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. Khao Lommuak, the karst hill at the northern end, has a stairway to a viewpoint, and more than two hundred dusky leaf monkeys live on it, calmer than the monkeys at most Thai tourist sites. Two islands lie in the bay, Ko Lueam about 3.6 kilometres out and Ko Aen about 1.5. Gates close in the evening and the base can restrict access without notice.

Background

Ao Manao, Lime Bay, lies on the western shore of the Gulf of Thailand, five kilometres south of Prachuap Khiri Khan and south of Prachuap Bay; it opens to the east between steep limestone headlands to the north and south. Two islands lie in it, Ko Lueam about 3.6 km out and Ko Aen, a smaller island, some 1.5 km from the shore, and its good beach is a popular destination; the hill of Khao Lommuak, a viewpoint, is home to more than 200 dusky leaf monkeys, calmer than the monkeys at many other tourist spots.

Source: Wikipedia, "Ao Manao"

What's there

• The bay - clean sand between karst headlands, undeveloped.
• The islands in the bay - Ko Lueam offshore and little Ko Aen closer in.
• The air force base - the reason for both the checkpoint and the condition.
• Khao Lommuak - the headland stairway, its viewpoint and its leaf monkeys.

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.

Before you go

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. The leaf monkeys on the headland are used to people.

Nearby

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

Key facts