Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, and many tourists are staying at Karon Beach. The coastal town attracts numerous visitors every year. Our Karon tips offer a variety of activities for singles, couples, and families. Karon is a bit quieter than the main tourist hub of Patong, but there’s always something going on.
Karon Tips – Our Recommendations for Karon Beach
In this article, we will introduce you to some Karon tips and activities. From viewpoints to markets, temples, and relaxing beach days at Karon Beach, there’s a lot to offer. There’s something for every taste, and if you like to be active on your trip but still prefer a bit of tranquility, then Karon Beach is the right destination for you.
How to get to Phuket
There are many ways to get to Phuket, the most chosen one is the airplane. Phuket airport is approached by several airlines within Thailand, but also by flights from Europe, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and more. All flights as well as duration, connections and prices are best compared on Skyscanner.
Furthermore, you can travel by bus from many different places in Thailand, such as Krabi, Bangkok, Khao Lak etc. or just take the boat to Phuket. There are e.g. ferries from Koh Phi Phi or Koh Yao Yai. You can find more bus and boat connections on 12go.asia. There you can also book tickets directly. A train to Phuket does currently not exist.
Accommodation in Phuket Karon – our hotel tip
The JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel is located just a few minutes’ walk from Karon Beach. It is a very new and modern hotel with a beautiful rooftop swimming pool. The rooms are equipped with all amenities, and there are also family rooms with an additional bunk bed (ideal for 4 people) available. Furthermore, a simple breakfast buffet is offered, and there is a small room with toys for children at the reception. A great starting point to explore Karon itself without a scooter or car.
However, Karon offers many accommodations for various budgets. If JonoX doesn’t suit you, feel free to check out other hotels here. There will definitely be the right one for you.
Phuket Karon Tips – Tours and Tickets
1. Karon Beach
The 8-kilometer long Karon Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket and is one of the most popular beaches, naturally making it one of our top Karon tips. As you would expect from Phuket, there are sun loungers and umbrellas available here, but the length of the beach is limited. There are plenty of open spaces, but unfortunately, there are few shaded areas.
Karon Beach itself offers fine sand and is suitable for swimming. In addition, a variety of activities are offered here, such as paragliding, banana boat rides, or jet skiing. Beach volleyball is also a popular activity at Karon Beach, so there is plenty to do to keep boredom at bay.
There are no shops or restaurants directly on the beach, except for the Tann Terrace Beach Club at the southern end. To find more options, you’ll need to cross the Beach Road, where you’ll find plenty of choices. On the northern section, there are also a few motorized stalls offering snacks and drinks.
Karon Beach is especially popular for its splendid sunset views. While it’s usually quite full, it’s not too crowded during the evening, and you’ll undoubtedly find a secluded spot to peacefully enjoy the picturesque sunset. So, Karon Beach has a lot to offer for a day by the sea and simply letting your soul unwind.
2. Sweet Talk
Sweet Talk is an ice cafe on the Beach Road, right across from Karon Beach, and definitely one of our Karon tips. It’s especially worthwhile for families with young children. While at Sweet Talk Cafe, you can enjoy delicious ice cream and cakes. Outside the entrance, you can take great photos with giant ice statues. The ice cream here isn’t really cheap, but it’s okay when combined with the activities for children.
Adjacent to Sweet Talk, there is the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort with a petting zoo that Sweet Talk’s guests can also visit for free. For children, it’s a truly enjoyable activity as they can feed the animals, too. There are always staff members on-site looking after the well-being of the animals. You’ll find pigs, goats, rabbits, and birds. The petting zoo is open daily from 11.00 AM to 12.00 PM and from 4.00 PM to 5.00 PM. You should know that it’s closed during rainy weather. Adjacent to it, there’s also a small indoor playground with a ball pit and slides that children can also use for free.
3. Tann Terrace Beach Club
The elegant and upscale Tann Terrace Phuket Beach Club is located at the southern end of Karon Beach. It is open daily from 12.00 PM until midnight and offers an extensive menu with sushi, wood-fired pizza, various types of pasta, and of course, Thai cuisine. Guests can book bean bags on the beach or comfortable sunbeds by the beach or the swimming pool. Prices start at 1000 Baht. However, you don’t need to make a reservation – you can also just drop by and get a table.
The Beach Club gets very lively in the late afternoon as it heads towards sunset. The drink selection is enormous, and there’s something for everyone, whether alcoholic beverages or not. Since the Tann Terrace Beach Club has direct beach access, you can enjoy the sunset perfectly. In addition, regular events and fire shows are held to provide guests with an unforgettable experience. Certainly something for travelers with a higher budget, but we think it’s definitely worth it.
4. Patak Road
Patak Road is the place to be in Karon when it comes to nightlife. This lively street offers a variety of entertainment options for visitors looking to turn night into day. Here, you’ll find a mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants. Many bars along Patak Road feature live music or DJs, adding to a great evening.
