Karon Beach Phuket

Situated on the west coast of the enchanting island of Phuket, Karon is one of the area’s longest stretches of sand. Also nearby is the slightly smaller, yet equally beautiful Karon Noi beach, and these are great places to soak up the sun for a while.

Many visitors to Phuket choose to base themselves at Karon and Karon Noi, as there is a wide range of amenities to be found here, including excellent accommodation options. Budget accommodation starts from as little as 500 baht, while those who are looking for a little pampering will be able to check into one of the luxurious beachside resorts, which come complete with spas, swimming pools, and excellent restaurants that cater to all tastes.

Karon Beach features three kilometers of powdery white sand and can be found between the popular Patong Beach in the north and Kata to the south. The water here is cool and clear, while the sand is fringed with palm trees and several restaurants and resorts, meaning that visitors who simply want to soak up the sun for a while never have far to go in search of refreshment.

Attractions at the Karon Beach

Snorkeling and Surfing

A gorgeous coral reef can be found just off the southern point of Karon Beach, and a large number of local companies offer scuba diving and snorkeling trips here as well as to several other destinations around Phuket (if you have enough time on your hands, travel from Phuket to Phi Phi). Visitors who enjoy messing about in the surf will also be able to take part in a range of other water sports during their stay at Karon and Karon Noi beach, such as kayaking and kitesurfing, which has become extremely popular here in the last few years.

Dino Park Mini Golf

Also at the southern end of Karon Beach is the Dino Park Mini Golf facility, which is the perfect place to get back into the swing of things. This unique 18-hole miniature golf course offers fun for all the family, as special features such as dinosaurs and an erupting volcano ensure that the kids will be entertained, while those who are more serious about the game of golf will be able to work on their strokes while enjoying the area’s abundant sunshine.

Wat Suwan Khiri Khet (Karon Temple)

Immerse yourself in Thai spirituality and architecture at the Karon Temple. Admire the intricate details of the temple’s design and learn about the local Buddhist traditions.

Nong Harn Lake

Those who want to take a break from swimming and sunbathing can also check out the park that can be found next to the large and lovely Nong Harn Lake, roughly in the heart of Karon. This is the largest beach-side park in the whole of Phuket, and comes complete with cycling and jogging paths, as well as areas where guests are invited to join in the fun of group aerobics sessions while enjoying the sight of the sun slowly setting over Karon beach.

Visitors who really want to unwind must treat themselves to a traditional Thai massage, while the area’s spas also offer a range of other popular treatments, from facials to waxing and saunas.

Restaurants and Nightlife

North Karon tends to be the least crowded area in this part of Phuket, and those who crave a little peace and quiet will be able to stretch out on the sand and simply drift away for a while. This is also where most of the biggest and brightest restaurants and bars tend to be located, and those who are looking for something tasty to sink their teeth into will find plenty to choose from.

Freshly caught seafood is featured on the menus of most of the area’s restaurants and is often displayed outside. Visitors can literally take their pick from the restaurant’s display, specifying exactly how they want their food to be cooked. Some of the restaurants also set up tables on the beach at the end of the day, and watching the sunset while dining on freshly caught seafood is an unforgettable experience that is sure to appeal to most travelers.

A large number of restaurants in Karon cater to Western tastes, specializing in dishes such as steak, ribs, pizza, and pasta, while those who are in search of authentic Thai food will also find plenty of excellent eateries to choose from. We recommend visiting one of the places below.

On the Rock Restaurant: Situated on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Andaman Sea, On the Rock offers a memorable dining experience with stunning sunset beach views. This restaurant specializes in seafood dishes and Thai cuisine, making it a favorite spot for both locals and tourists.

Two Chefs Karon Beach Branch: If you’re in the mood for international cuisine and Western favorites, head to Two Chefs Bar & Grill. This restaurant offers a diverse menu with a mix of steaks, burgers, pasta, and salads, along with some Thai dishes.

Karlsson Restaurant and Steakhouse: As the name suggests, this restaurant is a haven for steak lovers. Serving up high-quality cuts of meat and delicious sides, Karlsson Steakhouse is a popular choice for a satisfying meal.

Baan Rim Pa Phuket: Although not directly on Karon Beach, Baan Rim Pa Phuket is worth mentioning as it’s a renowned restaurant located in nearby Patong. Set in a charming Thai-style house, the restaurant offers upscale Thai cuisine in a romantic and sophisticated atmosphere.

Pad Thai Shop: If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, the Pad Thai Shop near Karon Beach is a great option. They specialize in serving delicious and affordable versions of Thailand’s famous Pad Thai noodle dish.

Mama Jin Restaurant: A local favorite, Mama Restaurant serves homestyle Thai dishes that are both delicious and reasonably priced. It’s a great place to experience authentic Thai flavors.

While the nightlife scene in Karon and Karon Noi is not as vibrant as in the neighboring areas of Patong and Kata, there are still plenty of great places to relax with a beer or two here, while several of the largest bars and pubs provide live music in the evening.