8 years ago at Aonang, I
saw an advertisement on rock climbing. I didn't have the time to do it back
then and I purposely went back to Krabi just to rock climb.
We did our research on
the internet but weren't sure which rock climbing school to go with., so we decided
that once we arrived at Aonang, we would visit those little shops selling activity packages that previously gave us good rates and discounts.
In the end, we decided on King
Climbers and a one day course. You can choose from 3 courses, set out below:-
- Self rescue, and rope technique
- Top rope climbing
- Rappelling
- Lead climbing
- Multi-pitch climbing
- Copy of our course booklet
- Certificate and T-shirt
- Hotel pick up from Krabi Ao Nang area
- Lunch and water
- Cost: 6 000 Baht for one person
- Discounts for larger groups
One Day Courses:
- Top rope climbing at two locations on Railay Beach
- Safety Instruction
- Rappelling/ Abseiling
- Hotel pick up from Krabi Ao Nang area
- Lunch and water
- Cost: 1800 Baht
Half Day Courses:
- Top rope climbing in paradise! (an introduction to climbing for the beginner)
- Basic safety instruction
- Hotel pick up from Krabi Ao Nang area
- Fruit and water
- Cost: 1000 Baht
Upon pick up from our hotel (or should I say we walked to the shop about 7.30a.m. where we bought our package from), a tuk tuk from King Climbers came and picked us up. The tuk tuk will also pick other climbers up from different hotels and resorts. Once all climbers are picked up, we were brought to the jetty for our 15 minute boat ride from Aonang pier to Railay beach.
Upon arrival at Railay
beach, we were brought to the King Climbers’ office (approximately 10 minutes’
walk from the pier) and were asked to sign indemnity forms and were asked to try
our climbing shoes and put on the safety harness. We were also asked to
choose our lunch from the menu that they showed us, rice with chicken, beef or
fish. After that, we were separated into groups (not sure how they separated us
but in our group of 4 we did have experienced climbers) and were assigned to our
climbing instructor.
 |
| In front of the office at Railay beach |
We walked for quite a
while, about 20 minutes, to a climbing site which was inside a village and there
were temples. Once we were there, for beginner climbers, our instructor Ian
gave us safety briefing, how to tie an egg knot, use chalk when necessary,
teach us how to climb and come down safely.
As a first timer, we
were given the easiest rock to climb. Check out the pictures:-
 |
| All gear up |
 |
| Tired after 1 climb |
 |
| Getting ready for 2nd climb |
 |
| Linda and me |
 |
| Don't know where to step and hold |
Once we were done, we
were asked to clean our hands and they brought us to the local village nearby
for our lunch. Food is provided with mineral water. If you want to order other
cold beverages, you will have to pay for them. The food was alright, rice and 1
dish.
After lunch, we were
brought to another climbing area and this was looking more challenging than the
other cliffs, situated at the Railay beach. The cliffs here are filled with tourists’
climbers and were very busy. Ian managed to find a spot for us to climb. I climbed
25 metres on one of the highest cliffs and once up there, there is a tiny spot
for your little bump to sit and view the spectacular view of Railay beach. It
was worthwhile to be up so high.
Ascending was difficult
for people like me having short legs but descending was pretty easy.
Check out the pictures:-
 |
| While waiting for your turn to climb, took picture |
 |
| Our group photo |
I successfully climbed 6
cliffs in just one day, with the highest cliff at 25 metres at Railay beach.
After the climb, my fingers hurt and back muscles were in pain. Steve and I
went for a Thai massage in the evening and it was relaxing. Will I come back
for more rock climbing? Yes of course.
Here is the summary:-
What to bring for the climb
- Wear comfortable clothes, i.e. climbing pants, sleeveless t-shirt, cap, thin gloves (if you want to)
- Bring extra change of clothes
- Towel to wipe your sweat
- Money to buy drinks and tit bits at the café or small shops at Railay beach
What to expect
- Breathtaking sceneries once you climb to the top of the cliff at Railay beach
- Nice boat ride and at the same time admiring the clear blue sea
- Learn how to rock climb
- Fun Fun Fun
- Nice beach compared to Aonang
- Getting dirty after the climb
Where to find the rock
climbing school:-
King Climbers
1, Tambon Ao Nang
Amphoe Muang Krabi
Krabi 81000 Thailand
Tel: +66 81 476 6035
For more info, go to http://www.railay.com/railay/climbing/climbing_courses.shtml
