Karon Beach | Dining, Shopping & 5-Star Beachfront Resorts in Phuket

An idyllic stretch of beach located on the west coast of Phuket, Karon Beach is an oasis for those who are looking for a relaxing vacation experience, complete with sunny weather, vibrant blue seas, and beautiful surroundings. It is the third-largest public beach on the island and features a whole host of activities that appeal to tourists of all ages. Stroll the boardwalk near the beach and find a fine assortment of surf and turf restaurants, Thai eateries, souvenir shops, and even a local handicraft tent or two.

Best Time of Year to Visit Karon Beach

November through April is considered to be the high season in Phuket and may be the best time of year to plan a visit, especially if you want to spend some time at Karon Beach. During the high season, temperatures are slightly cooler, hovering at around 88°F, and the climate is dry and sunny – perfect beach weather! High season in Phuket coincides with the Winter season in most northern regions of the globe, so traveling down to Thailand during this time of year can provide a welcome respite from bitter cold and snowy weather conditions.

Monsoon season runs from May through October and is considered to be the low season on the island. During this time of year, the temperatures hover around 91°F and the climate is humid and rainy. While Karon Beach is open all year long, unfavorable weather conditions tend to keep many people away during the low season. For those who are planning to go boating or diving while visiting, it is best to avoid making a trip to Karon Beach until weather conditions improve during high season.

Attractions Near Karon Beach

Karon Beach is an ideal vacation destination for those who are traveling with a family, a group of friends, or even alone. Not only will you be able to sunbathe on the white sand beach, go for a swim, or participate in thrilling water sports, but there is also an excellent assortment of historical, cultural, and just plain quirky attractions that you should keep on your radar. Here is a look at some of the attractions you will find while visiting the beach.

Karon Temple

Known to the locals as Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, Karon Temple is a vibrant and colorful Buddhist temple that was constructed in 1885. The temple’s facade is adorned in detailed architecture that was prominent during the period in which it was constructed. The entire compound measures in at an impressive 12,000 square meters, and it hosts the Karon Night Market on Tuesdays and Fridays where visitors can find an assortment of food and treasures.

Karon Temple is quite small in comparison to the entire complex, but it is sure to capture the attention of anyone who visits. The temple is three stories high and it is home to several monks who carry out religious duties of the temple. The main worship hall is open to visitors to wander through; feel free to take some time to meditate if the urge comes upon you. Karon Temple is open from 7am to 6pm and is free to check out.

Phuket Mining Museum

Less than 30 minutes from Karon Beach is where visitors will find Phuket Mining Museum. It is a fascinating museum that pays tribute to the historic mining industry of the area. Guests will find an assortment of relics, mini mining models, and folklore storyboards that are all related to tin mining. At the museum, visitors can also tour a reproduction model of an opium den. While other countries around the world had gold and silver rushes, Phuket’s claim to mining fame was in the humble tin industry. Learn how tin was harvested from the earth and what life was like for miners. The museum is located in a beautiful colonial building and admission is 50 baht. It is open from 9am to 4pm daily and it is recommended that visitors bring an interpreter with them as all of the exhibits are displayed in the Thai language.

Phuket Big Buddha

An impressive monument that appears to watch over the city, Phuket Big Buddha is strikingly majestic and attracts thousands of visitors each year. This monument is located just a short distance from Karon Beach and stands 45 meters tall so you won’t miss it! Phuket Big Buddha was constructed in honor of The Lord Buddha who is the master of the Buddhism religion. It was created of marble and brass and invites visitors to pay homage and reach for personal enlightenment.

To get to Phuket Big Buddha, visitors need to hike or ride to the top of the hill that overlooks the city. Once at the monument, guests are welcome to stroll through the shrine, photograph the statue, enjoy the manicured gardens, and take in the views of downtown Phuket below. The monument is open from 6am to 7pm daily.

Let’s Relax Spa – Phuket (Karon)

Adorned in fresh colonial-style furnishings and decor, Let’s Relax Spa is a place where you can go for some rejuvenating self-pampering. It is a boutique spa that is located near the shoreline of Karon Beach and offers a whole menu of health and beauty treatments that soothe the travel-weary soul. Whether you are looking for an expert deep tissue massage or an all-natural facial treatment, this place has you covered. Treatments offered at Let’s Relax Spa – Phuket (Karon) include hot rock massages, foot treatments, a Thai massage, warm oil massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy. This day spa caters to both men and women and is open from 10am to 12 am daily.

Dining and Shopping at Karon Beach

From homestyle Thai street food and locally-made handicrafts to gourmet cuisine and designer label brands, tourists do not need to venture far from Karon Beach to find what they are looking for. Check out these amazing dining and shopping destinations while out wandering the neighborhood.

• Karon Temple Market – Located inside the Karon Temple complex is where visitors will find Karon Temple Market. This exciting outdoor venue is home to an assortment of independently-owned vendor stalls that sell everything from fresh and local produce to graphic tees and jewelry. While shopping at Karon Temple Market, guests can really immerse themselves into the culture and chat up residents who call this place home. This market is open from 4pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and 4pm to 11pm on Fridays.

• Karon Shopping Plaza – Offering a little bit of everything to someone who wants to do some serious shopping, Karon Shopping Plaza is the place to go. This outdoor shopping center is one of the best-kept secrets of the area and is located just a short distance from Karon Beach. At Karon Shopping Plaza, visitors will find an eclectic mix of electronics, crafts, souvenirs, gifts, and other oddities that you never knew you needed, but can’t live without. As you stroll through the plaza, stop off at one of the casual Thai restaurants, Reggae bars, or Swedish eateries. It is a fascinating place for those who are looking for an experience that is just a little different. At the plaza, visitors will also find a PADI dive center, beauty salons, and massage parlors. Karon Shopping Plaza is open from 10am to 12am daily.

