There are technically 2 parts to Ao Yon Beach near Cape Panwa in Phuket, separated by a rocky headland. The smaller of the 2 is home to a large shrimp farm but is actually very attractive and virtually deserted, with a great view out to Chalong Bay and Koh Lon.
Locals sit under the treeline and small children like to play at the far western end, where an ice-cold stream coming down from the hills (there's a waterfall behind the beach) meets the sea. At the eastern end is a small, chilled-out beach club - The Cove Phuket.
If you head over the hill and round the bend, you'll come to the larger part of Ao Yon Beach. Here, it's best to leave your car on the main road and walk down one of the paths leading to the sea.
Ao Yon sparkles at any time of day and is a gem of a beach. If someone would have designed it, no doubt he would be accused of using too many clichés: fine white sand, overhanging coconut palms, waves twinkling in the sunlight and a bright blue sea.
Ao Yon Beach in Phuket - one of the highlights of 13 Best Kept Secrets in Phuket and 6 Best Secret Beaches in Phuket (Read all about Phuket Province here)
Ao Yon Beach facilities
Ao Yon is a predominantly residential area and mostly one populated with locals. As a result, there are virtually no beach facilities - no changing room, toilets or anything of the sort. However, if you wish to hire a long-tail boat from a beach resident, it's possible if you ask around.
Ao Yon Beach activities
Thai people love to hold weekend picnics on Ao Yon Beach, which is understandable as it's a lovely spot to relax in the shade. Just be sure to take your empties away with you as many residents are tired of cleaning up after visitors.
The Phuket Yacht Club nearby, and as the bay is an excellent mooring location, there are a lot of yachts here and weekend activities for local children are held. The swimming is leisurely but there is no snorkelling and swimmers should not approach the pearl farms, some 150 metres out.
Ao Yon Beach restaurants and food
There are a couple of small restaurants and bars on or near the larger part of Ao Yon Beach, most belonging to the small hotels there. The smaller part of the beach is home to The Cove Phuket, which has an excellent restaurant and bar. There are a couple of smaller establishments dotted around it and occasional local food vendors on the other side of the beach, near the stream.
Ao Yon Beach in Phuket
Location: Soi Ao-Yon Khaokhad, Wichit, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
