Ao Yon and Cape Panwa: a local guide to Phuket’s quiet southeast

• Where: Ao Yon, Cape Panwa, in southeast Phuket, overlooking Chalong Bay

• Beaches on foot: Khao Khad Beach is about 2 minutes’ walk from Glasshouse Phuket and Ao Yon Beach about 3 minutes’ walk

• Airport: about one hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport

• Phuket Old Town and Central shopping malls: about 20 minutes by car

• Patong and the west coast nightlife: typically 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic

• Best for: families and groups who want space, calm water and privacy

• Not ideal for: anyone who wants nightlife or a busy beach scene on the doorstep

There are Thai and Western restaurants, beachfront cafes and a few casual bars within walking distance, and more choices five to ten minutes away by car. Food delivery apps also work in the area, so you can order meals straight to the villa.

• Hill House Restaurant, at the top of the hill in Ao Yon, has superb views and excellent Thai food with kid-friendly options.

• The Cove is the best option for a more Western-style dining experience. It is right on the beach, over the hill in Ao Yon.

• The Panwa Café is a 4 to 5 minute drive from Ao Yon and serves excellent Thai food with Western and kid-friendly options.

• Rattanalee is right next door to Panwa Café, for great Thai food in a slightly more rustic setting.

• Café Kantary in Cape Panwa is a 5 to 6 minute drive from Ao Yon and the best place around for cakes, coffee and ice cream.

For self-catering and breakfast supplies:

• A 7-Eleven is 50 metres from the villa and open 24 hours

• A pharmacy is about one minute’s walk away

• Tops Daily is about 5 minutes away, and fresh markets and supermarkets are about 5 minutes by car

• Larger international supermarkets at Central Phuket are about 20 minutes away, with a huge range of products, very likely including your favourite brands

• These supermarkets have English-language apps and can deliver to the villa within about one hour of ordering

The Glasshouse offers in-villa massage, and there are plenty of massage shops in Ao Yon village. For a more upscale spa experience, Shine Spa is right in the middle of the village.

• Phuket Aquarium at the tip of the cape, a good rainy-day or family option

• Khao Khad Viewpoint Tower, with views over Chalong Bay and the surrounding islands

• Tarzan Adventure zipline

• Ao Yon Waterfall, which runs in the wetter season

• Kayaking, paddle boarding and sailing from Ao Yon Beach

• Long-tail boat trips to a nearby island, which you can pick up from the aquarium car park

It is easy to get around Phuket. The neighbour’s van taxi service gives priority to Glasshouse Phuket guests, and there are other services in the village. The ride-hailing apps Grab and Bolt operate in the area. Airport transfers can be arranged on request.

How far is Ao Yon from Phuket airport? About one hour’s drive, depending on traffic. Airport transfers cost 1,200 Thai baht.

Is Ao Yon Beach good for swimming? Yes. It is in a sheltered bay without the strong waves or rip tides found on many west coast beaches, and it is generally suitable for swimming year-round.

Are there restaurants within walking distance of Glasshouse Phuket? Yes. There are Thai and Western restaurants, beachfront cafes and a few casual bars within walking distance, and more options within 5 to 10 minutes by car.

Where can we buy groceries near Ao Yon? A 24-hour 7-Eleven is 50 metres from the villa, Tops Daily is about 5 minutes away, and larger supermarkets deliver to the villa in about an hour. Seasonal fruit is available from market stalls in the village.

How far is Cape Panwa from Patong? Typically 45 to 60 minutes by car, depending on traffic.