Ao Yon is a small, little-visited bay near Cape Panwa on the island's south-east side — a genuinely local rather than tourist-oriented beach.
What it's like
Calm, sheltered water (this coast faces away from the main monsoon swell), a handful of simple seafood restaurants along the shore, and largely Thai weekend visitors rather than international tourists.
Why it's worth a visit
A useful contrast to the west coast's built-up beach towns, and a good stop when exploring Cape Panwa or heading to/from the aquarium.
Eating there
The row of simple seafood restaurants along the shore is the main draw for many visitors — fresh, inexpensive, and considerably less geared toward tourists than similar spots on the west coast, in keeping with our broader seafood guide.
Getting there
A short drive from Phuket Town or Cape Panwa — not really walkable from anywhere else, so plan for a taxi, scooter or rental car. Easily combined with a visit to Cape Panwa or Cape Yamu on the same east-coast loop.