Several kilometers to the east of Phuket’s sandy beaches lies the rock walls of Krabi. Its karst limestone walls of various heights and shapes make it a world-class rock-climbing destination for climbers, regardless of their level of experience. Rock climbing in Krabi is a good exercise. If you get to the top of these promontories, your reward is a beautiful view of the Andaman Sea. But here are some things you should remember when rock climbing in Krabi:
1. Know the hazards and prepare for them
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced climber, you can enjoy rock climbing in this part of Thailand. There are bolts along wall routes you make use of, and they can make the climbing experience easier and safer, especially for beginners. But whether you’re experienced or a beginner, safety is the number one thing you should consider.
Wear protective gear such as helmets and goggles to protect yourself from possible rock falls and sharp edges. Wear gloves so that the sweat on your palms won’t make your grip slippery. If you are a beginner, it’s better to play it safe. Wear a harness and a pair of climbing shoes.
Before you start your climb, warm-up first to avoid cramps. Do some push-ups, stretches and jog around the place for at least 10 minutes.
If you are in a group, you should climb one at a time as the pressure applied to some parts of the rock might break them off and hurt other people below. When climbing, don’t rush; try to relax and plan your next move carefully.
Don’t push through with your climb if the weather is bad. Lightning may strike and rain will cause the karst limestone walls to become slippery. Strong winds can swing you around and fling you against the wall. The waves in the sea will also prevent you from traveling to nearby climbing spots such as Koh Yao Noi.
2. Respect Krabi’s landscape and life
The next thing you should learn is how to be a responsible climber. Before you start climbing the karst limestone walls, you must understand that they are ancient; and as such are defenseless against human carelessness. Don’t harm the rocks, the flora, or the fauna living in the area. If you see a wall that’s already teeming with people, find another place where you can climb. Also, leave no trace of your visit behind. Throw away your trash and pack up your climbing equipment. Don’t forget to be polite to the locals.
3. Try easy climbs first
For beginners, an easy climb is a matter of practicality and safety. For more advanced climbers, easy climbs can serve as a form of warm-up before they move on to more challenging walls. In Railay Beach, there are 700 different routes climbers can choose from, and those routes include simple courses. There are boulders in that area where skilled individuals can go free climbing. Aside from the choice of bolted routes, beginners can choose tours in Railay, ranging from half-a-day to three days. Railay also as experienced guides who are ready to help you on your adventure, and you will need them to ensure your safety and security.
Ton Sai offers both free climbing and bolted climbing. In Koh Yao Noi, there are tracks available for climbers of varying skill levels. The Ton Sai Tower in Koh Phi Phi also offers bolted routes. Depending on your endurance and tolerance of heights, you can climb walls that are up to 90 meters tall. If you’re scared of heights, you can stick to the ones that are only 9 meters tall.
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