Karon Beach is a coastal area located on the west coast of Phuket Island in southern Thailand, facing the Andaman Sea and situated between Patong Beach to the north and Kata Beach to the south. It is one of the longest beaches on the island, with a wide stretch of pale sand running parallel to a main coastal road and low-rise development.
The area developed from a small local settlement into a planned resort district, with zoning that limits high-rise construction and preserves open beachfront space. As a result, Karon maintains a more open and less densely built character compared to nearby urbanized beach centers. The surrounding district includes residential zones, hotels, schools, temples, commercial areas, and public facilities that support both local communities and tourism.
Karon Beach is known for its expansive shoreline, consistent wave patterns that vary by season, and relatively unobstructed views across the bay. The beachfront is lined with public access points, pedestrian walkways, and recreational areas, while inland streets host restaurants, retail outlets, and local services. The area also serves as a base for marine activities, coastal transport, and access to nearby beaches and viewpoints.
Today, Karon Beach functions as a mixed coastal district combining resort infrastructure with everyday local life. Its physical layout, moderate development density, and large beachfront distinguish it from more compact or heavily built-up parts of Phuket, positioning it as a major but comparatively open coastal zone on the island.