Kaeng Krachan Circuit
Location
Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi, Thailand
Current Local Time
Track Info
Kaeng Krachan Circuit - Phetchaburi, Thailand
Hillside permanent circuit near Kaeng Krachan National Park - anti-clockwise - highly technical, undulating and famous for its panoramic spectator views
When was the track built?
Kaeng Krachan Circuit began with two Thai racers, Somchai Srijirarat and Ekprawat Petcharak, who wanted another permanent circuit to support Thailand's growing motorsport scene. They also wanted spectators to be able to see as much of the racing as possible from one location.
A 150-rai site in Wangchan, Phetchaburi Province, was chosen in late 2008. Rather than flattening the land, the circuit was designed around the existing valley and hills. Construction moved remarkably quickly, and the track was ready for competition about 10 months later.
When was its first race?
The first car race was held in July 2009, even while finishing work around the facility was still taking place. The Honda Racing Festival followed in August and attracted more than 100 competing cars.
The circuit soon became a regular venue for Thai car and pickup racing, endurance events, club competition and motorcycle activities.
What's the circuit like?
- Extremely technical: Twenty-five corners are packed into less than 3 km. Drivers and riders are almost constantly braking, turning or preparing for the next corner.
- Real elevation change: The circuit climbs and drops through the valley, changing the amount of grip available and making some braking points difficult to judge.
- Every type of corner: Increasing-radius and decreasing-radius bends mix with fast sweepers and very slow sections. A setup that works perfectly in one part of the lap can be a compromise somewhere else.
Kaeng Krachan rewards rhythm and consistency more than simple horsepower. With so many connected corners, one small mistake can affect several seconds of the lap.
Lap records and benchmarks
- Porsche 911 GT3: 1:22.922 - Shaun Walker, 2023.
- Open Unlimited / AWD: 1:24.200 - Chanon Asavasangsidhi, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII.
- Mercedes-AMG C43: 1:27.400 - Scott Ramsland, 2024.
- Toyota Vios race car: 1:30.900 - BOYTOYS Garage by Zozoracer, 2018.
- Honda Civic EG: 1:31.100 - Tong J-Automotive.
Kaeng Krachan does not maintain one widely published universal official lap record, so these are useful verified car benchmarks from competition and track events rather than directly comparable category records.
Why go?
Kaeng Krachan offers a very different experience from Thailand's newer international circuits. It feels compact and natural, with the track winding through green hills rather than sitting inside a large flat motorsport complex.
The valley layout is especially good for spectators because elevated positions can provide views across much of the circuit. Events range from national car and pickup racing to endurance events, track days, motorcycle schools and club competition.
Where's the best place to watch?
- Elevated hillside: The signature viewing experience. Higher positions can provide sightlines across several different parts of the circuit at once.
- Main straight and pit area: Best for race starts, finishes and watching teams prepare cars between sessions.
- Undulating technical sections: Where spectator access allows, the uphill and downhill corners are the best places to appreciate how difficult the circuit is to drive quickly.
Spectator access varies between racing, motorcycle and track-day events, so follow event signage and instructions when choosing where to watch.
Transportation & Parking
Getting to Kaeng Krachan Circuit (Phetchaburi)
Kaeng Krachan Circuit is around two hours southwest of Bangkok in rural Phetchaburi Province. Driving or arranging a private transfer is the easiest option, as there is no convenient public transport directly to the circuit.
Best way to get there
For most visitors, driving is the easiest way to reach Kaeng Krachan Circuit. The venue is in the countryside, so it is very different from travelling to a circuit with a nearby train or metro station.
The official circuit guidance estimates around two hours from Bangkok. If you are visiting from overseas and do not want to drive in Thailand, a pre-arranged private transfer is a good alternative.
Tip: Save the circuit location in your navigation app before leaving. The last part of the journey uses smaller local roads.
Driving from Bangkok
- Leave Bangkok: travel southwest using Rama 2 Road.
- Continue south: join Phetkasem Road, also known as Highway 4, towards Phetchaburi and Hua Hin.
- Turn towards Kaeng Krachan: several routes lead inland, including roads through Nong Ya Plong, Ban Lat and Tha Yang.
- Final approach: follow the main road towards Kaeng Krachan Dam.
- Near Kaeng Krachan Hospital: turn onto the local road towards Ban Mae Kamoey shortly before reaching the hospital.
- Circuit entrance: continue for around 2.5 km and the circuit will be on your right.
Public transport
There is no straightforward train or bus service directly to Kaeng Krachan Circuit, so public transport requires more planning than driving.
- From Bangkok: trains and buses can take you towards Phetchaburi Province.
- Final journey: arrange a taxi or private car for the remaining trip into the Kaeng Krachan area.
