Karon in Phuket: 20 hotels by the sea and near the beach

On Phuket, only a handful of hotels have a first line by the sea. Karon holds one of the island's longest stretches of sand, so the hotels along it are chosen by those who want to live by the water and not depend on daily taxis.

Below are twenty hotels in Karon and nearby: from five-star resorts with water parks and villas to simple three-star properties. Some stand right on the first line, the rest are in the beach zone or a bit farther from the sand. We've listed the category, facilities, and location of each option so you can pick a hotel that fits your budget and pace of travel.

Ad: this text contains affiliate links, we earn a commission from them, the price for you does not change.

How to choose a first-line hotel in Karon

💡 In short:

• The first line means hotels between Karon Roundabout and the southern headland, so getting to the water takes a couple of minutes.
• Karon is among the longest beaches in Phuket (according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand).
• In strong wind and high tide, swimming at Karon is uncomfortable, and some guests choose hotels with pools.
• Hotel locations and beach facilities: 09/2026, verified with data from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.

Our picks by category

Below we've broken down each hotel in order: category, what's inside, and how close it is to the water.

1. Movenpick resort & spa Karon beach Phuket, five stars

© Полина Славянская · CC BYPhoto: Полина Славянская, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Movenpick occupies the southern section of Karon, about a fifteen-minute drive from Patong. Guests can choose from rooms, suites, and standalone villas. The interiors are done in Thai style with custom decor and fresh, vibrant colors, and the windows face the sea or an internal garden with a large plant collection.

The property has several pools, including a panoramic one and a rooftop pool. There's a spa and fitness center, massage, wellness treatments, and yoga classes. Dining is spread across five restaurants: they serve both a la carte and buffet, from American and Italian to Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese.

• Who it's for: those who want a large resort with villas and full facilities.
• Location: southern Karon, first line, fifteen minutes to Patong.
• Price: Movenpick Karon rates on Trip.com

2. Le Meridien Phuket beach resort, five stars

© Roma Neus · CC BYPhoto: Roma Neus, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Le Meridien sits near Patong, the island's liveliest beach. Rooms are decorated in Thai style with fresh flowers, and some bathrooms are enhanced with candles and rose petals. For relaxation, guests have access to a gym, spa, sauna, steam room, fitness center, tennis court, and several pools.

Dining is spread across ten restaurants covering Western and Eastern cuisines. La Fiamma serves Italian food, while other restaurants offer grilled seafood and traditional Japanese dishes. This selection is convenient if you don't want to leave the resort.

• Who it's for: couples and guests who value a wide choice of restaurants.
• Location: by the sea near Patong, not on Karon Beach.
• The catch: a busy area, no quiet evenings.
• Price: rooms at Le Meridien Phuket

3. Centara grand beach resort Phuket, five stars

© thebesthotelsinthailand · CC BYPhoto: thebesthotelsinthailand, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/), Flickr

Centara Grand sits on the hills right by Karon Beach, so almost every room has a view of the bay. The resort's main feature is a large landscaped water park on the property. The rooms are spacious, with modern furniture in an oriental style.

Your vacation isn't limited to the beach: there's a first-class spa, a fitness center, and a tennis court, plus separate pools for adults and children. Three restaurants serve international, Asian, Italian, and Mediterranean cuisine.

• Who it's for: families with children; the water park and kids' pool cover all the entertainment.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, on a hillside.
• Price: Centara Grand Phuket prices on Trip.com

4. Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa, five stars

© ymgc · CC BYPhoto: ymgc, CC BY (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), Wikimedia Commons

Hilton Arcadia occupies about thirty hectares of tropical jungle, and the beach area is a five-minute walk away. The windows look out onto well-kept forest rather than neighboring buildings. Rooms in various categories are complemented by standalone villas made of natural wood.

The property has a beauty salon, a spa center, lagoons, and several pools with water slides. Equipment is provided for tennis and badminton. Five restaurants offer international, Thai, Italian, and Chinese cuisine, and there's an on-site bakery.

• Who it's for: people who love greenery and a quiet vacation away from roads.
• Location: Karon Beach, five minutes to the sand.
• Price: rooms at Hilton Phuket Arcadia

5. Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket, five stars

© Thavornplam · CC BY-SAPhoto: Thavornplam, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Thavorn Palm Beach sits inside a landscaped garden by Karon Beach, and the entertainment district of Patong is about ten minutes away by car. The rooms are spacious, in Thai style, with wide and partially panoramic windows, so they get plenty of light.

