Lifeguards on patrol
Lifeguards patrol the beach and post flags; swim near their stations and follow their advice.
Karon Beach
Karon · west coast
3 km of wide, squeaky white sand between Patong and Kata, open to the sunset and rarely crowded, with the calmest water from December to April.
Also written Hat Karon, Karon Bay, Karon Beach Phuket, Ao Karon · หาดกะรน · Пляж Карон
Karon Beach in photographs
The sunbed rental sign with its prices and hours. Sunset over the beach. Karon Park by the beach road.
- Sand
- White sand that squeaks underfoot
- Space
- 3 km, rarely crowded
- Sunset
- Open sunsets over the Andaman
- Walking
- Promenade along the beach road
- Swimming
- Lifeguards and swim flags
About Karon Beach
Karon is one of Phuket's longest beaches, about 3 km of wide white sand on the west coast between Patong and Kata. The sand has so much quartz that it squeaks when you walk barefoot on it, and the beach faces straight out to the Andaman, so every evening brings an open sunset. Even in high season, there is always a quieter stretch to walk to.
Only two hotels, the Centara Grand at the north end and Beyond Karon at the south, sit directly on the sand; the rest line the far side of the beach road, so the whole shore is one open public beach. A promenade along the road has filled with restaurants and bars, and the small town of Karon, around Karon Circle and Patak Road, has guesthouses, massage shops and modest nightlife.
From December to April the sea is usually calm with a gentle slope into the water. From May to October the waves are big, and lifeguards patrol the beach and post flags showing when you can swim.
Karon Beach, north to south
The north end, by the lake
Below the headland to Karon Noi, near the lake and Karon Circle: the quietest part, with fewer loungers, seafood restaurants by the lake, the Centara Grand and COAST Beach Club, and the best low-season surf.
Good
- The emptiest sand.
- Seafood lunches by the lake.
- Surf when the monsoon swell arrives.
Less good
- Far from the south-end beach clubs and Kata.
Walkers, surfers and anyone who wants space.
The central beach road
The long middle, with the big resorts across the beach road, Soi Aroonson's restaurants and massages, loungers, massage mats under the trees, and parasailing and jet skis in high season.
Good
- Hotels a short, flat walk from the sand.
- Water sports and loungers.
- Restaurants along the promenade.
Less good
- Jet-ski and parasail traffic.
- Little natural shade.
Most visitors staying on the beach road.
The south end, towards Kata
Beyond Karon and TANN Beach Club on the sand, On The Rock restaurant, the small Bangla Plaza alley of beer bars and Dino Park, with rocks for snorkelling and Kata 600 m away.
Good
- TANN Beach Club and its nightly fire show.
- Snorkelling near the rocks.
- Easy walk to Kata.
Less good
- Busier in the evening.
Couples and families who want food, sunset and Kata close by.
Things to do at Karon Beach
The sunbed rental sign with its prices and hours. Sunset over the beach. Karon Park by the beach road.
Swimming · dry season
Swim in the dry season
December to April brings calm water and a gentle slope; always swim near the lifeguards.
On the sand
Walk the squeaky sand
Three kilometres to walk barefoot, with the sand squeaking under your feet.
Water sports · dry season
Parasailing and jet skis
Both run off the central beach in high season.
Surfing · monsoon months
Low-season surf
When the monsoon swell lines up, the north end has left and right waves; for experienced surfers only.
Snorkelling and diving · dry season
Snorkel near the rocks
The rocky areas at the northern and southern ends are the only snorkelling spots.
Wellness
Massage under the trees
Massage mats are set up under the trees along the beach all year.
Nightlife
TANN Beach Club
Daybeds, DJs and a fire show at 19:00 every night at the south end.
Nightlife
COAST Beach Club
The Centara Grand's beach club at the north end, for sunset drinks without planning.
Food and drink
Rooftop sunset at The Dim Sun
Avista Grande's rooftop has one of the best sunset views in central Karon; book an edge table in high season.
Food and drink
Dinner at On The Rock
A restaurant built on the rocks at the south end of the beach.
Food and drink
Breakfast On The Hill
A hilltop terrace above the bay, open from 07:30, with views of the whole beach and the Big Buddha.
