TREKING & CAMPING IN THAILAND

Thailand is definitely one of the best place in the world for hiking and camping as there are an abundant number of national parks in the country. It should be stated that Thailand has the largest areas of protected forest areas in Southeast Asia and therefore hikers will find lots to do here. There are almost 50 national parks in Thailand; this number includes marine parks. These parks are managed and run by the national Parks Division of the Royal Forestry Department, and all offer great cottages and guesthouses. For those who prefer to camp out in the wilderness, national parks do allow visitors to pitch tents within specified areas.

Unlike the rest of the country, you will find that the parks are relatively cool all year round with temperatures averaging 30 degree Celsius. In fact, at year’s end (November-December during the cool season) parks can be quite chilly. Of course, being the tropics, these parks are also very humid (humidity here is almost 99%). A constant complaint for campers is that most washing never really dries even in the sunniest days due to the high levels of humidity.

Within Thailand’s national parks are also great waterfalls, which are a great stopover point for trekkers and bikers alike. Among the more famous and fantastic of them are Erawan Falls (probably the country’s most famous waterfall) located in Erawan National Park in western Thailand.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB

The best time to climb is November to mid February. July to October is the rainy season. Although boulders dry quickly, the rains will make your climb really slippery. December to February is a good time to climb however, it is also very crowded as this is the peak season. August is a generally the best time to climb in terms of crowds however, there is still the possibility of rain during this month.

CLIMBING IN SOUTHEAST THAILAND: GULF OF THAILAND

Ko Tao, accessible through Surat Thani at Ko Samui, is a relatively new destination for climbing. Located Northwest of Ko Samui and Ko Pha-ngan, Ko Tao and is the smallest and most isolated of these three islands in the southern end of the Gulf of Thailand. Climbing in Ko Tao is a completely different experience as the rocks here are granite boulders as opposed to Krabi’s overhanging limestone walls. This type of climbing is referred to as “bouldering”. More well known as a dive learning destination, Ko Tao is a destination with more than 40 mapped routes that offer solitude as opposed to the lively atmosphere in the Andaman destinations.

CLIMBING IN SOUTHERN THAILAND

Southern Thailand, Andaman Sea. Despite being more popular and famous for its pristine beaches, southern Thailand is the climbers hang-out. Probably the most famous climbing sites are Rai Ley Beach and Ton Sai in Phra Nang Bay. Both are located in Krabi, Thailand’s most developed and extensive climbing area. With over 500 bolted routes in walking distance, Rai Lay has become one of the world’s top climbing destinations. Over 650 routes have developed since the late 1980’s Routes heree follow limestones 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.

Phi Phi Island is another popular rock climbing destination. The majority of climbing here is conducted on Phi Phi Don. It should be noted that Phi Phi is an archipelago of 2 islands, Phi Phi Ley and Phi Phi Don.

Mountain climbing can also be conducted at Khao Sok National Park. Expeditions here are usually a combination of jungle trekking and visits to waterfalls within the park, as well as kayaking or bamboo rafting.

CLIMBING IN THE NORTHERN THAILAND

There are many great rock climbing location close to Chiang Mai. Being a mountainous region, northern Thailand is home to many challenging climbs, some of which have not been officially mapped out. Local knowledge is usually the main guiding reference. San Khampaeng is 45 km from town with more than a 100 climbing routes. The most famous and popular climbing site is called Crazy Horse – a rock formation resembling a horse. Crazy Horse is 80 metres high and leads to an interesting 40 metre cave. A lesser-known climbing site is at Chaiprakan district. Not as challenging as Crazy Horse, the site is home to a 25 metre sheer face in limestone cliffs with roughly 10 routes. Chaiprakarn is a rather scenic and rewarding experience with views of the valley, dropping away 200 metres below. A newer climbing site is located in Chiang Rai at Mae Kok River. Called Corner Climb, it comprises five acres within a 10 minute walk of the river – which can also be viewed from the upper reaches of the rock. Most routes have never been climbed and are limestone rocks. The longest route here is about 200 feet straight up. This climbing site is a minute bicycle ride from downtown Chiang Rai and is also a rather scenic site for climbing

CLIMBING DESTINATION FOR YOUNG IN CENTRAL THAILAND

Chon Buri and Lop Buri province are the leading climbing destinations in the central region. In Chon Buri province, Ko Sichang is one of the last few relatively less commercialized destinations in the coutry. Try the rock spires on the southern point of Had Tham Phang beach as well as some rock cliffs facing Wat Tham Yai Prik. Caves are also a big draw here the biggest being Tham Saowapha, just north of the stairs down to Had Sai Kaew.

Just 2-hours away from Bangkok in Lop Buri is Khao Cheen Lair where some great limestone continues to be the focus of routing activities for Bangkok residents. Khao Jeen Lair is accessed via a temple and is a sacred place of worship. To get to the cliff you actually have to walk through the temple and up to the main face. The abbot has requested that all climbers come and say hello before going up. Furthermore, there is actually a sacred cave in the cliff. They have asked that no-one climb above the scared cave at all; climbing along the sides is allowed. If access is to maintained it is essential that this is observed. The monks here are friendly and welcoming and of course always happy to receive donations and see people making merit

HOW TO START OFF ON A ROCK CLIMBING

To start off on a rock climbing experience is pretty simple, drop by at any gym that offers climbing walls for practice. This will give you a general idea on the sport. While in Thailand, visit some of these facilities to see if this is something you’d like to pursue further. Most places would be able hook you up with or, at least refer you to, reliable rock climbing schools and service operators.

Once you’re more comfortable with the basics, you can then sign-up for outdoor climbing with service operators. Most basic course last up to 3 days after which you will be able to try out the more challenging climbs. Your service operator will be able to give you instructions for appropriate climbs according to your skill. The level of skill required for each climbing site is indicated by standardized grading. Thailand used the French system which is generally accepted as the best sport-route grading method. The reason for using the French grades in Thailand is because the first routes in the country were put up by the French. According to the French system, 4 is considered easy whereas 8b is very difficult.

CLIMBING FOR YOUNG TRAVELER IN THAILAND

Climbing can be a dangerous sport and if you’re a beginner it’s always best to sign up for trips with a service provider who will be able to provider you with trained staff to accompany you on climbs. Even if you’re a seasoned climber, consulting a local means you will be provides with information on the various sites and the level of difficulty. Ti should be noted that most accidents in this sport happen because the climber, not equipment failure, thus making consultations with trained professionals very important.

CLIMBING IN THAILAND

Climbing in Thailand is probably one of the most spectacular activities that you can do. Unlike other rock climbing experiences, climbing in southern Thailand on lime stone surface that are only accessible by sea or, located right smack on the beach. Other good rock climbing locations are in central Thailand and the north. Some of the best locations for rock climbing are in the central region near Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani or in the spectacular limestone mountains that run through Kanchanaburi, Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan. On the east coast and easily accessible from Bangkok are sites in Chon Buri. The spectacular coastal cliff of the south, with futher pitches to be found on some of the islands. Surprisingly, rock climbing is not necessarily as arduous as one may think. Granted, being physically fit is a general must, especially upper body strength as you will need to lift your entire body weight with both arms and sometimes just your finger tips. Great climbing can also be experienced through in-door climbing and can be great fun for families.