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	Image credit: Flickr’s Creative Commons

Krabi, Thailand, is known as a world-class rock-climbing destination, and climbing on the distinctive limestone karst formations is truly a remarkable experience. The main rock-climbing areas of Krabi are Ton Sai, Railay and Phra Nang, where the stunning karst formations jut dramatically out of the Andaman Sea. You don’t need to be an experienced rock climber or a top-notch athlete to give rock climbing a try in this gorgeous part of Thailand.

Thousands of bolted routes are set up along the rock faces for climbers to explore and there has been a recent effort by a group of dedicated people to replace the bolted routes with titanium to make them even stronger and safer. The bolts are set close together, providing a safe environment to make climbing easier.

Whether you are a first-time climber or a long-time enthusiast, rock climbing in Krabi is a fantastic adventure. If you’re staying at one of the many , you’ll be able to look out at some of the awesome terrain to get yourself pumped up to go climbing!

Railay Beach

On Railay Beach there are more than 700 different routes up the nearby rock outcroppings and cliffs. These climbing routes vary from simple and fun beginner routes to slightly more challenging multi-pitch routes to extreme challenges. It is also possible to go free climbing or bouldering at Railay Beach, with great routes that rise at least 20 feet above the sand or even higher above the deep water.

If you are a beginner you can book a half-day tour or a longer one-day or three-day tour. The tour will usually pick you up at around 7:30 a.m. and drive you to the beach. You will receive plenty of instruction to get you started on your way and you’ll be supervised by experienced guides every step of the way.

This picturesque island is part of Mu Koh Phi Phi National Park and it was made famous by the Leonardo DiCaprio film “The Beach.” There is a laid-back party vibe to this island, with plenty of pubs, restaurants and fire-spinning shows to entertain you in the evening. However, it is also a serious rock-climbing destination, so don’t go to bed too late as you will want to get up and try a climb. One of the most popular spots is the Ton Sai Tower, which has routes that range from 9 to over 90 metres.

This island is just offshore from Krabi and it is much less developed than some of the other tourist hotspots in the region. The residents live a simple and slow-paced life, making their living by fishing. Rock-climbing enthusiasts have begun to discover the remarkable scenery and the excellent climbing opportunities. Most of the climbs are only accessible by boat and are stunning pristine tracks that range from beginner- to advanced-level.

At Ton Sai, looming limestone rock formations hang over the beach and the climbing routes offer the challenges of making your way over these formations. There are bolted routes here or free-climbing areas on the sandy beach.

This area also has an excellent array of bouldering opportunities, including a region where you can free climb to a ledge that is approximately 12 metres above the sand and then make your way down via a ladder. There is even a sheltered cave-bouldering area where you can climb on a rainy day.

If your rock climbing adventure in Krabi will be your first time rock climbing, here are some tips to remember:

• Warm up. Always warm up and stretch before a climb, as it will improve the flexibility of your muscles and help prevent injury.
• Listen. Climbing is a dangerous sport, so always listen to the guides and follow the safety procedures.
• Hydrate. Bring plenty of water. The weather is hot in Thailand, and it is easy to become dehydrated.
• Hit the wall. Keep your body close to the wall. When you keep your centre of gravity as close to the wall as possible, you will make it much easier to stay in control.
• Don’t drink and climb. Save the refreshing Thai beers for after your climb, as navigating a rock face while impaired is a dangerous idea.

Have fun and enjoy rock climbing in beautiful Krabi, Thailand.

About the Author: Elizabeth Bourne is a freelance travel writer and rock-climbing enthusiast. She loves to stay in so that she can be close to the best rock climbing in this gorgeous region of Thailand.