Shopping
Karon Temple Market
Street food, games and stalls in the grounds of Wat Karon, Tuesdays and Fridays, 16:00 to 22:00.
Shopping
Karon Bazaar
A covered market next to the Paradox resort for T-shirts, beach toys and last-day souvenirs; bargain with a smile.
Family
Dino Park Mini Golf
Dinosaur-themed mini golf at the Kata end, a favourite with families.
A day at Karon Beach
Walk barefoot along the north end near the lake, the emptiest part of the beach.
From December to April the sea is usually calm with a gentle slope; swim near a lifeguard station and check the flag.
The Pad Thai Shop, a tiny place on Karon's back road, has built a reputation on one dish. The Pad Thai Shop
Dino Park Mini Golf at the Kata end takes care of an afternoon with children. Dino Park Mini Golf
Daybeds and DJs at the south end, with a fire show every night at 19:00. TANN Beach Club
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the Karon Temple Market fills Wat Karon's grounds with street food until 22:00. Karon Temple Market
Our Karon Beach score
4.3out of 5
Long beach walks, sunsets and a relaxed stay with Patong and Kata close by.
Three kilometres of wide, white sand that squeaks underfoot, open sunsets over the Andaman and room to spread out even in high season, with no private frontage. It stays in the 'good with clear limits' band because the sea is rough for much of the monsoon and shade on the sand is limited.
The character of the beach
A profile, not a mark: where Karon Beach sits on four scales, and what it is known for.
- Lively
- For children
- Surf
- Snorkelling
Lifeguards on duty · White sand that squeaks underfoot
What is good about Karon Beach
Singing sand
Karon's quartz sand squeaks when you walk barefoot on it, best in the afternoon when the dry sand is warm.
Room for everyone
Three kilometres of wide sand with almost no private frontage means it never feels full; the north end near the lake is often nearly empty.
Sunsets with a drink
COAST Beach Club at the north end and TANN Beach Club at the south serve sunset drinks on the sand; TANN adds a fire show at 19:00.
An evening promenade
The pavement from the south end towards Karon Circle has become a promenade lined with restaurants and bars facing the beach.
Temple market twice a week
The Karon Temple Market fills the grounds of Wat Karon with street food and stalls on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Before you swim at Karon Beach
Swim when the flags allow
Check the flag before you go in, and stay on the sand when it shows no swimming.
Big waves in the monsoon
The beach is open to the sea, and big waves roll in from May to October; that is the time for walks and surf rather than swimming.
Jet skis and parasailing
Jet skis and parasail boats work off the central beach in high season; swim away from their lanes.
Little shade
There are fewer trees than at Kata; bring shade or rent an umbrella, and drink plenty of water.
Beach clubs, bars and restaurants on Karon Beach
3 places open on the sand in September 2026, walked south to north, then the road behind the beach and a few minutes inland. A price level is what one visit typically costs a person.
The north end, by the lake
COAST Beach Club & Bistro
Beach club · on the sand · 11:00–23:00 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
The beach club and bistro of the Centara Grand Beach Resort at the quiet north end of Karon Beach, open to outside guests.
Starz Rooftop Bar & Lounge
Bar · a short drive · every day 16:30–01:00 by phuket101; Google Maps showed the same on Thursday
A small open-air rooftop bar next to Karon Circle, facing the north end of Karon Beach.
Karon Bazaar
Shops · a short drive · daily 10:00–23:00
A shopping and dining plaza on Patak Road in Karon with a daily covered market of tourist goods.
The central beach road
The Dim Sun
Bar · the road behind · every day 17:30–23:00 by phuket101; Google Maps showed 18:00–22:00 on Thursday
The rooftop bar and restaurant on the top terrace of Avista Grande Phuket Karon.
The south end, towards Kata
TANN Beach Club
Beach club · on the sand · 11:00–23:00 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A beach club on a wide wooden deck at the south end of Karon Beach, once a simple Thai restaurant.
On The Rock Restaurant
Restaurant · on the sand · 12:00–22:00 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
The seaside restaurant of the Marina Phuket Resort on Karon Beach, built on the rocks in a traditional Thai design of dark wood with the cliff as its back wall.