You'll have a fitness center, several pools, and free Wi-Fi. Three restaurants split the cuisine: Ciao Bistro handles steaks and Italian dishes, Windsong by the lotus pond handles seafood and Thai cuisine, and Old Siam on the rooftop handles Thai cuisine again.

• Who it's for: those who appreciate the garden and light in the rooms.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, ten minutes to Patong.
• Price: Thavorn Palm Beach prices on Trip.com

6. Mandarava Resort and Spa, Karon Beach, five stars

Mandarava sits on a tropical hillside overlooking Karon Beach. The resort spreads across more than seven hectares of quiet gardens, so you'll barely hear the road or the evening noise.

Rooms come with air conditioning, satellite TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a tea and coffee set, and a balcony. These options work well for both couples and small families. The Cheeva Spa offers six treatment rooms, facials, body wraps, scrubs, and aromatherapy. Five outdoor pools with swim-up bars, a fitness center, a game room, and yoga are all part of the experience.

• Who it's for: couples and families who value a quiet garden and spa.
• Location: hillside above Karon Beach, first line.
• Price: rooms at Mandarava Karon

7. Woraburi Phuket Resort & Spa, four stars

Woraburi sits in a landscaped garden about a minute's walk from the beach. Popular Patong is a fifteen-minute drive away, and guests get a free shuttle.

Rooms in different categories are decorated in light tones, with windows facing the Andaman Sea or the garden around the pools. The property has a fitness center and a tour desk where staff can help put together day trips. The Smile restaurant serves Thai cuisine and sushi, and there's a bar by the pool.

• Who it's for: guests who want a short walk to the beach and a shuttle to Patong.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, one minute on foot.
• Price: Woraburi Phuket prices on Trip.com

8. Karon Sea Sands Resort & Spa, four stars

© HutheMeow · CC BY-SAPhoto: HutheMeow, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Karon Sea Sands sits about a minute from Karon Beach. All rooms are decorated in a modern style with French windows, and each has its own balcony where you can quietly enjoy a coffee with a view of the street.

For recovery, guests have access to a sauna, fitness center, spa, and massage. Four restaurants cover different tastes: at Navrang Mahal the chef prepares North Indian dishes, while Tom Yam Kung works with Chinese and Thai cuisines. Free parking is available.

• Who it's for: guests who want a short walk to the beach and Eastern cuisine.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, one minute to the sand.
• Price: rooms at Karon Sea Sands

9. Karona Resort & Spa, four stars

Karona Resort & Spa sits about two minutes from Karon Beach. Rooms are decorated in a tropical style: handmade ceramics, bright wall paintings, and warm lighting create a cozy feel without the hotel gloss.

The two-level pool is styled as a pond with a waterfall, and tropical plants hang over the water's edge, as the manicured garden gradually gives way to wild greenery. The spa and sauna offer massage and aromatherapy. The restaurant serves seafood and Thai dishes both a la carte and as a buffet, and you can take barbecue equipment out to the pool.

• Who it's for: guests who value atmosphere and being close to the water.
• Location: Karon beach area, two minutes on foot.
• Price: Karona Resort Karon prices

10. Lap Roi Karon Beachfront, four stars

Lap Roi Karon Beachfront opens directly onto the first line of the sea. The building is easy to recognize by its abundance of windows and contrasting finishes: red and blue tones sit alongside wood panels, fresh flowers, and black-and-white original artwork. Spiral staircases and wavy lines in the interiors continue the theme of the waves just outside the walls.

The inner courtyard has an outdoor pool, with a fitness area nearby. On the ground floor there's a Thai restaurant, so you can start getting to know the local food without leaving the hotel.

• Who it's for: guests who choose unusual design and direct sea access.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach.
• Price: rooms at Lap Roi Karon

11. Ramada by Wyndham Phuket Southsea, four stars

Ramada Southsea occupies a spot on Karon Beach about ten minutes from the Patong beach area. Phuket's nightlife hub is no more than a twenty-minute drive away, so you can head out for the evening and come back to peace and quiet.

Rooms are spacious, decorated in light tones, with panoramic windows and a private terrace. There are separate pools for children, and professional nannies are available to spend time with them. Adults have access to a spa and fitness center. The property has an Italian restaurant, free parking, and Wi-Fi.

