Karon Beach
Karon Beach
4
About
This uncrowded beach features an incredibly long stretch of white sand and a full range of tourist facilities, dining and outdoor recreation.
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Best nearby
Restaurants
1,040 within 3 miles
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135 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
6,970 reviews
Excellent
3,197
Very good
2,493
Average
917
Poor
235
Terrible
128
Aadi & Kristie (YouTube)
Singapore, Singapore24 contributions
May 2022 • Friends
I’m so happy that we decided to choose Karon Beach, not Patong. We have been in patong and it is sooo crowded, noisy and more dirty. This beach is clean with pleasant small sand.
We lived in Mandarava resort, it’s nearby the beach, a little bit uphill, among tropic gardens. We used resort’s free transfer to the beach and will definitely come back to this place.
I also can recommend you amazing cafe near the Karon, it’s called “Blanket and a Pillow” check their photos in google maps and you will definitely want to visit their bungalow with the most beautiful view at sea.
For those who are currently looking where to stay in Phuket, you can check our video on YouTube:
“ Escape the reality in Mandarava resort in Phuket”
We made also some drone shots so you will see how beautiful this place, just among tropics and all the nature.
We lived in Mandarava resort, it’s nearby the beach, a little bit uphill, among tropic gardens. We used resort’s free transfer to the beach and will definitely come back to this place.
I also can recommend you amazing cafe near the Karon, it’s called “Blanket and a Pillow” check their photos in google maps and you will definitely want to visit their bungalow with the most beautiful view at sea.
For those who are currently looking where to stay in Phuket, you can check our video on YouTube:
“ Escape the reality in Mandarava resort in Phuket”
We made also some drone shots so you will see how beautiful this place, just among tropics and all the nature.
Written June 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
karlpalachuk
Sacramento, CA60 contributions
Oct 2022
No hang gliding, massage parlors, or questionable nightlife you can't tell your best friends about. But a truly great beach for hanging out, wading, and even surfing a bit.
This is a great beach for families. It's super clean (meaning no kelp, very little litter, and not crowded with people hocking junk.) But you CAN get a beach chair for 200 baht per 2 chairs (roughly $5 USD) and a beer for less than that!
This is a great beach for families. It's super clean (meaning no kelp, very little litter, and not crowded with people hocking junk.) But you CAN get a beach chair for 200 baht per 2 chairs (roughly $5 USD) and a beer for less than that!
Written November 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John K
Costa Mesa, CA1,313 contributions
Mar 2022 • Solo
I stayed at Karon beach for seven nights. The beach itself is really long, at least 3km. Plenty of space to spread out, but lifeguards are only stationed at a few areas. Beware of swimming outside of the watched areas, as rip currents are common. Red flags were out for most or all of at least 4 of the days I was here. The town area itself is not large, a pretty easy walk from one end to the other, walking along the sea. Many hotels for all budgets here. Restaurants were pretty predictably similar, which was a disappointment for me, but if you are here for seafood, you will get your fill. Just very little real Thai food available. Search the back streets for a som tam or pad thai cart, if you want some cheaper food choices. Rented a quality 125cc motorbike for 200b, about as cheap as it gets. Many massage shops around, along with a handful of beer bars. Laundry is 50b per kilo, or there are a few self service machines scattered around town.
Written March 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Steve W
18 contributions
Feb 2020
The beach in Karon is beautiful in many ways. Clean, tidy and very sandy. The beach is wide so there is plenty of room to lay out a couple of towels if you don't want to hire a sunbed and parasol. The sea is lovely and warm but has a very strong under-currant so beware going out too far. A distinct lack of any toilets of any kind but that seems to be the case on a lot of beaches outside of Europe or the USA. No facilities for washing sand off of your feet etc. A little investment in these facilities would make life a whole lot better for foreign visitors that maybe used to them being in place. The sunsets here are beautiful don't forget your camera. Overall the beach is fabulous.
The main street in Karon is a very vibrant place with lots of bars and eating places (I'll refrain from using the word restaurant) to choose from. Lots of (iced) seafood on display and you can have lots of different foods cooked right in front of you if that's your thing. A few choice smells lingered in the air but nobody seems to bother about them. There is a large market at the top of the road which sells almost every sort of cooked thing you can think of including scorpions and all manner of insects etc. Lots of souvenirs and cheap clothing on offer too. A big stage had been erected when we visited with a variety of Thai entertainment going on. Short trips back to hotels or nearby attractions are easy by taking a ride in a tuk-tuk (with loud disco sounds and lighting if you like). All in all a very entertaining town. If you fancy a busier time, a short trip into Patong will enlighten the senses. Some very nice big shopping malls there. While you're there, a walk along Bangla Road is a must.
