Krabi's Activities and Alternative Attractions.

The limestone cliffs that make the Krabi landscape are heaven for rock-climbing enthusiasts, who come from all over the globe to take up the challenge of climbing.

Over 650 routes have developed since the late 1980's when Krabi first witnessed the sight of people scaling it's craggy mountains.

Routes follow limestone crags, steep, pocketed walls, overhangs and hanging stalactites. Some are accessed by boat while others are approached via a jungle walk or by abseiling above the sea.

Using the French grading system, routes range 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.

The headland between Tham Phra Nang (Phra Nang Cave Beach) and Railay East harbours some particularly popular spots, with good climbing for both beginners and more experienced climbers. Guided climbs and instruction are available around most of the resorts and bungalows in Ao Nang and Railay East Beach.

Climbing gear is readily available for hire, if you don't want to bring your own or don't have any. Ensure that your guides and equipment are from a reliable company. King Climbers, one of the first climbing schools in Thailand, have a of minimum of five years climbing experience and are accredited by the ACGA. Ask around.

The rock is all limestone and is part of the worlds largest coral reef, stretching from China down to Papua New Guinea. The 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.

As you'll probably know we were hit by a tsunami on Xmas 2004. The local climbing community really pulled together to help clean up. The support we got from the international climbing community who donated cash and time to help pay peoples hospital bills was truly impressive. Thank you to everyone who helped out! Now everything is back to normal. If anyone has any news or pictures they would like posting on the site.

There are 7 major walls in Phi Phi, all equipped with glue-in bolts. Some of the best easier grade multi-pitch climbs in Thailand are to be found here, most of which are done over a mesmerizing blue sea. For a beginner, Tonsai Tower on it’s own offers about 20 routes grade 5 to 6b+ all in a row. All glue-in bolts. All ring anchors.

Most guidebooks seem to bypass this fantastic climbing area. What follows is our attempt to fill in their blanks. This is a supplement only. You should have a guide book with topos.

Climbing on Phi Phi was started in the late 80’s mostly by Dutch and French expeditions, by the mid 90s climbing practically ceased to exist here due to the well-known problem of bolt corrosion. Yet Phi Phi offers some of the best walls in Thailand with walls of steep limestone overlooking pristine beaches. The following update is to put an end to all the rumors that still persist two years after the tsunami.