Climber's Paradise, Ton Sai
Posted by ANTTI LOUHI | | Posted On perjantai 6. toukokuuta 2011
I was wrong.
I mentioned some weeks ago that it can't get much better when we were driving around the rural areas of Yangshuo and climbing every possible route available. I didn't know then that there is place where you can climb similar rock faces and land on a tropical beach after sending perfect limestone routes.
Ton Sai.
We travelled to Krabi province some 800 kilometers south of Bangkok after flying from Saigon to Thailand. The surrounding areas of Krabi are ideal destinations for anyone who likes to enjoy white sandy beaches, coral reefs, jungles and remote islands. For us, the most appealing destination was a beach called Ton Sai, known of its overhanging limestone cliffs which make this small area a heaven for rock climbers. The beach is surrounded by high mountains walls and accessible only by longtail boats from Krabi town or other beach destinations. In addition to the short powerful sport routes there are actually several 200 meter multi-pitch climbs with spectacular views and a lot of bouldering. If you feel lazy and don't want to trek to jungle crags, you can stay at the beach-side areas and actually belay from a bar patio if you feel so. Or you can take a tropical ocean swim in the Andaman Sea between climbs. Living is cheap, food is cheap and beer is cheap. Lovely people, friendly fellow climbers and laid-back atmosphere. What more can you ask for?
I've broken my iPhone, lost my shoes and spent all of my money but there's no need to worry. This place makes every climber busy enough to forget all the problems and focus on two things. Hugging the karst and enjoying life. Though I already find it hard to leave, I feel the same way as when leaving Nepal or any of my other favourite places. I know I will return to this remote beach and don't have to worry about farewells. Ton Sai became one of my favourite destinations in SEA and the highlight of this climbing trip around Asia.
Everything starts and ends here. KSR, Bangkok.
Air Asia is not for travellers taller than 180cm.
On the way to Ton Sai from Ao Nang.
Looking for newcomers.
Ton Sai beach.
Looking for the route beta on Dum's Kitchen wall.
Some of the routes can be climbed only during low tide when the first holds are not underwater.
Zenith.
Anu joined us after spending some time in Bali.
She also brought her gear to test the Andaman limestone.
Hippies playing with fire. This rasta accidentally set his dreadlocks on fire.
Thaiwand Wall has several multi-pitch climbs all the way from the foot of the cliff to the top.
Say hello to our little friend.
Provisions from Krabi town.
Midday is too hot for sending anything. Only very easy stuff can be climbed while the infernal midday sun is blazing.
These guys woke us up every morning at 6 AM by jumping on the roof of our bungalow and throwing coconuts around.
Sunset at the beach.
Longtail boat.
Fresh fish is always available at the local restaurants.
Anu working on the "Lion King".
View from Ton Sai.
1-2-3 Wall at Railey beach. This area is not accessible during high tide.
View to the beach after finishing the first pitch of the climb.
I mentioned some weeks ago that it can't get much better when we were driving around the rural areas of Yangshuo and climbing every possible route available. I didn't know then that there is place where you can climb similar rock faces and land on a tropical beach after sending perfect limestone routes.
Ton Sai.
We travelled to Krabi province some 800 kilometers south of Bangkok after flying from Saigon to Thailand. The surrounding areas of Krabi are ideal destinations for anyone who likes to enjoy white sandy beaches, coral reefs, jungles and remote islands. For us, the most appealing destination was a beach called Ton Sai, known of its overhanging limestone cliffs which make this small area a heaven for rock climbers. The beach is surrounded by high mountains walls and accessible only by longtail boats from Krabi town or other beach destinations. In addition to the short powerful sport routes there are actually several 200 meter multi-pitch climbs with spectacular views and a lot of bouldering. If you feel lazy and don't want to trek to jungle crags, you can stay at the beach-side areas and actually belay from a bar patio if you feel so. Or you can take a tropical ocean swim in the Andaman Sea between climbs. Living is cheap, food is cheap and beer is cheap. Lovely people, friendly fellow climbers and laid-back atmosphere. What more can you ask for?
I've broken my iPhone, lost my shoes and spent all of my money but there's no need to worry. This place makes every climber busy enough to forget all the problems and focus on two things. Hugging the karst and enjoying life. Though I already find it hard to leave, I feel the same way as when leaving Nepal or any of my other favourite places. I know I will return to this remote beach and don't have to worry about farewells. Ton Sai became one of my favourite destinations in SEA and the highlight of this climbing trip around Asia.
Everything starts and ends here. KSR, Bangkok.
Air Asia is not for travellers taller than 180cm.
On the way to Ton Sai from Ao Nang.
Looking for newcomers.
Ton Sai beach.
Looking for the route beta on Dum's Kitchen wall.
Some of the routes can be climbed only during low tide when the first holds are not underwater.
Zenith.
Anu joined us after spending some time in Bali.
She also brought her gear to test the Andaman limestone.
Hippies playing with fire. This rasta accidentally set his dreadlocks on fire.
Thaiwand Wall has several multi-pitch climbs all the way from the foot of the cliff to the top.
Say hello to our little friend.
Provisions from Krabi town.
Midday is too hot for sending anything. Only very easy stuff can be climbed while the infernal midday sun is blazing.
These guys woke us up every morning at 6 AM by jumping on the roof of our bungalow and throwing coconuts around.
Sunset at the beach.
Longtail boat.
Fresh fish is always available at the local restaurants.
Anu working on the "Lion King".
View from Ton Sai.
1-2-3 Wall at Railey beach. This area is not accessible during high tide.
View to the beach after finishing the first pitch of the climb.
Location:Ton Sai, Thailand
Tekstit
