Krabi has earned its reputation as an international rock-climbing mecca. The lofty limestone karsts, surrounded by the crystal blue sea, beckon many world-class climbers. Whether you are looking for some thrill in the middle of a laid-back holiday or seeking some serious adventure, rock climbing in Krabi is one of the best activities you can opt for. Krabi has over 700 bolted routes graded from F4 (easy) to F8c (pros). Before starting on the adventure, local suggestions and advice from climbing schools are recommended to learn about the situation, prerequisites, and dos and don'ts of rock climbing.
Best time for Rock Climbing in Krabi
Regardless of season, rock climbing in Krabi can be taken up any time during the year. Best Season October- April Avoid Monsoons - May to October (especially for first-time rock climbers) Best time of the day: Morning It may get too hot in the afternoons, from around 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. It is best that the sessions come to an end before sundown.
The Diamond Cave Wall is one of the top 3 areas visited by rock climbing schools and is ideal for beginner and intermediate climbers. There are 15 routes with varying grades, from 5a to 7a.
Location: Railay East, opposite Phutawan Resort next to Highland Coffee and the National Park office.
2. 123 Wall
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Suitable for both new and intermediate climbers, 123 Wall, too makes to the list of top 3 sites for rock climbing in Krabi. This place also has routes for seasoned climbers and offers some of the best sea views. There are 215 routes of varying grades here, from 4b to 7b.
Location: Railay East Beach, off the main walkway to Phra Nang Beach on the left hand side.
3.The Pinnacle
Frequented mostly by beginners, this rock climbing destination has courses here ranging from 4-6b.
Location: Railay East Beach, off the main walkway to Phra Nang Beach, opposite 123 wall.
4. Ducan’s Boot
Perfect for advanced and intermediate climbers, grades here vary from 6a to 7a+. May-September is the best time to climb Ducan’s Boot, which is steep, and composed of good grey overhanging rocks.
Location: It is located near 123 wall. Climbers will have to walk down the coastline past 123 wall, and near a jumble of boulders and bamboo trees, and to find the trail that leads to Duncan's Boot.
Recommended for beginners and intermediate climbers, Muay Thai Wall has nine routes, varying between 5 and 7b.
Location: Next to 123 wall
6. Muay Thai Continued
This route is ideal for beginner and intermediate climbers. It has five routes ranging between 5 and 6b.
Location: Phra-Nang Peninsula, Railay. Next to Muay Thai Wall
7. Phra Nang Beach
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Phra Nang Beach is perfect for advanced climbers, and intermediate climbers can try out the route too. A unique feature is that this wall remains protected and dry even when it rains and is among the top 3 walls visited by the rock climbing schools daily. It has 14 routes, varying between 6a and 8a.
Location: Phra Nang Beach, next to Rayavadee beachfront and Princess cave shrine.
8. The Keep
Another great rock climbing spot for advanced and intermediate climbers, The Keep has eight routes ranging between 6b and 7b.
Location: Near 123 wall. Climbers will have to walk to the very end of the peninsula and follow a trail leading to a split in the rock. Then, one would need to follow the split to the top to find a fixed route access to the wall.
9. Escher Wall
Escher Wall is one of the most visited walls as it has routes ideal for beginners, intermediate climbers, and advanced climbers. There are around 20 routes, varying from 5 to 7a.
Location: One would need to reach the end of Phra Nang Beach, and turn right into a shrub of bushes and trees. There is a footpath and ropes that would give access to the foot of the crag.
10. Thaiwand Wall
Recommended for intermediate and advanced climbers, the Thaiwand wall has 18 courses ranging from 6a to 7b+. This wall has single and multi-pitch climbs with stunning views of the Railay beach.
Rock climbing schools in Krabi offer different adventure packages depending on your expertise and the amount of time you wish to invest. Here is a brief of the various rock climbing adventure choices.
Beginners course The beginner courses will be an introduction to rock climbing, where you will learn the basics of how to tie knots and basic rope climbing techniques and also understand rope security and safety.
Intermediate course Those with essential rock climbing experience can enrol for the intermediate course. Here, one can improve their skills, learn new techniques, and scale greater heights in tougher rock routes.
Advanced course Advanced courses include climbing experiences in multi-pitch routes, an ideal course for seasoned climbers.