Dino Park Mini Golf
For children · a short drive
An 18-hole mini golf course in a prehistoric jungle garden with full-size dinosaurs and a volcano, at Kata's centre opposite Starbucks.
A few minutes inland
The Pad Thai Shop
Restaurant · a short drive · 08:00–17:00 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A simple local noodle shop on Patak Road in Karon, known for its pad thai; a Lonely Planet article about the cook hangs on the wall.
SOUL Vegan Cafe & Restaurant
Restaurant · a short drive · 09:00–21:30 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A vegan café and restaurant on Karon Road, about 200 metres from Karon Beach.
On The Hill Karon
Restaurant · a short drive · 07:00–19:30 on Wednesday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A viewpoint restaurant on the hill road above Karon Beach, one of the few view restaurants on the island that serve breakfast.
Karon Temple Market
Market · a short drive · Tuesdays and Fridays 16:00–22:00
A twice-weekly evening market on the grounds of Wat Karon, behind Karon Beach about 500 metres from the Karon Circle.
A Blanket & A Pillow
Restaurant · 10:30–19:30, closed Monday
A café-restaurant on bamboo terraces down a hillside above the sea in northern Kata, at the end of an alley past the Aspasia and Novotel Kata Avista; tents and small bungalows to rent behind it.
Buffalo Steakhouse Karon Beach
Restaurant · 13:00–23:00 (phuket101); Google Maps showed Sunday closed on 2026-10-04
A steakhouse on Karon Road in Karon, opposite Dino Park Mini Golf.
Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant Karon
Restaurant · daily 11:00–23:00
The Karon Beach branch of a Turkish restaurant chain, on Patak Road; its cooks have long experience in Turkish kitchens.
CHAR'D Grill
Restaurant · 18:00–22:00
A steakhouse and seafood grill at Avista Grande Phuket Karon, built over water, with flame-to-table cooking; named Asia's Best New Hotel Restaurant 2024.
Daeng's Restaurant and Bar
Restaurant · 09:00–22:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A casual local restaurant on Karon Beach next to the Centara, with open-air seating facing the sea.
Dinner in the Sky Phuket
Restaurant
A dining table for 22 guests lifted by a crane about 50 m above a staging area on Patak Road in Karon, for a set meal at sunset.
EAT Bar & Grill
Restaurant · 13:00–23:00
A small grill and steakhouse on Karon Road in Karon, under a big black EAT sign.
Healthplus Medical Clinic
Health · daily 10:00–18:00
A private medical clinic in Karon.
Kata Night Market
Market · daily 12:00–23:00; the food stalls are busiest from the late afternoon
A covered food market just off Patak Road in Kata, behind the Beyond Kata resort, a few minutes inland from Kata Beach, with a gorilla statue at the entrance.
Laem Sai Cup
Café · 09:00–19:00, closed Sunday
A small coffee stop near Kata on terraces of bamboo that step down narrow stairs to the boulders by the sea.
Makro Food Service Kata
Shops · 06:00–22:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A Makro Food Service store on Patak Road near Kata.
New Karon Gym
Gym · daily 10:00–21:00
A fitness centre in the middle of Karon Beach: one spacious, air-conditioned room with modern weight machines, free weights, squat racks and cardio, run by an ex-bodybuilder.
Portosino
Restaurant · 06:30–10:30 and 11:00–23:00 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
The all-day restaurant of the Avista Grande Phuket Karon (MGallery) on Luang Pho Chuan Road, Karon; open to non-guests. Its design refers to Phuket's tin-mining history.
Relax Beach Bar
Bar · 17:00–22:30 daily
Le Meridien Phuket's bar on Karon Noi's sand: sunset cocktails with soft music, dinner, and DJ nights and fire performances from Friday to Sunday. Outside guests welcome.
Saneha
Restaurant · 10:30–22:45 on Sunday (Google Maps shows one day; the other days to check)
A steakhouse and Thai restaurant on Soi Saneha in Karon, run by a family in Karon's restaurant business for about 35 years; it traded as Karon Cafe (still on the sign) and reopened as Saneha after COVID with a menu developed at the family's Pacific Club Resort.
