Ao Noi beach is quite long, with fishing boats moored at its end. Beyond the village, you'll reach Wat Ao Noi, a beautiful teakwood temple nestled at the foot of a mountain, surrounded by two large, nine-headed nagas. Behind them, on the mountainside, you'll see a shell-decorated staircase with a standing Buddha in the center, leading to two buildings. To the right of these is a staircase leading to a cave containing a reclining Buddha. Don't forget to turn on the light in the cave before you begin your ascent. The switch is on the wall of the building just before the main staircase (a small donation in the box at the bottom is appreciated). Along the way, you'll enjoy magnificent views across the bay and the beach with its many fishing boats. On your return to the village, you can walk to the pier if you wish. A short bike ride in the Ao Noi area to the temple and the cave with the reclining Buddha is a lovely outing that can easily be combined with a short hike in Khao Ta Mong Lai Forest Park on the coast. Please note that Ao Noi beach is not particularly suitable for swimming.

There are several guesthouses, hotels and bungalows near Ao Noi.

To reach Ao Noi Temple, follow the signs for "Wat Ao Noi" and, once in the village, follow the signs to Ao Noi Seaview Resort. Bicycles can be rented at the beach promenade near the guesthouses (50–60 THB per day).

How to get there

How do you get to Ao Noi? To reach the Temple of Ao Noi, follow the signs for "Wat Ao Noi" and, once in the village, follow the signs to Ao Noi Seaview Resort. Bicycles can be rented on the beachfront promenade where the guesthouses are located (50–60 THB per day).