UKC

Hi.

Looking for some advice on the feasibility of getting plenty of climbing done Thailand between the mentioned dates. I'm planning on spending a month or so around Chiang Mai and a similar amount of time deep water soloing around Krabi. But, I know that this is the rainy season.

Is it still feasible to get lots of climbing done during the rainy seasons in these two destinations?

Thanks!

In reply to James Oswald:
Has Simon Foley's widely recommended site been removed from the web?

In reply to James Oswald: There isn't a massive amount of climbing at Chiang Mai, you might get bored spending a month there. I did spend 3 weeks there, but I'm easily pleased.

In reply to 1poundSOCKS:
Thanks!

In reply to James Oswald:

Spend more time in the south...I've spent a lot of time down there in the wet season...you'll still get plenty done. For DWS your biggest problem will be finding enough people to fill a boat (necessary to keep the cost down). In high season Elke and King (and some other shops) have dws trips going out daily but I don't think they'll be running too regularly in the wet season.

There are a few new crags that are worth checking out...We were involved with some of the equipping this year so email if you're interested in details. Make sure you check out the Mitt and grateful wall on Koh Yao Noi...probably the pick of the current climbing in Thailand imo.

If you really want to get off the beaten track there is some unexplored dws in khao sok national park, around cheow larn lake...loads to go at and just needs a motivated team to go out in a boat and explore. Not that easy logistically as the law is huge, but the rock looks perfect and is ripe for first ascents and real adventure...

In reply to 1234None:
Right, thank you!

I assume that hiring kayaks is possible, isn't it? You mention that I might struggle to find enough people to fill a boat, just how quiet is it likely to be? I'm by myself so it would be good if the resorts were busy enough to be sociable..
Also, (sorry, lots of questions!) does anyone know whether Simon Foley's website has been taken down?

Cheers!

In reply to James Oswald:

Hi...not sure about Simon Foley's website.

it wont be deathly quite, and there will be SOME people around, but bear in mind that in the very low season some resorts back on the trail close down over in Tonsai. I like it that way as the crags are a lot quieter than during high season, but the down side is that it may be a little harder to find partners, although you'll probably still find people to climb fairly quickly. A couple of the resorts closer to the beach stay open and things might start to get going again towards the time you arrive, especially at the end of your stay - but don't expect too many people at all when you first arrive. Railay will still probably be mobbed with the usual backpacker (non-climbing) crowds so you'll have no issues with finding people to socialise with. If you're on your own and staying over in Tonsai it may be a bit tricky to organise DWS and trips to some of the newer, better spots for climbng in the Krabi are (like Koh Yao Noi abd Spirit Mtn). Try emailing Elke at the climbing shop and ask if she does DWS trips at that time of year...

I know a few people who live out there who are always keen so drop me an e-mail and can put you in touch with them if you like. That way at least you can be sure you'll have someone to hook up with even if it is quiet.

Kayaks are available for rent in Tonsai and Railay and you will be able to find some OK DWS that way. To access the better stuff though you'll definitely need to head out in a longtail boat with someone who knows the islands off the coast.

In reply to James Oswald: hi James, Harry here. I'm going out there on my own too, looking to get as much dws as poss. Ill get to tonsils around the 24th of September and leave on the 12th of October. My email is hazootb@gmail.com and my number is 07427681363, get in touch if you fancy meeting up. Id be well up for some new routing if we could find another couple of people in the know. IM not sure where I'm staying yet. All the best.

Ps 27 year old science teacher, grade 7as and bs.

In reply to 1234None:
Hi peakdj, if that IS your real name. Thanks for the info, I'm in exactly the same position and was wondering if you could give me a couple of emails of people you know out there for climbing partners. Also, where would you recommend staying? Is there camping? Dad excited! low season or not!

In reply to Harry Martin:

Although I would love to be a dad, I am not, I am also not into referring to myself in the third person. Dead excited.

In reply to James Oswald: hi james and harry, i'm heading out to Ton Sai around the 24th of september, would be keen to hook up to go DWS/sport, climbing 6b-7a. Also check out the forum feed http://www.ukclimbing.com/forums/t.php?t=560685 fair bit of helpful info from UKclimbing members. chris

In reply to Harry Martin:

Hey - sorry for the late reply...I am in CHina and don't check on here that regularly.

If you send me an email through here I'll forward it to the people I know who live in the area so they can contact you to sort out some climbing.

I personally would stay somewhere like Jungle Hut. You may not have that many options though as some places could still be closed in late September. The bungalows at Spirit Mtn in Chong Pli are basic but cheap, and run by a really nice family. They drove us into town to pick up/drop off our scooter at the start and end of our stay and stuff like that.

if you go to Koh Yao, Bay View is a nice place. Basic, but as the the name suggests, great views!