TRAVELLERS' COFFEE
Café · daily 08:00–22:00
A small hotel café near Karon Beach with seats indoors and a few facing the street; you order and pay at the counter. A sugar glider lives in a cage there.
The working temple of Karon, where resident monks lead daily rituals; a centre of Buddhist teaching since 1980.
Yoga Rooftop
Yoga · Mon–Wed 08:00–19:00; Thu 07:30–19:00; Fri–Sun 08:00–19:00
An open-air rooftop yoga studio at CC's Hideaway resort in the hills of Kata, open to drop-in guests as well as the resort's wellness retreats.
What it costs to live near Karon Beach
6 months or more
Apartments
฿35,000/ month
median of 5 · from ฿22,500
Villas
฿133,500/ month
median of 2 · from ฿87,500
Townhouses
฿72,500/ month
median of 1 · from ฿72,500
- The zone
- The waterline
- Chosen step: The zone
- A home and its rent
- A place, as the list numbers it
Homes for rent near Karon Beach
6 months or more
- homes for rent nearby
- 14
- within a 13-minute walk of the sand
- 6
- the nearest home to the sand
- 160 m
Only the Centara Grand and the adults-only Beyond Karon stand directly on the sand; most resorts, including the Hilton Arcadia and Paradox, are across the beach road, a short flat walk from the water. Cheaper guesthouses cluster around Karon Centre and Patak Road, and hillside resorts such as Pacific Club look over the bay.
Homes by type
Rent a month
8 homes in the beach zone
- Rooftop pool
3‑bedroom villa in Karon, Coral Residence
฿133,500/ month
160 m to the sand · 2 min on foot
- Sea view
2‑bedroom townhouse in Karon, Casuarina Gardens
฿72,500/ month
240 m to the sand · 3 min on foot
1‑bedroom apartment in Karon, Casuarina Gardens
฿32,500/ month
270 m to the sand · 3 min on foot
3‑bedroom apartment in Karon, Sunset Beach Condo
฿48,500/ month
570 m to the sand · 7 min on foot
- Sea view
- Rooftop pool
2‑bedroom apartment in Karon, Sunset Beach Condo
฿35,000/ month
610 m to the sand · 8 min on foot
- New building
- Pets allowed
3‑bedroom apartment in Karon, Casuarina Gardens
฿42,500/ month
620 m to the sand · 8 min on foot
All homes near Karon Beach (14)
6 of 8 shown here.
Around Karon Beach
Every place inside the beach zone, by category: choose one to see its places, nearest the water first, each numbered as its mark on the map.
- Daeng's Restaurant and Bar60 m from the sand · 1 min on foot
- A Blanket & A Pillow150 m from the sand · 2 min on foot
- EAT Bar & Grill200 m from the sand · 3 min on foot
- CHAR'D Grill240 m from the sand · 3 min on foot
- Buffalo Steakhouse Karon Beach250 m from the sand · 3 min on foot
- Portosino270 m from the sand · 3 min on foot
- Saneha320 m from the sand · 4 min on foot
- Dinner in the Sky Phuket700 m from the sand · 9 min on foot
- Cappadocia Turkish Restaurant Karon890 m from the sand · 11 min on foot
- Laem Sai Cup160 m from the sand · 2 min on foot
- TRAVELLERS' COFFEE300 m from the sand · 4 min on foot
- Makro Food Service Kata790 m from the sand · 10 min on foot
- Healthplus Medical Clinic760 m from the sand · 9 min on foot
- Dino Park Mini Golf210 m from the sand · 3 min on foot
- New Karon Gym390 m from the sand · 5 min on foot
- Yoga Rooftop1160 m from the sand · 14 min on foot
- Wat Karon (Wat Suwan Khiri Khet)590 m from the sand · 7 min on foot
Karon Beach by month
The season · December to April
Calm sea, clear water
December to April: the swimming season, usually calm with a gentle slope; parasailing and jet skis run from the sand. December to March is the busiest period.
