This is a trip/site report for Khao Den, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Description
Site Description:
Khao Dan is situated in Kaeng Krachan National Park within Phechaburi province (168km south west). Launch site is about 300m (AGL), with laminal wind from Gulf of Thailand (heated by agriculture land). Site is part of long ridge line that spreads more than 10km north wards, with XC well above 100km recorded in this site. Note that Take off/Landing is still about 45mins from Petchaburi town and LZ is marked out by Thailand state flag, whilst TO is with some discarded pagodas. 4WD is required to access TO. Note low gap north wards of Take Off creates strong venturi and pilots are reported to loose height in this zone. Same effect applies for landing approach. Best season to fly is between Feb till March.
TO Site Coordinates: Address: ตำบล ห้วยข้อง อำเภอ บ้านลาด เพชรบุรี 76150 (Thai). Huai Khong, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi 76150, Thailand https://goo.gl/maps/3F4ZKGHJRhK2
Flying at Khao Den 
Flying at Khao Den 
At Takeoff
Other Details
Best Time to go:
February to March – XC-able. However cloud base could be low (1,500m).
Go & Return
Bus Hire: Transport to Khao Dan from Suvarnabhumi airport. One-way (sits 11 pax cost about THB 4,000). Contact (via LINE: รชดดรนล ID).
Self-Drive: Relatively straight forward. Just travel west via route 35 and turn south to Hwy 4. Takes about 2-3 hours (traffic congestion around BKK area)
Landing Zone:
There are sporadic trees with strong bubbles in LZ making it challenging to land at times (especially during mid-day). Many trees have thorns and bees.
LZ Site Coordinates: LAT: 13.0379505. LON: 99.80624 Address: Huai Khong, Ban Lat District, Phetchaburi 76150, Thailand. https://goo.gl/maps/yKfFkpay6mp. Tel: +66 85 214 6354
Air Space
Hua Hin Airport with CTR is located 70km south of launch site.
Site Coordinator/Retrieve: Sarapee’s Address:
- Sarapee Montong (Contact via FB Messenger)
13°03’17.3″N 99°54’50.3″E
https://goo.gl/maps/HPEARK7wuUwaZ1yM8
Sarapee’s house also has two rooms for rental. (Including 5 beds for Thai Massage)
XC and Retrieve
During Feb/March, there are many forest fires and these could be good thermal source. There are also ample XC landing options, but be wary of green pineapple plantation northwards. There are regular bus service along Hwy 4 (takes about B40 per person to return). Option to hitch hike to highway and return via bus (remember to pay a token fee for appreciation).. Bus will reach central bus station in Petchaburi. Option to walk back to hotel or take tuk tuk.
Lodging
- Swiss Palazzo Clean boutique hotel with balcony (careful of monkey opening the door). Friendly host. Only has 4 rooms so must book early. Can book via Agoda. (SGD50 include breakfast for two). Tel: +66 32 400 250. Address: Khlong Kra Saeng, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand. https://goo.gl/maps/yen2kHPG5Zn.
- Royal Diamond Biggest hotel in region but rather shabby. Thai open air beer garden could be noisy.
- Sun Hotel. Quiet. But a bit old.
(Careful of hotel along highway. Could be noisy at night).
Getting Around
Cheap option to rent a scooter (B250 per day). Rental from JJ Home (+66 81 880 9286). 69 Khlong Krachaeng Rd, Tambon Khlong Kra Saeng, Amphoe Mueang Phetchaburi, Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand
Taxi (Tuk Tuk) – 0892127171
R&R. Massage:
Many available. But note most close early at 8-9pm. Look for Kee Ree for quality and clean massage. (Highly recommended)
Kee Ree Massage เขาวัง รถรางไฟฟ้าเคเบิลคาร์ Khlong Krachaeng Rd, Tambon Khlong Kra Saeng, เมือง Chang Wat Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand. +66 88 757 0282. https://goo.gl/maps/PyZHxFjEJ8o
Emergency Contact Number:
- Ambulance (Emergency): 1669
- Law Enforcement (Royal Thai): 191
- Law Enforcement (Tourist): 1155
- Petcharat Hospital: +66 32 417 070. Address: Ban Mo, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand
- Bangkok Hospital Phechaburi: +66 32 897 888. Address: เพชรเกษม 150 ม.6 Ton Mamuang, Mueang Phetchaburi District, Phetchaburi 76000, Thailand