Karon is a long, open beach on Phuket's southwest coast, with a bazaar on Beach Road and a market in the grounds of Wat Karon on two days a week. It suits visitors who want space on the sand and a quieter pace than Patong. It is calm enough for swimming from November to April and unsuitable for it from May to October.
Karon Beach at a glance
Best beaches by season at Karon
Karon is long, so currents can be strong when the monsoon is active. Swimming conditions on Phuket's west coast change with the monsoon. Calm water and lifeguards are the norm from November to April, and from May to October rip currents are common, so check the flag before you swim. Our guide to the best family beaches in Phuket explains the flags in detail.
Top 5 things to do in Karon, ranked
- Swim in the dry season (November to April): This is when the water is calm. Check the flags every day.
- Walk the length of the beach at sunset: Its length gives you room to walk without crowds.
- Visit the Karon Temple Market on Tuesday or Friday: It sits in the grounds of Wat Karon, with food and handmade goods in a temple setting.
- Browse Karon Plaza on Beach Road: A permanent bazaar for clothing, souvenirs and tailors, open daily.
- Take an island day: On a calm day it beats a second beach day.
Our ranking is opinion. We ordered by season, safety and how much of local life each one shows you.
What to eat: market zones and local dishes
Karon has two market zones. The Karon Temple Market runs on Tuesdays and Fridays in the grounds of Wat Karon, with food, light clothing and handmade soaps. Karon Plaza on Beach Road is a permanent bazaar and is mostly shopping rather than local food. For Phuket's old dishes, go to Phuket Old Town or read the Phuket local food guide.
Labels show the usual recipe. Ask the vendor, and look for a halal certificate if you need halal food.
Which shrine, mosque or temple we recommend
The market gives you a natural reason to see Wat Karon, a working Buddhist temple. Please keep to the market area unless you are invited further and cover shoulders and knees. For history, we recommend Wat Chalong, Phuket's most visited temple. In October, add Kathu Shrine for the Vegetarian Festival.
A little history
Karon's market is held in a temple compound, a reminder that on Phuket Buddhist temples are also community spaces. The island's mix of Thai Buddhist, Chinese and Muslim communities is explained in how Phuket became multicultural.
Tips from our other guides
- Planning a family beach day? See the best family beaches in Phuket.
- Not sure when to travel? Read the best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands.
- First time on a fast boat? Read what to expect on a speed catamaran tour.
Island tour from Karon
Hotel transfer is included in our tour price, so you can stay in Karon and still do an island day. Karon works well for a full island day. The Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island tour runs 8 hours, picks up between 08:15 and 09:15, and costs 3,900 baht for adults and 2,900 baht for children aged 4 to 11. For a calmer day in Phang Nga Bay, with lunch at the stilt village of Panyee, see the James Bond Island and Panyee Island tour. Tell us your hotel when you book so we can confirm your pick-up. Our guests rate us 5.0 from 607 Tripadvisor reviews.
Nearby areas
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