Imagine a world-class rock-climbing destination with towering walls of limestone, situated in a tropical paradise of swaying coconut trees, white sand beaches and dense jungle. In the past decade, Phra Nang in Krabi, Thailand, has grown from a backwater tropical resort for budget travelers to an internationally recognized mecca for rock climbers in search of the perfect climbing playground. There is amazing climbing right off the beach, and the rock is considered among the world’s best.
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Hundreds of climbing routes have been set and they range in difficulty from beginner to expert. The rock on this peninsula is the most surreal a climber could imagine. Streaked with brilliant hues of orange and yellow, it’s dotted with huecos (beautifully shaped pockets with a positive lip, named after features found at the Hueco Tanks bouldering area in Texas) of all sizes. Tufas (porous rock formed as a deposit from springs) and giant stalactites drip from the walls like candle wax, offering a delirious variety of handholds.
Phra Nang is a complete package: stellar rock climbing, stunning beaches, travelers from all over the world, and a whole catalogue of rest-day activities from snorkeling and diving to sea kayaking and jungle exploring.
If you are a beginner, Phra Nang is a good place to get some fundamentals down. The rock also has no lack of exciting, gymnastic challenges for the experienced rock climber. Most routes are just one rope length long, but some rise hundreds of feet above the jungle and beach. Local Thai climbers have established a number of guiding services and will provide a full day of guiding for roughly $25. All the guides speak fluent English, and are experienced climbers familiar with the intricacies of the rock and the routes in the area.
There is beachfront accommodation in the form of cheap bungalows, and open-air restaurants scattered among the coconut trees. The sunsets are spectacular; the nightlife is decidedly casual. Phra Nang is surrounded by cliffs and accessible only by boat, making it much more laid-back than the resorts on neighboring Phuket or Ko Phi Phi.
The heat and humidity in southern Thailand can be oppressive at certain times of the year. The best season for rock climbing is from November to April, when the days are cooler and less sticky. Then again, you can always lower down from a climb for a dip in the ocean or a cool mai tai under the coconut trees.
King Climbers, Thailand
King has been teaching climbing in Phra Nang for over ten years. Offer a wide range of courses to meet all levels of climbing ability. It doesn't matter how old or young, unfit or uncoordinated, our instructors will find something you'll enjoy climbing. If you are looking for one on one tuition, Rit offers private guiding/ coaching.The Rock around Railay Beach routes are all bolted sport climbing routes. The French grading system is used. With over 700 routes ranging from beginner 5a's to classic multipitch 6a's right up to the extremes of 8c there's enough here to keep any climber busy for years. One of the first climbing schools in Railey Beach Thailand, King Climbers enjoy a long standing reputation for safety and high teaching standards. We are located on Railey Beach in Southern Thailand close to Krabi. More Info: http://www.railay.com/railay/intro/intro.shtml
Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures
In August 2009 their staff completed a 40-hour course in Wilderness Advanced First Aid. They work with international organizations such as Wilderness Medical Associates to bring instructors to Thailand. Plan an unforgettable stop on the vacation of a lifetime. Learn to be a safer, stronger climber. They have developed a climbing area and built a home in Chiang Mai for local and travelling climbers of all levels. Chiang Mai gives you the choice of climbing on plastic or real rock. 'The Peak Rock-Climbing Plaza' has the largest artificial climbing wall in Thailand. It's located on Changklan Road near the night bazaar, next door to Pizza Hut and Burger King in Chiangin Plaza.
Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures
55/3 Ratchapakhinai Road, T.Phra Singh A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, THAILAND
Tel. 66 (0) 53 207 102
Fax. 66 (0) 53 207 103
Mob. 66 (0) 86 911 1470
Email: info@thailandclimbing.com
Web: http://www.thailandclimbing.com/
Mountain Skills Rock Guides, New Mexico
If you have been rock climbing in Tunsai and Railay Bay in the Krabi Province of Southern Thailand, and you or a friend are looking to beat the crowds and experience Thailand rock climbing in a more remote setting, Mountain skills Thailand rock climbing guides can escort you to Thailand’s newest rock climbing destinations near Railay Bay rock climbing area. Let Mountain Skills Thailand Rock Climbing Guides escort you into paradise! Thailand rock climbing Guides are available October thru March only. Call or e-mail to book your next Thailand rock climbing adventure.Other activities: snorkeling, scuba diving, sea kayaking, speedboat
tours, sunbathing, and swimming.
Mountain Skills Rock Guides
P.O. Box 206, Arroyo Seco, New Mexico 87514
575-776-2222
Email: climb@climbingschoolusa.com
Web: www.climbingschoolusa.com
The Mountain Shop Adventures Co., Ltd.
The Mountain Shop offers half day, full day or multi-day rock climbing instruction and private guided trips. For half day trips, you can choose whether you would like to do a morning or afternoon course. Your rock climbing adventure will be designed to meet your individual needs. If you have never climbed before, we offer an introductory course that provides instruction and safety briefings before heading out to climb our beginner routes.
The Mountain Shop Adventures Co., Ltd.
4/2 Moo 4, Koh Yao Noi, Phang Nga 82160, Thailand
USA: (303) 938-8225
Thailand: +66 (0)848 41 1540, +66 (0)839 69 2023
Email: themountainshopadventures@gmail.com
Web: http://www.themountainshop.org/