Karon Beach, a secluded stretch along the southern end of Phuket's western coastline, provides visiting families with the perfect mix of cultural immersion and modern comfort to make for a memorable holiday. Unlike nearby Patong's raucous nightlife or Kata's surfer scene, Karon has a more tranquil setting where kids can play safely and adults can relax and enjoy genuine Thai culture.

What makes Karon truly special is how naturally it connects travellers to local life while also being replete with amenities that make family holidays enjoyable. From its sprawling beachfront to the famous Karon Temple Market, every experience feels accessible rather than overwhelming. 

Ahead of your stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, here is what you can expect from your stay in Karon.

 

Karon Temple Market: A Delight for the Senses

The importance of a Thai market cannot be overstated. Twice weekly, as the sun hangs low in the western sky, Wat Karon transforms into a vibrant marketplace imbued with Thailand's spirit. Every Tuesday and Friday from 4 pm until 10 pm, this temple grounds hosts one of Phuket's most authentic night markets. Despite being close to most Karon Beach hotels, it attracts large crowds from across the island.

The market's layout naturally guides visitors through rows of colourful stalls where local vendors showcase their wares with genuine pride. Unlike the more tourist-heavy markets elsewhere on the island, Karon Temple Market maintains its authenticity, as, after all, its primary patrons are local.

Upon visiting the market, you’ll quickly understand why it’s such a draw for the community.

 

Try Various Street Food

Food forms the heart of this market experience, as it does for many Thai experiences. Parents can help their children pick out whatever they want from the various stalls:

Pad Thai is a country-wide staple made with fresh noodles stir-fried before your eyes. In fact, watching the cooking process becomes entertainment itself as flames wrap the sides from well-seasoned woks. Customers season their own Pad Thai with spice from little ramekins, so parents don’t need to worry about it being too spicy for their kids.

Pyramids of wooden sticks poking out from a stall mean that the vendor is selling Satay skewers. These stalls are interactive - customers choose pieces from the stack for the vendor to cook fresh on a sizzling charcoal grill. Expect familiar yet distinctly Thai chicken, vegetable, pork or beef options that even picky eaters tend to enjoy.

Mango sticky rice is the perfect introduction to Thai desserts - sweet coconut-milk-infused rice paired with perfectly ripened mangoes. The naturally sweet flavours are always a hit with children while not being as overwhelmingly new as those in other Thai desserts. 

Fresh fruit stalls are a must-visit for a healthy snack or drink. Look for colourful displays of dragon fruit, rambutan, and mangosteen and keep an ear open for a blender. A fruit smoothie in a Thai market is about as authentic an experience as you can get. 

For more adventurous families, insect snacks pack a protein punch and tell a great story.

 

Treasures and Trinkets

Beyond food, the Karon Temple Market is a venue for meaningful shopping experiences between local craftspeople and curious tourists on the hunt for souvenirs:

Hand-carved soaps shaped like flowers and fruit are practical mementos, while hand-carved wooden animals are a timeless gift that people of all ages love. 

Handcrafted jewellery stalls allow children to select thoughtful gifts for friends or family with unique Thai designs at accessible prices.

Traditional toys and instruments introduce children to Thai culture through play. Wooden frogs that croak, bamboo crickets that actually chirp, or miniature traditional instruments are great interactive souvenirs.

Clothing stalls featuring everything from the famous elephant trousers to traditional garments and accessories represent a large part of the market. Remember that Thai sizing may vary from your country’s, so choose carefully.

 

Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket’sFamily Activities

 

Apart from the experience at Karon Temple Market, Centara Grand is your ideal family sanctuary. Positioned on the northern end of Karon's golden beachfront, thereby isolated from the main area of Karon Beach, this resort understands what families truly need from accommodation during an international trip to Thailand.

 

A Water Wonderland

The resort's standout feature is its giant central pool complete with its own waterpark. While your children exhaust themselves by zipping down the water slides, parents discover the ineffable feeling of tranquillity drifting along the lazy river that winds through lush gardens. Other separate pool zones cater to different ages and swimming abilities, allowing families of all ages to find a safe place to swim and play.

 

Activity Beyond the Pools

Any parent knows the value of a good Kids' Club, and Centara Grand is exceptional. Kids can enjoy art activities focusing on local themes like elephants and tropical flora, or adventure programmes blending physical activities with games and exploration.

For families preferring shared activities, the beachfront has plenty of options. Beach games, such as volleyball and paddle ball are hotel mainstays, while guests can also rent kayaks for a quick exploration along Karon's coastline. The concierge and on-ground staff will happily guide you and your family to local attractions.

 

Rest and Recharge

Centara Grand accommodations perfectly address family needs. Two-bedroom pool villas provide private swimming areas and separate sleeping zones, while family rooms are designed with practical layouts with connecting doors. All accommodations feature elements of Thai design seamlessly blended with essential modern comforts like high-speed WiFi and premium bedding. 

The resort's restaurants likewise balance familiar international dishes with authentic Thai cuisine, giving families the option to test their culinary comfort zones and try exciting new flavours. With multiple dining venues across the property, guests can get their fill without ever leaving the resort.

 

The Perfect Family Day in Karon

The ideal family experience when on holiday in Karon combines resort comforts with cultural discovery. Start your day with a hearty breakfast before heading to the beach for some time in the sun before temperatures get too high. Then, retreat to the pools and water park during midday heat, enjoy lunch on-site, and take in a late-afternoon rest. As evening approaches, set a course to the Karon Temple Market and accent your evening with the sights and smells of local Thai life.

Because the market and resort are in close proximity, parents won't have to worry about tired kids since comfy beds are just minutes away.

 

Your Family's Thai Adventure Awaits

Karon Beach delivers the family-friendly Phuket experience that many seek but few truly find. The combination of Centara Grand's 5-star amenities with Karon Temple Market's authentic charm makes for a holiday that balances excitement with comfort - exactly what you want out of an international trip. 

Book your family’s stay at Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket to enjoy everything our premier beachfront hotel in Karon Beach offers. Here, family holidays become treasured memories.