The main street in Karon is a very vibrant place with lots of bars and eating places (I'll refrain from using the word restaurant) to choose from. Lots of (iced) seafood on display and you can have lots of different foods cooked right in front of you if that's your thing. A few choice smells lingered in the air but nobody seems to bother about them. There is a large market at the top of the road which sells almost every sort of cooked thing you can think of including scorpions and all manner of insects etc. Lots of souvenirs and cheap clothing on offer too. A big stage had been erected when we visited with a variety of Thai entertainment going on. Short trips back to hotels or nearby attractions are easy by taking a ride in a tuk-tuk (with loud disco sounds and lighting if you like). All in all a very entertaining town. If you fancy a busier time, a short trip into Patong will enlighten the senses. Some very nice big shopping malls there. While you're there, a walk along Bangla Road is a must.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Szandra D
29 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Perfect beach to spend your days at, soft sand, soft waves to relax in, wide and long beach never feels crowded. The area Karon is full of Russians everywhere everything is translated to Russian sometimes felt like Thai people speak better Russian than English. Food is good there are great places to find cheap food but everything else is overpriced. Gifts clothes etc. Loads of activities like jet ski water sports and parachute.
Written January 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris T
Alice Springs, Australia93 contributions
Jan 2020
A long beach with not a lot of shade, except back from the sand itself, it is a very pleasant place. Lots of restaurants, bars and shopping nearby, easy to get a taxi, tuk tuk or local bus service (try it!) to Patong or Phuket city from here. When we were here in January 2020 it was packed with Chinese, but mainly Russian tourists. No doubt that has all changed with corona virus. I'm sure there will be many bargains to get tourists back when this finally blows over. It is just such a tragedy that the locals here were only just getting over the 2004 tsunami to be only hit by something almost as devastating all these years later.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Gregory H
35 contributions
Jan 2020
Karon beach is 3 km of sand, stretching from Karon village at the south end up past the lively beach front for two thirds of the way and onto a calmer (but in January no less populous with sun worshippers) stretch which attracts joggers as well as bathers.
The sun here is very strong especially at midday: best bathing is the first two hours after dawn and the last two before dusk (6-8 am and 4-6 pm).
As with much of Bangkok now, the prices on the seafront are approaching European levels and no longer present real bargains, the exception being the Massage places: it is still possible to get a proper Thai oil massage here for £10-£15 per hour.
The sun here is very strong especially at midday: best bathing is the first two hours after dawn and the last two before dusk (6-8 am and 4-6 pm).
As with much of Bangkok now, the prices on the seafront are approaching European levels and no longer present real bargains, the exception being the Massage places: it is still possible to get a proper Thai oil massage here for £10-£15 per hour.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
mattodowd
Beijing, China170 contributions
Mar 2020
The big question when you visit Phuket is... Patong beach or Karon beach? Personally I prefered Karon - it has such a lovely long stretch of sand with palm trees across it and is generally quieter. Sunbeds are 200 baht for a day (including 2 adjacent sunbeds with an umbrella).
Written March 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Walid E
5 contributions
Dec 2019
Very clean beach, you have to bring your own shade or rent one (if you are lucky to find available)
Sandy beach with calm waters, however, current could be strong sometimes (it is open sea after all).
Many water sport activities available (banana boat, jet ski, para-sailing, strom) however, a bit pricey. Well worth visiting. Personally I found it less crowded and cleaner than Patong beach (it could also have to do with the fact that i was staying at the Hilton Arcadia which is overlooking the beach).
Sandy beach with calm waters, however, current could be strong sometimes (it is open sea after all).
Many water sport activities available (banana boat, jet ski, para-sailing, strom) however, a bit pricey. Well worth visiting. Personally I found it less crowded and cleaner than Patong beach (it could also have to do with the fact that i was staying at the Hilton Arcadia which is overlooking the beach).
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Martin T
Horsham, UK289 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Long stretch of sandy beach on which all the amenities are available. Snorkelling from rocks at either end can be hit or miss depending on tide height. Boat trips and water sports also available as well as sun loungers (for a price and get there early) and many refreshment vendors on and set back from beach. Sea generally calm although beach does shelve quickly
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mutz Nutz
Liverpool, UK66 contributions
Hi all. Am after a recommendation for scooter hire please? I’ve ridden scooters in Thailand before so know the ‘dos and donts’ but just need a rental compant.
Thanks all
John K
Costa Mesa, CA1,313 contributions
I rented a scooter in Karen beach in March 2022 from a small shop in the alley directly across from my hotel - Baan Sailom Resort. Good quality scooter and good staff support. But it depends on where your hotel is situated. Karen beach has dozens of scooter rental places. Prices are negotiable, so check prices from at least two shops, preferably close to your hotel.
