Getting There
Although it is possible to get to Karon, Phuket over land or water, the best way is to fly.
AIRPORT AND PIER TRANSFERS
It can take anywhere between 1 hour to 1,5 hours to reach Karon from Phuket International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
AIRPORT TAXI
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi.
MINI BUS
Minibus linking Karon beach and Phuket International Airport is an affordable way to travel to Karon. A one-way ticket costs around THB200 but take into account that there is no fixed schedule, so buses leave as soon as they get filled up.
Getting Around
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
PRIVATE CAR
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private vehicle with a driver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
ON FOOT
One of the major appeals of Karon is its endless paths and sidewalks catering to active travelling wanting to explore the area on foot. The beachfront sidewalk links the northern Central Karon with the neighbouring Kata area on the south, providing perfect conditions for the long strolls.
RENTAL SCOOTER
The most affordable and convenient way to more around Karon is on rented motorbike. However, a certain level of experience is needed as the traffic in Phuket can be somewhat chaotic. You can rent a scooter at any rental shop spread around the area for as much as THB200 per day. Take into account that you must have an international drivers license on your person at all times otherwise, the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
MOTORBIKE TAXI RIDE
Motorbike taxi ride is a relatively new way of moving around the area invented by entrepreneurial locals. Depending on the length of the distance the price ranges significantly, still making it an affordable way to move around Karon. However, motorbike taxi ride is not recommended if you are travelling to longer distances due to reasons of comfort and safety.
TAXI
You can flag a taxi down the street in Karon or request a pick-up by phone. There are two types of taxis available in Karon: multitude small bright red or orange coloured minivans or sedan-style taxis with the “Taxi-Meter” sign on top. It is recommended to use metered taxis for longer distances as drivers of minivans that are not equipped with meters are often reluctant to reduce the inflated price.
TUK-TUK
Both tuk-tuk and taxi services are mostly needed to explore further afield or to travel to other beaches. The price difference between taxi and tuk-tuk is usually insignificant but try your hand at bargaining for a better deal.