Calling all adventure-seekers, outdoor enthusiasts, and world travelers! If you’d like to take your vacation to new heights, you must try rock climbing in Thailand! Nothing compares to the thrill of scaling the limestone cliffs of Chiang Mai, exploring the deep caverns in Krabi, or seeing the Andaman Sea from a bird’s eye view. So, what are you waiting for? Come get your climb on and explore The Land of Smiles from a completely new perspective!
Read on to discover the best places to go rock climbing in Thailand. If you’d like to keep up with our latest adventures, be sure to follow our blog! It’s full of travel tips to help inspire you for your next action-packed getaway.
Top 5 Places to Go Rock Climbing in Thailand
Whether you’re a beginner or a bouldering pro, there is a rock climbing experience for everyone in The Land of Smiles. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Krabi, Thailand
You simply haven’t lived until you’ve tried rock climbing in Krabi Province, Thailand! With pristine white-sand beaches and vertical limestone walls, the views from the top are well worth the climb. Some of the most popular ascents are located at Railay Beach and Tonsai. These areas are just a short longboat ride away from each other, so it’s easy to hit both in one day.
If you’re inexperienced, we recommend starting at Railay Beach. Besides being one of the most beautiful destinations on Earth, the beach is a rock climbing paradise. Many of the local tour guides can easily take you there and show you the ropes. From half-day tours to 3-day-long climbing excursions, there are a variety of experiences to choose from. If you’re feeling brave enough, you can even go cliff diving on Railay Beach!
Are you looking for more of a challenge? You’ll love rock climbing in Tonsai, Thailand. Located in a bay alongside the Thai mainland, this village is only accessible via boat. When you visit, you’ll discover sheer limestone cliffs protruding straight out of the sparkling blue water. With grades ranging from 5+ to 8c, there is something for every skill level. Tonsai is also a popular destination for kayaking, swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. But beware: once you visit this little slice of paradise, you may never want to leave!
2. Koh Tao (Turtle Island)
If you’re looking for the best rock climbing near Koh Phangan or Koh Samui, head over to Koh Tao (a.k.a. Turtle Island). It takes 1-2 hours to reach the island via high-speed catamaran. Once you arrive, you will be in awe. This little island may be small in size, but it boasts one of the largest granite boulder fields in the country! There are more than 200 boulders to explore, as well as remote jungles, soaring mountains, seaside cliffs, and 80 bolted sport routes. Climbers who make it to the top of these will be rewarded with panoramic views of white sandy beaches and the glittering Gulf of Thailand.
Some of the most popular areas for climbing in Koh Tao are Meks Mountain, Golden View, Jansom Bay, Lang Khai, and The Secret Garden. Take a tour with any of the local guides or embark on your own bouldering excursion. After your climb, hit the beach, go snorkeling around the colorful coral reefs, or relax with a soothing Thai massage. Stay as little or as long as you’d please. Turtle Island is also a great spot for scuba diving, deep sea diving, shopping, and dining.
3. Chiang Mai and Lampang (Northern Thailand)
Chiang Mai and Lampang are the crown jewels of Northern Thailand rock climbing. In contrast to the tropical beaches in the south, Northern Thailand features higher elevations and craggy rock formations. One of the most famous climbing spots is Crazy Horse Buttress, which is just 25 miles outside of Chiang Mai. The crag has more than 50 pitches and a range of easy, intermediate, and difficult grades. Unfortunately, access to Crazy Horse is currently closed due to legal complications. However, it is expected to reopen sometime in 2020. Stay tuned!
Would you like to go rock climbing in Northern Thailand right now? Check out Lampang! With more than 32 routes and counting, excitement about the region’s newest climbing destination is spreading like wildfire. The crag stands at a whopping 120 meters, towering over lush rainforests, deep caves, and picturesque landscapes. Needless to say, you can expect a rewarding and challenging climb every time!
Routes at Lampang range from 5a to 6c, so there is something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we recommend taking an excursion with Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures. They offer the best selection of rock climbing and rappelling tours, caving experiences, instructional courses, overnight adventures, and private guided tours in Lampang.
4. Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi is world-famous for its exotic islands, perfect beaches, and sparkling aquamarine seas. From the dreamy Maya Bay to the beautiful Bamboo Island, it’s easy to see why this island paradise is hailed as the most romantic honeymoon destination in Thailand. But did you know that Koh Phi Phi is also one of the top rock climbing spots in Southeast Asia?
If there’s just one place you should go rock climbing in Thailand, this is it! Take a trip to the Tonsai Tower on Koh Phi Phi Don and let the adventure begin. The island’s main rock formation has 30 moderate routes and a few more challenging ones as well. Two of them will take you all the way to the top of the 450-foot summit. Don’t forget to bring your camera! The views are unreal.
5. Koh Yao Noi
When it comes to rock climbing near Phuket, this hidden gem should be at the top of your list! Koh Yao Noi is a secluded and tranquil island located in the Andaman Sea. You won’t find many beaches, busy attractions, or large crowds of tourists here. However, what you will discover on Koh Yao Noi is the rock climbing experience of a lifetime! You’ll feel as if you have the entire island to yourself as you navigate lush jungles, traverse jagged cliffs, and explore places less traveled.
Visiting Koh Yao Noi is not recommended for beginners or the faint of heart. In fact, climbing here is technically “banned” (although it’s unofficially ok to go ahead and climb anyway). Be aware that many of the approaches can only be reached via boating, hiking, or motorbiking through twisty jungle roads. While it may be difficult to plan out your climbing excursion on Koh Yao Noi, you’ll be rewarded with phenomenal views and memories you’ll never forget.
Rock Climbing in Thailand – What to Bring
Are you wondering what to pack for a rock climbing in Thailand excursion? Many of the tour guides will provide gear and meals, but here are some other must-have accessories:
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- Small backpack
- Snacks like granola bars
- Refillable water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Camera
- GoPro
- Reasonable closed toed shoes
- Booking voucher
- Your sense of wonder!
Looking For More Adventure? Try Cliff Jumping in Thailand!
What’s the only thing more thrilling than rock climbing in Thailand? Cliff diving, of course! Nothing will get your adrenaline racing like a free-fall into these sparkling aqua waters. Do you think you’re brave enough to take the leap? Below are some of the top spots for cliff jumping in Thailand. Before you go, we recommend downloading BigSwingsApp from the App Store. This useful tool will take you to the exact cliff jumping locations that other travelers have pinned on a map.
- Railay Beach Cliff Jumping
- Cliff Jumping in Phi Phi Islands
- Koh Lanta Cliff Jumping
- Krabi, Thailand Cliff Jumping
- Cliff Jumping Koh Samui
- Khoa Tao Cliff Jumping
Stay in the Loop! Follow Our Blog For More Great Travel Inspo
You only live once so why not make the most of every moment? Girl, book the trip! One thing’s for sure: you won’t regret the decision to go rock climbing in Thailand. Whether you’re planning a honeymoon, a friend’s getaway, or a solo trip, it will be an experience you will always treasure.
Want to keep up with our latest adventures? Follow our blog for more insider’s tips about the best beaches, excursions, hidden gems, and secret places in Thailand. You’ll be the first to know about our favorite destinations and bucket list trips around the world. If you enjoyed this post, feel free to give it a like or share on Facebook. Happy travels!