Ben Dickens
Rutland, UK12 contributions
What is a rough figure to allow for an evening meal with a few drinks?
chaffy73
Cardiff, UK253 contributions
Depends what you eat and drink , street food is cheaper than restaurants, lots of small places in side streets for pizza etc...
Famile3
Oslo, Norway6 contributions
Is there any differents between the South and the North side of Karon beach? Where are the most people and are the one side more relax then the other?
DMacC
Leipzig, Germany
Hallo zusammen!
Weiß jemand ob man in der Nähe des Karon Beach (z. B. Zentrum) einen Sonnenschirm kaufen (Ort & ca. Preis) kann und diesen dann auch dort am Strand ohne Probleme aufstellen kann?
Weiter interessieren mein Mann und ich uns für die Anbindung an die in der Nähe liegenden Strände per öffentlicher Verkehrsmittel (Erreichbarkeit, Fahrtzeiten, ca. Preis). Wir freuen uns auf eure Tip s und Anregungen!
Ioana S
Villemomble, France396 contributions
Non on n’as pas acheté de parasols et pour le transport on a pris des taxis seulement
18trinitys
Auckland Central, New Zealand27 contributions
Hi there. We are planning to buy tickets to get a speedboat to phi phi etc IN patong or karon rather than online.... as its said to be cheaper. Can anyone please recommend a reputable street vendor or ticket office where you had an awesome speedboat trip?
Jeffster89
Johannesburg, South Africa390 contributions
Hi, ask for Nee from Karns Travel and Tours. We used her in November 2018 and again now in November 2019. She is based in Karon, however, she came to out hotel in Patong (as we requested her).
Excellent trustworthy service. Inbox me if you would like her details. You could also inbox her on Facebook. I was spectical when we used her last year and only paid 50% of each your upfront and then paid the remainder on the tour.
This year we paid everything upfront - no hassles.
18trinitys
Auckland Central, New Zealand27 contributions
Hi there. We are planning to buy tickets to get a speedboat to phi phi etc IN patong or karon rather than online.... as its said to be cheaper. Can anyone please recommend a reputable street vendor or ticket office where you had an awesome speedboat trip?
GolnazAb
Melbourne, Australia238 contributions
The office that you get the ticket from does not matter. There are heaps. I found it 30% cheaper buying from an office rather than online. I chose Dimond sea tour which their service was perfect.
Наталия Б
2 contributions
Какой пляж от отеля Таворн пальм бич
Иваныч Буба
Yekaterinburg, Russia7 contributions
Пляж Карон. Отель Таворн! Еду туда снова!
Lookingforthegood
Greater London, UK302 contributions
I see by the article:
Officers inspect Karon Beach following complaints of sun lounge zoning, that sun loungers are B200
a day or less, and they close at 5 p.m.
What is the price of beer?
If it is double, as is indicated by the price of loungers compared to Pattaya, I will not be visiting ever.
iaink2001
Southend-on-Sea, UK470 contributions
I found most of the sun loungers at Karon to be 100B, Kata were charging 200B, that's expensive, beer you can pick up at many shops cheaper than the vendors at the beach, many charge more and keep the change.
Karon Beach - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Karon Beach
- We recommend booking Karon Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 10 Karon Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Karon Beach:
- Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Phi Phi Cruiser (From $17.91)
- Travstore Original Phuket Discovery Tour - Shared Half Day City Tour (From $16.42)
- ATV Bike 1 hr + Skyline Adventure 20 Platforms with lunch (From $116.36)
- Private Tour: Amazing Phuket Island & Big Buddha Guided Tour (From $148.98)
- Private Tour: Phuket Introduction City Sightseeing Tour (From $57.63)
- Hotels near Karon Beach:
- (0.08 mi) Golden Sand Inn
- (0.15 mi) Sugar Marina Resort - ART - Karon Beach
- (0.25 mi) Allstar Guesthouse
- (0.26 mi) Chanalai Hillside Resort, Karon Beach, Phuket
- (0.22 mi) Living Room Guesthouse and Cafe Bar
- Restaurants near Karon Beach:
- (0.08 mi) Phannee Restaurant
- (0.08 mi) Talay food1
- (0.07 mi) Ratchanee Seafood
- (0.09 mi) Milyn by Ging
- (0.08 mi) Bow Seafood
- Attractions near Karon Beach:
- (0.13 mi) Bob Collection
- (0.18 mi) Nordic Fashion
- (0.10 mi) Relax Massage & Spa
- (0.15 mi) Jim Milano Fashion
- (0.22 mi) Alex Fashion House