• On the Rock Restaurant – Located at the south end of the beach is where visitors will find On the Rock Restaurant. It is a highly coveted eatery among locals and tourists that serves up delicious Thai seafood and Western-inspired dishes amid beautiful views of the ocean. On the Rock Restaurant features an ambient indoor dining room as well as a breezy and beautiful patio seating area. Indulge in gourmet cuisine and sip on tropical cocktails and an assortment of wine and beer. On the Rock Restaurant provides the perfect dining experience for families, couples, and even solo diners. On the Rock Restaurant is open from the late afternoon hours until 11:30pm.

• Buffalo Steakhouse – For those who are craving a reliably delicious steak in a casual steakhouse setting, look no further than Buffalo Steakhouse. This city staple is one of the oldest restaurants on the island and upon sinking your teeth into the tantalizing menu options served up here, you will soon learn why. Buffalo Steakhouse boasts a Western-style ambiance, complete with checkered tablecloths and real wood furnishings. The meals served up here are simple and satisfying to the belly. This restaurant is open daily from 12pm to 11pm and the prices are affordable.

Resorts Near Karon Beach

Karon Beach is a charming luxury beachfront community that is home to several 5-star resorts. Here is a look at some of the best resorts nestled in near the beach.

Karona Resort & Spa

A tropical oasis for the travel weary soul, Karona Resort & Spa is located just a short distance away from Karon Beach and features a tranquil vibe that is perfect for rest and relaxation. The resort features 55 rooms with varying floor plans that are ideal for travel groups of all sizes. Whether you are celebrating your honeymoon or a family vacation, there is a room available to suit your needs. Suites at Karona Resort & Spa start out at just 1,924 baht per night during the non-peak travel months of the year.

Each room at Karona Resort & Spa is decked out in fun tropical decor and features luxury amenities such as marble floors, an outdoor swimming pool with a poolside bar, a day spa, and an elegant Thai restaurant that doles out gourmet menu options. While staying at this hotel, guests can also take advantage of an onsite bar and coffee shop, a sauna, a hot tub, concierge services, a tropical garden, private bathrooms stocked with toiletries, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and so much more. Take the vacation of your dreams and stay in luxury at Karona Resort & Spa.

Check In to Karona Resort & Spa, Step Out to Karon Beach

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Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket

Complete with a water park that is enjoyed by kids and adults alike, rooms at Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket can be reserved for as little as 2,100 baht per night during the non-peak travel months of the year. This captivating resort features all of the fine amenities that luxury vacation-seekers crave. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket is located right on the shoreline of Karon Beach and provides all guests with picture-perfect views and a private stretch of beach to lay around on. This premier resort sits on 12 acres of lush tropical land that is ideal for unwinding after a long day of sightseeing.

When booking a room at this fine hotel and resort, guests can choose from deluxe rooms with a terrace view up to multi-room family suites. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket features four first-class outdoor pools that overlook the ocean and a beautiful garden that can be used for relaxing and unwinding amid beautiful scenery. When not playing at the beach, guests can take advantage of a large selection of amenities such as a kid’s center, a dessert and coffee shop, a pizzeria, international restaurants, a fitness center, a sauna, and massage services. All guests receive a complimentary breakfast with their stay.

Check In to Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket, Step Out to Karon Beach

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Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket

Exotic and charming, Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket is located just at the shore of Karon Beach and provides guests with a luxury vacation experience they will not soon forget. Suites at this resort can be reserved for less than 3,900 baht per night and guests have a variety of lodging options to choose from when reserving a room here. This resort is located just a short distance from the public transportation hub of the area so that guests have quick access to the rest of the island.

When booking a room at Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, guests can choose from an assortment of different lodging options which include:

• Superior Twin Bed – A spacious suite that features two twin beds, a terrace or balcony, and just under 400 square feet of floor space.
• Superior King Bed – A charming and spacious suite that measures in at just under 400 square feet and comes with a king size bed.
• Sea View Twin Bed – This suite measures in at just under 400 square feet and provides a beautiful view of the ocean.
• Superior Sea View King Bed – A clean and contemporary suite that features a plush king bed and a beautiful view of the ocean.
• Garden Villa Twin Beds – A private tropical oasis with a garden view, 570 square feet of floor space, and two plush twin size beds.
• Garden Villa King Bed – A charming garden view room that measures in at 570 square feet and comes with an oversize king bed.
• Family Plunge Pool – This suite is ideal for families and offers private pool access. It measures in at just over 600 square feet and comes with a king size bed and two single beds.
• Suite 1 Bedroom – A spacious suite that measures in at just under 800 square feet and features a separate bedroom with a king size bed.
• Penthouse Pool Plunge Villa King Bed – Feel like splurging? This villa is the finest lodging option available and it comes with two separate bedrooms with plush king size beds, a sitting area, and private access to the pool.

No matter what room guests choose to reserve for their stay, a free drink is always presented to you upon your arrival. Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket features a host of fine amenities such as a kid’s play zone, a cocktail bar, onsite restaurants that serve up everything from Thai to Brazilian food, massage services, swimming pools, a sauna, private beach access, diving services, area tours, a fitness center, a coffee shop, and so much more.

Check In to Movenpick Resort & Spa Karon Beach Phuket, Step Out to Karon Beach

FIND & BOOK A HOTEL NEAR KARON BEACH TODAY