The monsoon · May to November
Waves, walks and red flags
May to October: big waves and frequent no-swimming flags; experienced surfers take over the north end. Walk and watch rather than swim.
| Month | The sea |
|---|---|
| Jan | Calm |
| Feb | Calm |
| Mar | Calm |
| Apr | Calm |
| May | Changing |
| Jun | Rough |
| Jul | Rough |
| Aug | Rough |
| Sep | Rough |
| Oct | Rough |
| Nov | Changing |
| Dec | Calm |
Calm: swim any day Changing: check the flags Rough: monsoon swell, red flags on many days
Karon Beach with children
Karon works for families in the dry season: wide sand, a gentle slope, lifeguards and plenty of family hotels, including the Centara Grand with its water park. From May to October the sea is too rough for swimming, and natural shade is limited all year.
- Swim only from December to April, near the lifeguards.
- Bring shade: there are fewer trees than at Kata.
- Dino Park Mini Golf at the Kata end.
- The Centara Grand's water park for resort guests.
- The Temple Market on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
Getting to Karon Beach and parking
- From the airport, by car
- 50–70 min
- From Patong, with the traffic
- 15–25 min
- From Phuket Town
- 25–40 min
Karon lies on the west coast between Patong and Kata: about 43 km from the airport, 16 km from Phuket Town and 9 km from Patong. The beach road runs along the whole shore.
- By car. About an hour from the airport; the beach road runs the length of the sand.
- By scooter. The easiest way around Karon and to Kata and Patong; the hill roads are steep.
- Grab and taxis. Taxis and ride-hailing apps work well from Patong, Kata and the airport.
- On foot. Kata Beach is 600 m south of Karon's south end.
Parking. Parking is almost impossible on Patak Road in Karon Centre. Our sources name no public car park; a scooter or taxi is easier.
Who will love Karon Beach, and who will not
Will love it
- Walkers and runners: 3 km of wide sand and a beachfront promenade.
- Couples who want open sunsets and a quieter base than Patong.
- Long-stay visitors: reasonable rates across the road from the beach and everything within walking distance.
- Surfers in the low season, at the north end.
Will not
- Party-goers: nightlife is a few beer bars and two beach clubs; Bangla Road is in Patong.
- Swimmers from May to October, when the sea is too rough to swim on many days.
Tips for Karon Beach
Go north for space
Most visitors stay in the middle or south; the north end near the lake is often almost empty.
Listen to the sand
Walk barefoot on dry sand in the afternoon to hear it squeak.
Check the flag
Swim only when the flag allows; from May to October the sea is often too rough.
Dine along the promenade
Walk from the south end towards Karon Circle in the evening; the beach-view restaurants beat those on Patak Road.
Plan around the temple market
The Karon Temple Market runs only on Tuesdays and Fridays, 16:00 to 22:00.
Skip parking on Patak Road
Parking in Karon Centre is almost impossible; walk, ride a scooter or take a taxi.
Bargain at the bazaar
At Karon Bazaar, prices start high; meet in the middle, and go late in the day when it is cooler.
Questions about Karon Beach
Is Karon Beach good for swimming?
From December to April, yes: the sea is usually calm with a gentle slope, and lifeguards patrol. From May to October the waves are big and swimming is often closed; check the flag before going in.
Are there lifeguards at Karon Beach?
Yes. Lifeguards patrol the beach and post flags. Swim near their stations and follow their instructions.
Why does the sand squeak at Karon Beach?
The sand has a high quartz content, so it squeaks when you walk barefoot on it, especially dry sand in the afternoon.
Are there sunbeds on Karon Beach?
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are for rent on parts of the beach, and there are massage mats under the trees. One 2026 guide gives 100 to 200 THB a chair per day; much of the sand is free for your own towel.
Where can I watch the sunset in Karon?
Anywhere on the beach, as it faces due west. For a drink, COAST Beach Club at the north end, TANN Beach Club at the south (fire show at 19:00) or The Dim Sun rooftop at Avista Grande.
When is the Karon Temple Market?
Every Tuesday and Friday from 16:00 to 22:00, in the grounds of Wat Suwan Kirikhet at the end of Soi Patak.
Is Karon better than Patong?
For space, calm and sunsets, yes: Karon is longer, wider and less crowded, with modest nightlife. For clubs and shopping, Patong is 9 km north.
How far is Karon Beach from the airport?
About 43 km, usually around an hour by car.
Which part of Karon Beach is best?
The north end near the lake for space and quiet, the south end for beach clubs, food and easy access to Kata.