HKT) from Patong and Karon?
50 min to Patong and 60 min to Karon, door to door by public transport.