Thailand’s international tourism industry is booming. In the past couple of years Thailand has seen a sharp increase in American tourists and welcomes all who visit. To add to the appeal, the beautiful islands of Koh Phi Phi, Railay, and Koh Yao Noi are home to some excellent rock climbing in a beautiful tropical setting. The best part is, these local crags aren’t very far from your hotel and offer some of the best climbing in Thailand.
Grateful Wall (Mang Sau) –Koh Yao Noi
The Grateful Wall is a private ocean side climbing area offering single pitch sport routes up to 130 feet long. The reason this area is so private is because it’s only accessible by boat. You can charter one for the day for a minimal fee and enjoy these 5.10-5.12 routes. If they tire you out you can check out some great snorkeling at the nearby beach.
Tonsai Tower – Koh Phi Phi
This massive tower is full of 5.8 moderates to more difficult 5.11 routes. They range from 40 feet for shorter climbs and up to 450 feet for routes to the summit. This tower has seen a lot of re-bolting and now sports mostly titanium and stainless steel glue in bolts, all have been placed after the year 2000. This wall is also popular with climbing schools. Guides are always friendly and cooperative if you want to climb something they are using, just ask!
Drinking Wall – Koh Phi Ph
This neat wall is accessible via a trail just 15-20 min. from Tonsai Tower. The routes are shorter, but more challenging then Tonsai Tower. Expect the lowest rated routes to be 5.10+ and the harder routes to be 5.12. The drinking wall is less featured then most of the other walls in Koh Phi Phi and provides hard routes with challenging and fun crux sections.
Thaiwand Wall – Railay Beach
Some of the locals consider the Thaiwand Wall one of the best crags in South East Asia. This massive formation of limestone offers long, challenging multi-pitch routes with a reward of fantastic views at the top. The area is full of overhangs so plan your descent carefully and try to get off by sunset because navigating the jungle in the dark is very difficult with no trail. It’s also unique because the formation is hollow. Non-climbers can scale their way to the top via ladders and fixed lines from inside the rock formation.
Thailand is home to countless opportunities for world class climbing in an exotic location and is sure to offer an experience you’ll never forget. If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of route finding, transporting gear, and want to maximize your climbing in Thailand make sure to contact us and let Apex Mountain School take you on the climbing adventure of a lifetime.
