FLYING SITES
The paragliding scene in Thailand is just emerging onto the stage in Asia. The last few years has seen a steady increase in the number of flying sites, and a corresponding increase in the number of pilots coming to Thailand to explore their potential.
Thanks to the efforts of local pilots, flying organisations and groups, paragliding here is becoming increasingly accessible & hassle free. Thailand is also gaining serious credibility as an XC destination with bigger distances being clocked in both the north & south of the country in the last 12 months. In April 2015, a new Thai XC distance record was set by Mitsuharu Koga launching from Khao Sadao at 232km.
The reality is that Thailand is only just getting noticed as a flying destination. But there is clearly a lot more to come. Between 2013 and 2015, the national distance record has moved from less than 100km to 232km, and a handful of new sites have opened up with site records of well over 50km.
If you’re planning to come and fly in Thailand, then you’ll need to take out a membership with the Thai Glder Club to fly certain sites. You can check out the requirements here.
Details of some of our favourite flying sites follow:
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KHAO DEN, PETCHABURI
With winds from the E / SE, this thermic site is working for much of the spring season and offers great XC potential.
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PAK NAM PRAN
Just a few kms to the south of Paradise Bay, Pak Nam Pran was the starting point for Matty Senior’s 75km open distance flight on 17 March 2013.
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PARADISE BAY
A great start point for an XC campaign, but if all else fails, it's a beautiful flying site with unique coastal soaring appeal.
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PHU AM
With winds from the E through S, this is one of our 'go to' awesome sites. Blessed with stunning ocean scenery and offering the best XC potential in our back yard, Phu Am rocks.
