There are actually two Ao Yons lying south of Cape Panwa and they are separated by a rocky headland. Ao Yon junior is home to a large shrimp farm but is actually very attractive and virtually deserted with a great view out to Chalong Bay and Lone Island.

Locals sit under the tree line and small children like to play at the far western end, where an ice cold stream coming down from the hills (there is a waterfall behind the beach) meets the sea.

If you head over the hill and round the bend you will come to Ao Yon senior. Here it is best to leave your car on the main road and walk down one of the several 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.