Depending on your needs and the duration of time you want to devote for Rock Climbing in Krabi, you could make your pick from several tailored courses. You can also enrol for private sessions, family trips or group trips.
Half-day Climbing Trips A half-day climbing route would usually last for 4-5 hours, ideal for beginners and intermediate travelers. The courses used in these are generally easy.
Full-Day Climbing Trips Ideal for big groups, or seasoned travellers, these full-day trips include longer routes that might need 7-8 hours to climb and come back. Activities like abseiling and rappelling could be included in the climbing trips.
Multi-day Rock Climbing Courses Encompassing of 2-3 days, these rock climbing courses cover significant places like Railay, Tonsai, and Chong Pli. These are ideal for extreme adventurers and experienced climbers.
Private Climbing Available for both passionate beginners and experienced climbers, the private sessions will ensure you are trained under guided climbers. These courses are ideal for those who want to master the sport at a short span, as well as for solo travellers. They are available for both short and long hours, i.e., for 4 hours, as well as sessions for 8-9 hours.
Here are some of the well known Rock Climbing Schools and adventure providers in Krabi:
Real Rocks Climbing School is the only school in Southern Thailand offering regular training and instructor certification to its climbing guides. It has an experienced and international team of certified instructors that offer packages like beginners and family climbing tours, intermediate and advanced rock climbing tours, and certified sport climbing courses.
Address: 116 Moo 5 T. Saithai, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand Phone: +66 (0) 807 181 351 Timings: 9:00 AM Session Timings: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
2. King Climbers Railay Beach Climbing Centre
The King Climbers Railay Beach Climbing Centre is one of the oldest Climbing schools in Krabi offering different rock climbing experiences on different levels, for beginners as well as seasoned climbers. The school provides 3-day courses, 1-day courses, and half-day courses.
Address: Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81000, Thailand Phone: +66 75 662 096 Timings: 9:00 AM Session Timings: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Founded in 1994, Hot Rock Climbing School in Krabi's Railey is among the foremost institutions providing certified rock climbing experiences in Krabi. Here, you can opt for Kids and Family Climbing courses that last for about 4 hours, ½ Day Introduction Course (4 hours), a day Introduction Course(8 hours, 3 day sports Rock Climbing Course(8 hours a day), as well as Private Climbing ( available for 4 hours and 9 hours).
Address: Unnamed Road, 81000 Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand Phone: +66 85 641 9842 Timings: 9:00 AM Session Timings: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
4. Krabi Rock Climbing School
Located at Railay Beach, Krabi Rock Climbing School provides climbing courses for all levels, from the beginner to the advanced!
Address: Railay Beach, Tambon Ao Nang, Amphoe Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81180, Thailand Phone: +66 95 028 3143 Session Timings: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
5. Karst climbing
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Karst climbing is a Rock Climbing School and Guide Service Ao Nang, consisting of trained instructors offering guided rock climbing trips and courses Krabi. Services include packages for first-time rock climbers as well as seasoned travellers, in Railay, Tonsai, and Chong Pli.
Address: 873 Moo 2 Unit 8, Ao Nang, Mueang Krabi District, Krabi 81180, Thailand Phone: +66 94 210 1453 Session Timings: 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Climbing gears
Proper sports shoes
Comfortable clothing
Water bottles.
Wearing climbing shoes/approach shoes is advised.
The experience providers usually supply Helmets, ropes, harnesses, and belay devices.
These are also available for rent or purchase at many Krabi stores, including at the Rock Climbing Schools mentioned above.
Essential Tips
Traveling is convenient for tourists around Krabi, using a cab or tuk-tuk to reach their destination.
Hiring two-wheelers is also a good idea.
Google Maps works well in Krab as well.
It is helpful to buy a local SIM card at the airport itself.
It is advisable to call the Rock Climbing School’s official number and inquire in advance as many institutes provide pick-up and drop-off facilities.
Rock climbing in Krabi can be an amazing and thrilling experience. Whether you are an adrenaline junkie or somebody who wants to try out something new, scaling the massive limestone rocks will be an adventure you will remember for life. Krabi is one of the most sought-after areas for rock climbing in the world, and remember that the view of the sea from the top of the lofty rocks is nothing but magical!
