Khao Dinsor - Chumphon Raptor Centre


Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/YjoUPti8fTnBPDHf9

The Chumphon Raptor Centre on Khao Dinsor is 24 Km north of Chumphon Town. Take road No. 3180 out of Chumphon Town. After 21 km turn right onto road No. 3201. The entrance to the Raptor Centre is on the left after 3 km.
A steep road takes you a third of the way up the mountain to the Raptor Centre.
Khao Dinsor (Pencil Hill) is well known by the Bird enthusiasts who observe migrating birds of prey from September to November.
Even for non bird followers the high elevation at the Raptor Centre offers some fantastic panoramic views.
Those with a bit of energy in them, there is a trail to the summit of Pencil Hill. It's an easy to medium climb and takes about 45 mins to the top. The start is to the left of the Raptor Centre.
The trail is easy to follow and for steep sections handrails and steps have been provided. The last 400 m though is still rock so watch your step.  Trees offer shade from the sun but you will still get hot so bring plenty of water (this can be bought at the Raptor Centre). 
About 500 m up the trail you come to what is known as Khao Dinsor - Platform 1. 
It is a shaded shelter and offers a nice view to the north along the coast.
As you continue up the trail you will pass other platforms and there are some gaps in the tree where you can looks down towards Saphli and Thung Wua Laen beaches.
The platform with the best view to the north is Khao Dinsor Platform 2 Eagle Cliff.
Map Location - https://maps.app.goo.gl/HYi8nMLiJiAEuLqr9
From here it is only a short distance to Khao Dinsor - Summit Platform.
On this platform you get a 360 degree view from the mountain top.
Khao Dinsor is 764 ft / 233 m high, ranking it as the 16th highest mountain in Chumphon and the 2844th highest in Thailand. This is the view of the mountain from Saphli Beach.

Unfortunately, on our last visit (4 May 2021) it seems the platforms have not fared well from the elements and most are closed off on safety grounds. This includes the summit platform so currently that 360 degree view is not possible.

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