- Return journey: organise your pickup in advance rather than depending on finding a taxi at the circuit after the event.
Taxi & private transfers
- From Bangkok: a private transfer is one of the simplest options for visitors who do not want to hire a car.
- For groups: sharing a car or van can make the long journey more convenient.
- Give the full destination: use “Kaeng Krachan Circuit, Wangchan, Phetchaburi” to avoid confusion with Kaeng Krachan National Park or Kaeng Krachan Dam.
- Book the return: agree on a pickup time and meeting point before your driver leaves.
Event-day tips
- Leave early: Bangkok traffic can make the journey considerably longer than the normal two-hour estimate.
- Fuel up first: the circuit is in a rural area, so it is easier to refuel before the final part of the journey.
- Bring water: facilities close to the track are more limited than at circuits near major cities.
- Prepare for the weather: bring sun protection and rain protection for outdoor events.
- Check your event information: entrance, parking and access arrangements can vary depending on what is taking place at the circuit.
Accessibility
If you require accessible parking, step-free access or assistance at the circuit, contact the venue or event organiser before travelling. Facilities and spectator access can vary depending on the event and which areas of the circuit are being used.
Travel times, road conditions and event access arrangements can change. Check the official Kaeng Krachan Circuit information and current traffic conditions before travelling.
Nearby Activities
Things to do around Kaeng Krachan Circuit (Phetchaburi, Thailand)
Kaeng Krachan Circuit winds through the green hills of Phetchaburi, giving race weekends a very different feel from Thailand’s flatter circuits. Whether you’re visiting for car racing, motorcycles or a track day, one of the country’s great national parks, historic palaces, caves and beaches are all within reach.
Family-friendly highlights nearby
- Kaeng Krachan Dam: An easy change of pace after the circuit, with broad reservoir views and space to enjoy the quieter countryside.
- Phra Nakhon Khiri Historical Park: Better known locally as Khao Wang, this hilltop royal complex has palaces, temples and excellent views across Phetchaburi. A cable car helps make the climb easier for families.
- Cha-am Beach: Head to the coast for sand, swimming, beach activities and seafood. It works particularly well if other members of the family want a break from motorsport.
Culture & history stops
- Tham Khao Luang: Enter a limestone cave filled with Buddha images, stalactites and stalagmites. Sunlight entering through openings in the ceiling creates its most famous view.
- Phra Nakhon Khiri: Built for King Rama IV in the 19th century, the complex mixes Thai, Chinese and Western architectural influences and includes a national museum.
- Mrigadayavan Palace: Near Cha-am, this elegant 1920s seaside palace is known for its long raised walkways and airy timber architecture.
Eat & drink like a local
- Khanom mo kaeng: Phetchaburi is famous for this rich baked custard-style dessert. It is one of the easiest local specialities for first-time visitors to try.
- Palm-sugar treats: Toddy palms are closely connected with the province’s food culture, and locally made palm sugar appears in desserts, drinks and traditional cooking.
- Cha-am seafood: If you head to the coast, finish the day with fish, prawns, crab or shellfish at one of the beach-area restaurants.
Get outdoors around Kaeng Krachan
- Kaeng Krachan National Park: Thailand’s largest national park protects huge areas of forest and is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Birdwatching and wildlife are major reasons to visit.
- Ban Krang: This part of the national park is particularly well known for birds and butterflies. Butterfly numbers are especially impressive around the end of the hot season and beginning of the rains.
- Kaeng Krachan Reservoir: The lake and forested hills provide an easy scenic outing when you do not have enough time for a deeper trip into the national park.
Easy trips if you’re extending your stay
- Phetchaburi old town: Combine Khao Wang, Tham Khao Luang and historic temples with local desserts for a full day focused on the province’s history and food.
- Cha-am: Spend a slower day on the coast, then combine the beach with Mrigadayavan Palace before returning inland.
- Nong Ya Plong Hot Springs: Head north of Phetchaburi for community-run mineral bathing and a quieter countryside experience away from the major tourist areas.
Good to know on event weekends
- Check the race calendar: Kaeng Krachan remains active in 2026, including Racing Car Thailand competition, but the type of event and spectator access vary between weekends.
- Check which layout is used: The circuit has full, medium and short configurations, so the racing and best viewing areas can change from one event to another.
- A car is the easiest option: The circuit is in a rural area and attractions are spread across the province. Driving also makes it much easier to reach the national park and coast.
- Prepare for tropical weather: Bring water, sunscreen and a hat, plus lightweight rain protection during wetter periods.
Race schedules, spectator access, circuit layouts, national-park access and attraction opening hours can change - check current information before you travel.