Some of the restaurants on Patak Road are open late into the night, serving everything from Thai cuisine to international dishes, catering to your every craving. You can start your evening here leisurely and then move on to one of the bars. It usually gets crowded only late in the evening, and it gets very lively around midnight. While you can’t compare the nightlife to Patong, it’s more of a smaller counterpart. If you’re not looking for the biggest parties, then you’re still in the right place.
5. Karon Temple
The Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, as the Karon Temple is properly named, is the main temple of the Karon area. It was founded in 1890 as the spiritual center of Karon and is located along Patak Road. You can find it by taking Patak Road inland from the roundabout in Karon, passing by the restaurants and bars.
A visit to Karon Temple is more of a short stop. But the main building, with its stairs framed by Naga serpents, is well worth seeing. As a visitor, you can sometimes observe religious rituals, see the monks going about their daily work, or even engage in conversations with them. You can visit the temple for free, but the local monks always appreciate a donation. If you don’t know how to get to Karon Temple, why not rent a private driver who can take you to all the Karon tips you want to see.
6. Karon Temple Night Market
One of the Karon tips also includes the night market at Karon Temple, which takes place every Tuesday and Friday from 4.00 PM to 11.00 PM on the temple grounds. The colorful market offers a wealth of shopping and dining options for visitors. Here you will find a wide range of stalls with souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, or local handicrafts.
The Karon Temple Night Market is a great way to explore local products, try authentic Thai street food, and snag some bargains. Since the temple is right on the bustling Patak Road (see point 4), you can continue to bars and restaurants after visiting the night market. A good option to start the evening.
7. Dino Park Mini Golf
Dino Park Mini Golf is located in the middle between Karon and Kata on the Beach Road. It’s a great destination for families and anyone who enjoys playing mini golf. The unique miniature golf course takes you on a thematic journey back to the time of dinosaurs, as it is designed with life-sized dinosaur figures that can make sounds and move in a jungle setting. As a visitor, you can showcase your skills on 18 intriguing holes.
The admission prices for Dino Park Mini Golf vary depending on age. For adults, the admission price is currently 490 Baht, while children pay 290 Baht. Admission is free for the youngest children. The park is usually open from 10.00 AM to 10.00 PM, sometimes even an hour longer. Since it’s often too hot during the daytime, visiting in the evening (or on a cloudy day) is recommended. However, be aware that mosquitoes are also active at this time, so it’s advisable to wear longer clothing or use insect repellent.
By the way, if you don’t feel like playing mini golf but still want to enjoy the scenery with the dinosaurs or if your children want to do so, that’s also possible. This costs 290 Baht for adults and 190 Baht for children, without playing mini golf.
8. Karon Plaza
Karon Plaza is a small shopping center in the heart of Karon on the Beach Road. It’s especially lively in the evening when it’s no longer too hot. It offers some shops, restaurants, and stalls where you can buy souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and local handicraft products. However, prices are usually a bit higher when shopping directly in a tourist area, so bargaining should be on your agenda. It’s also a great place to sample Thai cuisine because there are numerous restaurants and street food vendors offering authentic dishes. It’s open daily from 10.00 AM to 11.00 PM.
9. Karon Princess Hotel Night Market
Directly on the Beach Road at the Karon Princess Hotel, a small night market takes place daily. There are many different stalls offering Thai cuisine and fresh seafood. Cocktails and other alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are also served. Sometimes there is live music, or the cocktail bar at the entrance plays some music through the large speakers. Further back, you can find a few stalls to buy souvenirs.
In contrast to Karon Plaza, it’s usually less crowded here, but we prefer this market. It’s outdoors, not as hot, not overcrowded, and the people there are very friendly, making it easier to find a seat. Therefore, it’s one of the Karon tips if you want to have a nice meal at a market in the evening.
10. Karon Viewpoint
The Karon Viewpoint on Phuket is not really located in the town of Karon but on the hills above Kata Noi. It is also known as the “Three Bays” viewpoint because from here, you have a superb view of the turquoise Andaman Sea, the bays of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon, as well as the white Big Buddha on the hills. Nevertheless, we would like to mention it in our Karon tips and attractions due to its name. Additionally, it is visited by many organized and private tours.
It is one of the most popular viewpoints in Phuket and is visited by many travelers. The contrasts between the clear blue water, the green backdrop of the hills, and the golden beaches are simply breathtaking. You should not miss the Karon Viewpoint. As a visitor, you can reach the viewpoint by motorbike or car via the road that leads between Kata and Kata Noi to the hills of Phuket.
Since you can visit the Karon Viewpoint for free at any time of the day, it is often quite crowded, especially during the peak travel season in Phuket. If you come early in the morning or late in the morning, it is usually still relatively empty. You can also enjoy a beautiful sunset from here, but be prepared for a crowd.
Have you visited Karon in Phuket before? Do you have any more Karon tips that we absolutely need to include here? Feel free to share your feedback in the comments.
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