• Who it's for: families with children who value nannies and kids' pools.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, ten minutes to Patong.
• Price: Ramada Southsea Phuket prices on Trip.com

12. Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort And Spa, four stars

Novotel Karon Beach stretches along Karon, one of the island's most unspoiled beaches. From here it's easy to reach the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, and Promthep Cape offers panoramic sunsets year-round. For shopping and nightlife, the Jungceylon shopping center and Bangla Road in Patong are a ten-minute drive away.

The resort has a spa, three large pools and a separate children's pool, plus a 24-hour fitness center. There is private secured parking and a conference room with Wi-Fi. Rooms come with a balcony, tea and coffee making facilities, and a private bathroom. The front desk is open around the clock and speaks several languages.

• Who it's for: those who combine beach time with trips to local attractions.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach, ten minutes to Patong.
• The catch: airport transfer is paid.
• Price: rooms at Novotel Karon Phuket

13. Baan Karonburi Resort, four stars

Baan Karonburi Resort is located near Karon Beach, and Kata Beach is about three kilometers away. All one hundred rooms have a balcony, cable TV, free Wi-Fi, and sofa beds, so it's comfortable for both couples and families.

The property has the LaiThai and Bar restaurant, a beachfront restaurant with a bar overlooking a well-kept garden, and a pool bar. Breakfast is served as a buffet for an extra charge. There are outdoor and children's pools, a fitness center, free parking, and room service is available around the clock.

• Who it's for: families and guests who value a balcony and in-room service.
• Location: Karon beach area, about three kilometers to Kata Beach.
• The catch: breakfast and airport transfer are paid separately.
• Price: Baan Karonburi Phuket prices on Trip.com

14. In On the Beach, three stars

In On the Beach is positioned so you can walk straight from your room onto Karon Beach. That's the hotel's main selling point for guests who don't want to spend time getting to the water. Nearby are Wat Suwankhiri and the island's well-known Night Market.

Windows open onto views of the Andaman Sea, a natural lake, or dense tropical greenery. Rooms are decorated in different, mostly muted colors, and bathrooms have jacuzzi tubs. On the roof, The roof top restaurant serves American, Chinese, Asian, and Thai cuisine. The staff can also help you rent a car or book tickets.

• Who it's for: guests who want to step out of their room straight to the sea.
• Location: Karon beach area, direct beach access from the hotel.
• Price: rooms at In On the Beach Karon

15. Anda Beachside Hotel, three stars

Anda Beachside Hotel is in the Karon beach area, and the Night Market of the same name is a few minutes' walk away. Rooms come in different configurations and are decorated in a modern style; some have a separate living area, which is convenient for longer stays.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. For relaxation, there is a sunbathing terrace and several pools, including a saltwater pool. The restaurant serves Thai and international cuisine.

• Who it's for: guests who value a living area and a saltwater pool.
• Location: Karon beach area, near the Night Market.
• Price: Anda Beachside Karon prices on Trip.com

16. Karon Whale Resort, three stars

Karon Whale Resort is about fifty meters from the beach, a few steps from shopping and entertainment centers. Phuket International Airport is about forty-five minutes away, and Phuket Town is about twenty-five.

The hotel has an outdoor pool and a children's pool, a water slide and loungers by the water, and Wi-Fi works in public areas. The restaurant serves international dishes for breakfast and lunch, and there is a bar by the pool. A library and express check-in and check-out are also available. Parking is free, airport transfer is paid.

• Who it's for: guests who want a short walk to the beach and a water slide for kids.
• Location: about fifty meters from Karon Beach.
• The catch: airport transfer costs extra.
• Price: rooms at Karon Whale Phuket

17. The Phulin Resort by Tuana Group, three stars

The Phulin Resort by Tuana Group welcomes guests with Thai-style rooms featuring bright design and dark wood furniture. Every room has a fridge and a safe, and the spacious bathrooms have bathtubs and free toiletries.

The property has an outdoor pool with a children's section and a playground. There is free secured parking, which is convenient if you rent a car. Guests can enjoy a relaxing massage or day trips from the local tour desk. The restaurant serves international cuisine, and food can be ordered to your room. Patong is about ten minutes away, Phuket Town about twenty.

