Karon Beach is truly stunning. It has squeaky sand and breathtaking sunsets. Karon is definitely one of the top five beaches in Phuket.
But there’s one major downside – the frequent rip currents. These dangerous currents are common and unpredictable. If you’re not familiar with rip currents, make sure to learn about them and maybe consider another beach for swimming. Or, follow the lifeguards’ instructions closely and always pay attention to the flags on the shore.
Beach Overview
Karon Beach is located between Patong Beach to the north and Kata Beach to the south. It’s about 1.8 miles (3 km) long and impressively wide. The sand here is fine and almost white, with a hint of yellow.
When you walk on it, the sand crunches under your feet like snow. People call it “singing sand,” but “squeaky” or “crunchy” seems more accurate to me. During the warm season, the water at Karon is clear and pristine.
In the off-season, the waves can get rough, making it less inviting. For a quick overview of all the beaches in Phuket, check out our guide to help you choose another beach if Karon doesn’t seem right for you.
Swimming
The water at Karon Beach is very deep. Karon Beach is dangerous because of its rip currents. Even when the sea is calm, you’ll often see red flags along the shore, indicating rip currents.
There are also sudden currents that you only notice once someone is already being swept away. In the summer, large waves are common, and lifeguards often rescue swimmers from the water. If you swim while drunk, the lifeguards will not be happy and might be rough when pulling you out. When the sea is calm, it’s quieter and safer for swimming.
Sunbeds and Shade
There are a few trees at Karon Beach that provide minimal shade before noon. After midday, the sun shifts to the west, leaving no shade except under rented umbrellas.
The layout of the beach helps a bit: between the promenade and the sand, there’s a narrow strip of grass with trees that sometimes widens enough for people to find some shade.
However, shade is limited, and there are many people, so you might have to fight for a spot. Locals have adapted by creating makeshift sunbeds out of sand and renting them out for 100 baht.
Beach Photos
Southern Karon Beach
Central Karon Beach
Northern Karon Beach
Amenities
Karon Beach has a lot of tourist services and rentals, with plenty of activities for both active and relaxed visitors.
There’s a viewpoint on the hill behind Kata Beach, though it’s closer to Kata. Karon has many travel agencies that offer tours around Phuket and to nearby islands.
You can rent surfboards, play mini-golf at Dino Park, or visit the Big Buddha statue nearby. In the evenings, Karon gets lively, especially near karaoke spots, night bars, and clubs. There are also a few nice gazebos along the road with sea views.
The cafes along Karon Beach tend to be pricey with limited menus. On the streets leading to the beach and along the main road, you’ll find convenience stores and other shops. Beachside eateries offer meals starting at 70 baht, mostly rice and chicken.
Some restaurants provide free salad bars with fruits and vegetables to snack on while you wait for your meal.
Tuk-tuks in Karon are known for being overpriced and tightly controlled. Walking is a more budget-friendly option; for instance, you can walk from Karon to Kata in about 20-30 minutes, depending on your starting point and how much you’ve eaten.
To get to Karon from Phuket Town, you can take a taxi or a songthaew for 40 baht. Tuk-tuks are especially costly in the evening. Walking is often the best choice; for example, it takes about 20-30 minutes to walk to Kata Beach.
Accommodation
Accommodation at Karon Beach is usually pricey, with most options being large beachfront hotels. A bit further from the beach, you’ll find cheaper hotels, small apartments, and a few private homes. Major hotels like Hilton occupy the beachfront area just behind the road.
The area along the road isn’t very crowded, but there are plenty of markets, small shops, and cafes. To the north, there’s a park with a small pond that’s quite peaceful for a tourist spot.
South of the roundabout, there’s a street with many cafes, shops, and hotels leading to a Buddhist temple. However, you can still find affordable places to stay in Karon.
You can book a guesthouse with a fan for 350 baht per night. It will be clean, have Wi-Fi, and be just a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Even during the New Year holidays, finding a place to stay won’t be difficult, as there are plenty of options. There are too many hotels in Karon to list them all, but a few definitely stand out.
Recommended Hotels:
The highest concentration of hotels in Karon is around the roundabout with the fountain, where the main road along the beach begins. In this area, mostly large chain hotels are located.
More Notable Hotels:
At the very south of Karon, you can find several large hotel complexes with great locations, impressive interiors, and excellent reviews:
How to Get to the Beach
From Phuket Town, you can take a taxi or a songthaew. A songthaew is the cheapest option, costing just 40 baht. Tuk-tuks, which are red cars with two benches in the back, are quite expensive and charge 200 baht for a ride from neighboring Kata in the evening.
To get to the airport, you’ll need to go through Phuket Town, which takes about an hour without traffic. The cost starts at 1500 baht. There are also motorcycle taxis available for short distances.
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