Ao Manao

Ao Manao is a broad curve of sand between two karst headlands, and its condition is a direct result of who owns it: the bay lies inside the Wing 5 Royal Thai Air Force base, and access is through a military checkpoint where identification is required and vehicles are logged. That has kept development out - there are no hotels on the sand, no bars and no jet skis, just simple air force-run bungalows, restaurants and shade trees, and the beach is notably cleaner than the Gulf coast average. In December 1941 Japanese forces landed at this bay and were resisted by the Thai airmen based here in a firefight lasting into the following day; a memorial to that action stands on the site and is treated with some formality. Khao Lommuak, the karst hill at the northern end, has a stairway to a viewpoint with resident macaques. Gates close in the evening and the base can restrict access without notice.

What you actually see

• The bay - clean sand between karst headlands, undeveloped.
• The 1941 memorial - marking the resistance to the Japanese landing.
• The air force base - the reason for both the checkpoint and the condition.
• Khao Lommuak - the headland stairway and its viewpoint.

When to go

November to February. The gate has opening hours and closes in the evening - check before planning a late visit. Weekends bring Thai families.

Honest expectations

Access is through a military checkpoint; identification is required and access can be restricted or closed without notice. Facilities are basic and air force-run. Macaques on the headland steal food.

Nearby

Prachuap Khiri Khan town and Khao Chong Krachok are north; Kui Buri is inland.