• Who it's for: guests with a car who value free parking and massage.
• Location: set back from Karon Beach, ten minutes to Patong, twenty to Phuket Town.
• The catch: transfer from town and the airport costs extra.
• Price: prices at Phulin Resort Karon on Trip.com

18. Asena Karon Resort, three stars

Asena Karon Resort offers an outdoor pool, a children's pool and a terrace with loungers in the garden. Wi-Fi is available throughout the property, and there is free parking for guests with a car.

The front desk is open 24 hours and helps with concierge services, luggage storage and dry cleaning. You can also exchange currency and get fresh newspapers here. Rooms have climate control, cable TV, a seating area and a sofa, and some windows face the garden. Car rental and bicycle rental are available. Phuket Airport is about forty minutes away.

• Who it's for: guests who value a 24-hour front desk and bicycle rental.
• Location: Karon beach area.
• The catch: transfer is available only by prior request and for a fee.
• Price: rooms at Asena Karon Phuket

19. Baan Sailom Hotel Phuket, three stars

Baan Sailom Hotel Phuket is close to the area's main attractions. The Dino Park mini golf club, Kata Porpeang market and Karon Beach are a few minutes' walk away. The Big Buddha statue on the hill is not within walking distance.

Rooms have climate control, a fridge and a minibar, and free Wi-Fi and cable TV are available. For leisure, there is a large pool, a children's playroom and a well-equipped gym. The main restaurant serves Thai dishes for lunch and dinner, and food can be ordered to your room. Continental breakfast and airport transfer cost extra.

• Who it's for: guests with kids who value a playroom and a pool.
• Location: set back from Karon Beach, near Kata Porpeang market.
• The catch: breakfast and transfer cost extra.
• Price: prices at Baan Sailom Karon on Trip.com

20. Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort, three stars

Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort sits on Karon Beach surrounded by palm trees, with views of the sandy shore and the lagoon. Rooms come with air conditioning, satellite TV, a fridge, a safe and coffee and tea making facilities, plus a separate work area with a desk and a spacious balcony.

The beachfront restaurant offers Thai and European dishes and a separate barbecue menu with burgers, fish and grilled chicken. After a day out, you can relax in the outdoor pool, sauna or fitness center. There is a laundry room and a mini market on site, and parking is free.

• Who it's for: guests who value a work area and a beach view.
• Location: first line of Karon Beach.
• Price: prices at Best Western Phuket Ocean on Trip.com

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

Which Karon hotels are right on the first line?

Movenpick, Centara Grand, Thavorn Palm Beach, Mandarava, Lap Roi, In On the Beach and Best Western Ocean are on the first line of Karon Beach. Le Meridien is also by the sea, but near Patong. The other hotels on the list are in the Karon beach area or a bit further from the sand. Check the exact distance to the water in the description of a specific hotel.

Where to stay in Karon with kids?

For families, Centara Grand with its landscaped water park and children's pool, Ramada Southsea with nannies and separate pools for kids, plus Karon Whale with a water slide and Baan Sailom with a children's playroom are good options. All four hotels have on-site entertainment for children.

How long does it take to get from Phuket Airport to Karon?

The drive from Phuket International Airport to Karon takes about 40-45 minutes depending on traffic. First-line hotels sit along the beach road, so a car drops you almost at the entrance. Some hotels offer paid transfer, while for others it's easier to book a taxi in advance.

When is the best time to go to Karon?

Karon is exposed to waves, so swimming can be uncomfortable in strong wind and high tide (according to the official Thailand tourism catalog). The water is calmest in the dry season, when the sea is flat for most of the day. If you travel outside this period, choose a hotel with a pool so you don't depend on the weather.

Karon first-line hotels on the map

Below is a map showing hotel locations along Karon Beach: compare the distance to the sea and to Karon Roundabout before booking.

If you are choosing between the north and south parts of Karon, keep the distance to Patong in mind: the north is closer to nightlife, the south is quieter and greener.

In short: what to book

• If you're traveling with kids: go for Centara Grand with its water park or Ramada Southsea with nannies.
• If you want a quiet garden and spa: Mandarava on the hillside is a good fit.
• If you want to step out to the sea right from your room: look at In On the Beach.
• If you're on a budget: check out Anda Beachside and Karon Whale.

Twenty hotels in and around Karon cover every scenario: from a quiet spa getaway to a family resort with a water park. It's easier to compare prices and availability in one place.

Karon hotel selection on Trip.com