Krabi is one of Thailand’s spectacular beach paradise destinations. The picturesque views from nearly anywhere in the province is postcard worthy, and will certainly make your friends and family back home envious. Many come here to bask under the sun, dive, snorkel, and simply do nothing but relax and enjoy the idyllic scenery.
However, Krabi isn’t all just sand and water. The incredible karst mountains that jet out from the ground and ocean below provide people seeking adventure with the perfect climbing conditions. Jagged limestone, craggy cliffs, and boulders are begging to be conquered. It’s simply a climbers dream, period.
So where can you climb in Krabi?
To climb with the cool kids, there are two awesome spots located on the mainland of Thailand. In the bustling coastal town of Ao Nang you can bask under the sun and then catch a long-tail boat to Ton Sai or Railay. Again, both are on the mainland, however you do need to take a boat to reach these places.
Railay Beach is a beautiful spot with nearby limestone islands sitting quietly in the distance as you ascend up the huge cliffs above all the lackluster sunbathers. There is a nearby lagoon that requires some free climbing to get to, so anyone can really do it. Should you want a fantastic new experience that’s rewarding and challenging, sign up for a deep water solo climb. This form of climbing doesn’t involve ropes, so when you fall, only the clear ocean water is there to catch you.
If you want to tone it down a bit, the nearby Ton Sai Beach offers climbing as well and is for the more avid climbers who have a sense of living simply. Most of the accommodation are simple bungalow style huts with a few exceptions, if you’re willing to pay the price, and almost the entire area runs on generators at night (which if you haven’t guessed, means no electricity during the day). The scene is equally as spectacular on Ton Sai and you are surrounded by mountains of rock. Pick one and climb!
Perhaps the busiest, yet also equally beautiful spot for climbing, is Koh Phi Phi. That’s right, Krabi’s little darling gem that receives visitors from around the world and serves as one of iconic images of Thailand, can also be climbed. So if you are just stopping by to get a glimpse of that famous view, feel free to get a good climb in as well for even more amazing scenery and of course, bragging rights.
Alright, so you are now ready for a secret spot, the newer climbing spot on the scene, the spot that many might not know about… If that’s what you’re craving, then Koh Yao Noi is your place. Let’s hope this ideal climbing location doesn’t get too big because right now, it’s just perfect for getting away from the high season crowds on the mainland climbing spots. Be aware this island is not exactly equipt for tourists. It’s most definitely still under the radar so don’t come here expecting the infrastructure and conveniences you might have on the mainland. You come here, climb, beach it, sleep, and repeat the next day. Enjoy and climb on.
Photos by Benjamin, Mark Fischer and Will McElwain
