A large and fairly wide beach stretching about three kilometers along the island’s west coast. The sand here is very light, almost white. It’s also called “singing sand” because it contains a high amount of quartz and squeaks under your feet like snow.
The entry into the water at Karon is gentle — convenient for families with children and for swimmers who aren’t very confident. Near the shore, the seabed is soft sand; farther out, there are reef areas and rocky patches where you may come across corals. For diving and snorkeling, there are shallow reefs in this zone — spots with a maximum depth of around 8 meters, suitable for training dives.
The beach has plenty of palm trees and shaded areas along the sandline where you can escape the scorching sun. There are also numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars along the beach where you can enjoy Thai and European cuisine.
We’ve gathered all the best places in Karon here: https://phuket-insider.com/en/region/karon/
Near the beach, you will also find Karon Viewpoint — an observation point with a stunning panoramic view. It’s only a 10–20 minute drive from the beach. It’s a great place for sunset photos and drone flights! We also have a video from this location.
Karon is always quite busy. The calmest hours are early morning — from 6:00 to 9:00. On weekdays, the beach is usually quieter than on weekends.
Where is the best place to settle on the beach? If you want a peaceful rest and a gentle entry into the water, choose the central or southern part. If you’d like to visit local cafes and bars, choose the northern part of the beach.
Safety precautions:
- Rip currents (tides/storms): from May to October (the southwest monsoon), the sea on the west coast becomes more dangerous with high waves and strong currents. During this period, be cautious and avoid deep swimming, and follow lifeguard instructions and beach flags.
- Jellyfish and other marine animals: during the monsoon seasons, the likelihood of jellyfish increases. Check local warnings on the beach and at your hotel reception.
