Ao Yon / Cape Panwa

An ideal spot for early risers to catch the sunrise, this bay is tucked into the western side of Cape Panwa on Phuket’s east coast. Like much of the east coast, Ao Yon still retains a distinctly local feel and only a fraction of Phuket’s millions of tourists will ever come here or know about it. Due to the pearl farm activities in the bay, the water is not always so clear, but at high tide it’s possible to take a refreshing dip in the sea. Our favourite Ao Yon dining spot is the Secret Cove, where parents can enjoy a relaxed lunch and drinks while the kids frolic safely in the shallow, protected bay.