As the name suggests, Wat Ao Noi is located in Ao Noi Bay, eight kilometers from the city center of Prachuap Khiri Khan, at the foot of a hill. There you'll find Khan Kradai Cave, often simply called Wat Ao Noi Cave, which houses two reclining Buddha statues. The temple's small, carved viharn, framed by two naga serpents, is truly beautiful. Its interior walls are decorated with painted wooden reliefs depicting Buddhist stories and legends. For years, I associated the neighboring cave with the temple, and locally it's referred to as Wat Ao Noi Cave. However, on Google Maps, it's listed as Khan Kra Dai Cave. That's why I've created a separate page under that name. If you need directions, though, I recommend saying "Wat Ao Noi Cave" to get a good response.

Free admission. Open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The 8-kilometer journey between Wat Ao Noi and Prachuap Khiri Khan city center is best undertaken by rented bicycle (if your accommodation doesn't offer one). The cost is 50 THB per day. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter (motorcycle license and international driving permit required), a car, or a tuk-tuk.

Wat Ao Noi is a temple, and when visiting a temple in Thailand there are some rules to follow: appropriate clothing (knees and shoulders should be covered), take off your shoes when entering the building, be quiet, do not hug or kiss, do not point your feet at the Buddha statue, do not smoke.

How to get there

How do you get to Wat Ao Noi? The best way to cover the 8 kilometers between Wat Ao Noi and Prachuap Khiri Khan city center is probably to rent a bicycle from one of the rental shops along the beachfront promenade (if your accommodation doesn't provide one). The cost is 50 THB per day. Alternatively, you can rent a scooter (motorcycle license and international driving permit required), a car, or a tuk-tuk.