Stretching for over 3.5 kilometers beside bright blue waters, Karon Beach is a piece of paradise in Phuket. Known as the more relaxed counterpart to the nearby Patong Beach, Karon is the ideal place for family fun or soaking up the sunshine. With its singing sands, countless watersports, and numerous nearby attractions, Karon Beach is a must-visit for travelers to Phuket.
The team at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve would know, as we’re located just under an hour from this tropical haven. A visit to Karon Beach is the perfect way to spend a day in Phuket along with our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities, giving you a fully immersive experience of the island.
Keep reading for our ultimate travel guide to Karon Beach, Phuket, and don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
How to Get to Karon Beach
Karon Beach is located on Phuket’s west coast, about 10 kilometers south of Patong Beach. Getting to Karon Beach is easy, with the Phuket Smart Bus making stops here. If you’re driving, you can make your way to the 4030 and park in one of the free lots in Karon. There are plenty of accommodation options in Karon Village as well, making the beach just a short walk away for guests.
Best Time to Visit Karon Beach
As with the rest of Phuket, the best season to visit Karon Beach is in the dry winter between November and March, when temperatures still average between 88 and 92 degrees Fahrenheit. While this is the peak season, you’ll undoubtedly experience the best weather. To avoid the crowds, you can visit in the shoulder months for a better balance of pleasant conditions and fewer people.
For more details on what to expect each season, check out our blog on the Best Time to Visit Phuket.
Things to Do at Karon Beach
Whether you’re looking for a relaxed family day at the beach or heart-pumping thrills, Karon Beach is the place to be when the sun is shining. Thanks to the ample space on the beach, both water sports enthusiasts and sunbathers will relish their time here.
Parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, and diving are all on the cards, while those seeking a more relaxed vibe can rent sunbeds and umbrellas or even opt for a relaxing massage on the beach.
In the area, there are plenty more attractions, including Karon Temple and the Dino Park Mini Golf. You can find out more with our blog on Things to Do in Karon Beach, Phuket.
Restaurants Near Karon Beach
Karon Beach is divided from the rest of the beachfront by road, meaning there are only mostly kiosks and stalls available on the beach for drinks and food. But after a day on the beach, you’re sure to work up an appetite, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in Karon.
You’ll find everything from Italian to Indian and vegan eateries with beachside views, perfect for a sunset dinner. If you’re in the mood for something meaty, the EAT Bar & Grill Restaurant serves mouthwatering steaks alongside delectable drinks. For a truly unique dining experience, you can make your booking with Dinner in the Sky, where your table is suspended 50 meters high in the air! Dine on Michelin-level dishes while admiring the panoramic scenery.
Karon Beach Nightlife
If you want to extend your time on Karon Beach into the night, there are plenty of entertainment options. From beach clubs to sports bars and night markets, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
At Tann Beach Club, you can enjoy the chic setting while enjoying fire shows on the beach and drinking sumptuous cocktails. If you’re looking for a more laid-back vibe, the Ocean Bar serves up innovative drinks along with a relaxed atmosphere. Nearby, the Sutin Bar has live music shows featuring local artists and performances nearly every evening.
For a true Phuket experience, you can’t miss the Karon Night Market. Held at the Karon Temple, this market has everything you could want, from Thai street food to souvenirs and clothing.
If you’re a night owl looking for even more to do, Patong Beach and its famed nightlife is just a short drive away. You can find out more about Karon’s neighbor with our Guide to Patong Beach, Phuket.
Attractions Near Karon Beach
Traveling out of Karon Beach, you’ll come across a number of attractions. Nearby offering beautiful views of the Beach is the Big Buddha. This iconic landmark in Phuket towers at a height of 45 meters, providing visitors with a 360-degree perspective of the region. Read more about it with our guide to Visiting the Big Buddha in Phuket.
If you continue along the 4024, you’ll also come across the breathtaking Chaithararam Temple, the largest temple in Phuket. Natural wonders await at the Phuket Bird Park, where you can come up close to rare bird species and watch shows.
Visit Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve
Just a 40-minute drive from Karon Beach, you’ll find us at Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve. Our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities provide a perfect complement to your beach adventure, giving you insight into the local environment and wildlife. After a morning stroll on the beach, you can change your backdrop for a walk in the jungle with our rescued elephants. Learn more about their protection and even enjoy a Thai cooking demo as part of our Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket!
When you visit Phuket, make the most of seeing the island and travel from its beaches to its elephant-filled forests. If you have any questions about our tours, don’t hesitate to get in touch.
