Karon Beach
Karon
A long, wide stretch of squeaky white sand. Walk it end to end in the morning or settle near a lifeguard tower to swim in the dry season.
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Phuket, Thailand
Karon Beach
One of the longest beaches on Phuket, with fine "singing" sand, a wide bay and a relaxed resort strip behind it.
Favourite places
Karon Noi (Relax Bay)
North of Karon, towards Patong
A small, sheltered bay below the hillside road between Karon and Patong, with calm water in the dry season.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Karon Temple
Patak Road, inland from the beach
The local temple of Karon, a peaceful place in the day and the site of a popular evening market on set days of the week.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Karon Park and the lagoon
Central Karon
A green park around a small lake near the roundabout, popular for an evening stroll and with local families.
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Local food
Gaeng som
Phuket, Thailand
A sour, spicy southern curry of fish and vegetables in a tamarind and turmeric broth — fiery and refreshing.
Som tam
Phuket, Thailand
Green papaya salad pounded with lime, chilli, fish sauce, tomatoes and peanuts.
Roti
Phuket, Thailand
Thin fried flatbread sold from street carts, eaten sweet with banana and condensed milk or with curry.
Where to eat
Karon Temple market
Karon Temple grounds
Evening market on set days of the week with grilled skewers, curries, roti and desserts at local prices.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Karon beach road restaurants
Behind the beach and around the roundabout
Thai, seafood and international restaurants close to the hotels.
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Where to stay
Karon
Phuket, Thailand
Large resorts and mid-range hotels along the beach road, with a calmer evening scene than Patong.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Kata–Karon border
Phuket, Thailand
The area between the two beaches is handy for both, with restaurants and shops within walking distance.
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Culture
Karon has a quieter, older crowd than Patong, and many long-stay visitors. At the temple market, remember that you are on temple grounds: dress modestly and do not climb on monuments. Thai people value calm, friendly manners — a smile goes a long way.
History
Karon's sand squeaks underfoot thanks to its high quartz content. The long beach rarely feels crowded, and Karon Temple's small market and restaurants are a short walk inland.
Tour plans
Karon, Kata and the Big Buddha
1 dayStep 1: Beach walk
Walk Karon Beach early and test the squeaking sand.
Step 2: Big Buddha
Drive up Nakkerd Hill to the Big Buddha for island views.
Step 3: Wat Chalong
Continue down to Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important temple.
Step 4: Karon Temple market
Back in Karon, eat dinner at the temple market if it is a market night.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April for calm water; early morning for long empty walks on the sand and late afternoon for sunset.
How to get there
Between Patong and Kata — about 15 minutes from either by car.
Getting around
Karon's beach road is walkable. Songthaews run along the coast towards Kata and Phuket Town during the day; Grab and local taxis cover everything else. Patong is about 15 minutes away over the hill.
Travel tips
The sea can be rough from May to October; swim only near lifeguards.
