Bang Tao vs Karon

Two popular districts of Phuket: but which one is better? Which is more suitable for vacation? To make a choice, you need to consider all the pros and cons of these locations.

Bang Tao

Infrastructure

Bang Tao is considered an elite area with well-developed infrastructure, featuring many luxurious restaurants, some of which are Michelin-rated, as well as beautiful massage parlors. Living here is more expensive than in other districts, but this is justified by the high level of service.

Restaurant and beach club on the beach in Bang Tao
A beach club restaurant in Bang Tao

Attractions

Bang Tao is located in the northern part of the island, while Phuket’s popular attractions are in the south. Therefore, it will take some time to get to them. However, for car or bike owners, this won’t be a major issue. Use the contact form below to rent a transport.

Transport Rental
Choose the type of transport you’re interested in

Beach

Geo on Google Maps

Bang Tao has a long, wide, and uncrowded beach, making it ideal for those who prefer a peaceful vacation. Finding a secluded spot here is easy. You can read more about Bang Tao beach here.

Karon

Beach

Geo on Google Maps

Karon has a fairly spacious beach with “singing” sand, which literally squeaks underfoot due to the quartz content. This, combined with the clear water, makes it a favorite among tourists, so it tends to be quite crowded. Moreover, Karon is a great spot for surfing, especially during the monsoon season. You can read more about Karon beach here.

Attractions

All the main attractions of Phuket are located in the same part of the island as Karon: The Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Promthep Cape, and the “Windmill” viewpoint.

Infrastructure

Karon is a relatively calm yet lively area. It also has well-developed infrastructure, with many budget-friendly cafes (including Russian ones) and massage parlors. Karon is also suitable for active recreation, offering a variety of water sports and a vibrant nightlife. Housing here is more affordable than in Bang Tao, though there are also luxurious five-star hotels available.

photo_2024-07-12_14-31-32.jpg
Karon Park

Bang Tao or Karon?

Bang Tao is more suited for relaxation within the premises of a first-class hotel. If your main goal is a high-quality vacation, top-notch service, and you’re willing to pay well for it, then Bang Tao is the ideal place for this.

Karon is a great choice for those looking for a more budget-friendly vacation, as well as for families with small children. A wide range of hotels for every taste and budget, along with various cafes and restaurants, offers more freedom.

The full list of Phuket areas can be found on the homepage of our website.

Popular posts
    Patong and Kata beaches are the most popular beaches in Phuket. They both have a gentle entrance to the sea, a good selection of hotels, restaurants and a variety of activities. However, there are differences between these beaches that can play an important role in choosing a vacation spot. In...
    Rabbit Hole 🐇 Geo on Google Maps (Pa Klok)Working hours: Facebook | Book a table Located in the Pa Khlok area, Rabbit Hole offers a large and beautiful area where you’ll find adorable rabbits, goats, cows, and horses. You can feed them, go horseback riding around the lake, and cross...
    Where to have dinner at sunset? Dinner with a view of the sunset is a unique pleasure. Phuket has many beachfront spots offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sun setting beyond the horizon. We’re sharing a selection of cafes and restaurants across different areas of the island so you can...
    If you’ve arrived on the island outside of the season or have been caught by the rain during your vacation, don’t rush to get upset: Insider has picked great ideas for what you can do in Phuket in bad weather. 1. Go to a spa or get a massage Relax,...
    Want your Instagram to be filled with photos you’ll want to revisit again and again? We’ve picked 8 places where every detail is like a ready-made postcard. And you won’t need any filters here – the beauty is in every detail! Rock Beach Swing🪽 Stunning ocean views and unique decorations...
    Phuket is not just a paradise for beach lovers but also a fantastic destination for families with children. The island offers plenty of attractions and activities that will delight young travelers. Here are 5 spectacular places and shows in Phuket that are perfect for visiting with kids — and adults...
    Two popular districts of Phuket: but which one is better? Which is more suitable for vacation? To make a choice, you need to consider all the pros and cons of these locations. Bang Tao Infrastructure Bang Tao is considered an elite area with well-developed infrastructure, featuring many luxurious restaurants, some...
    Kata is one of the most popular areas in Phuket. It has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and of course, there are many cafes and restaurants worth visiting — offering both authentic Thai food and dishes from other world cuisines. If you’re staying in the Kata area or planning to stay...
    Where to go snorkeling in Phuket and nearby areas? Snorkeling is swimming just below the water’s surface with a mask and snorkel, allowing you to observe the fascinating underwater world. It doesn’t require extensive training or much physical effort, making it perfect for children and offering plenty of enjoyable moments....
    1. Rock Beach Swing Geo on Google Maps (Kata Noi) Here you’ll find stunning sea views, original sets, beautiful corners and an atmosphere that inspires creativity. Beautiful locations here are simply made for stunning photos. 2. Beyond Skywalk Nangshi Geo on Google Maps (Phang Nga) A walk across the glass...
Join Insider on Social Media
We share the best places in Phuket and provide useful tips to make your stay on the island brighter and your life more comfortable. Subscribe to stay updated.