Three kilometres south of town, inside the Wing 5 Royal Thai Air Force base, Ao Manao (Lemon Bay) is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Gulf of Thailand's Sunrise Coast. The bay sweeps in a wide crescent of clean sand, sheltered on both sides by dramatic limestone karst peaks that rise straight from the sea. The water is calm, clear, and shallow enough for safe swimming.
Access requires registering at the security checkpoint — bring your passport or Thai ID. Facilities inside the base include a beachside restaurant, deck chairs, and shower facilities. The road to reach the sand crosses the main runway, and it is not uncommon to see military aircraft taking off while families picnic on the shore. Visit on a weekday to avoid the weekend crowds from nearby towns.