Ao Manao, Prachuap Khiri Khan – visitor guide
A clean, calm bay inside an air force base near Prachuap town. How to visit Ao Manao, its history and where to stay nearby.
Ao Manao is a curved bay a few kilometres south of Prachuap Khiri Khan town. It lies inside the grounds of Wing 5 of the Royal Thai Air Force, which keeps the beach unusually clean and orderly, and makes it popular with Thai families.
History
On 8 December 1941, Japanese forces landed at Ao Manao as part of their invasion of Thailand, and fought Thai airmen and local volunteers here before a ceasefire was ordered. A memorial and small displays on the base commemorate the battle, and a ceremony is held on the anniversary.
Visiting
- Visitors enter through the air force base checkpoint and may be asked to show ID; rules can change, so carry your passport.
- The beach has deckchairs, umbrellas and simple seafood restaurants.
- The water is usually calm and shallow, suitable for children.
- Nearby, Khao Lommuak and the limestone hill with the monkey-filled temple Khao Chong Krachok overlooking Prachuap town give wide views of the bays.
Where to stay
Prachuap town, a few minutes’ drive away, has small hotels and guesthouses along the seafront. Visitors wanting more resort choice stay in Hua Hin, about 90 km to the north. See our Prachuap Khiri Khan guide.