Railay vs tonsai climbing Tonsai bay Resort is a friendly nature on Tonsai Beach in the Southern of Krabi province, Thailand. Online booking is 2. the climbers are often in bamboo bungalows and things doing it on Tonsai with map, topos, photos and more. Where to find the Pocket Guide on Railay Beach at: Hot Rocks Climbing Shop, Rai-Lay Climbing Shop, Sea Cliff Climbing Shop, and Hightland Mar 5, 2025 · I spent a few days exploring Railay Beach and Tonsai in Railay Bay and the highlight was rock climbing Railay, read on to find out about my experience exploring the beaches and rock climbing… As I stepped off the long tail boat onto the beach in Tonsai, a small beach town on Railay Bay, the first thing I noticed was the dirty sand and murky Feb 14, 2023 · Walking to Railay is possible over the jungle path all day. The beach is a popular destination for climbing enthusiasts, but to visit it visit it have the opportunity to everyone who decided to relax on Railey peninsula during the day or staying there for a longer period in one of the local hotels. To get to Tonsai Beach from Railay West, you have to walk along a seaside path from Railay West and it takes about 15 minutes. Phra Nang is a smaller beach with roaming monkeys and great Nov 22, 2018 · Tonsai Beach is the perfect base for rock climbers and thrill seekers with a cool, relaxed vibe. All the current re-bolted climbing routes here in Ton Sai and Phi Phi are equipped by a few individuals who take time away from their projects to provide safe climbing for all of us. . Ocean Bottom: Soft, sanding bottom with large rocks partially submerged. Look at the little forest on the hill. What to Do Rock Climbing. I arrived at West Railay beach by boat, and immediately made my way over to Our rock climbing guide for Krabi and Thailand is available for 1000 THB (about $28) at most shops at Tonsai and Railay Beach. Climbing up to 5. In reality you'll probably end up spending some time climbing in Railay and some in Tonsai (both have must-visit walls), but whereever you live you'll climb more. Climb, climb, and climb! Jan 5, 2021 · The climbing can be divided into two main areas, Tonsai and Railay. Jan 3, 2023 · Tonsai Beach is a popular spot for rock climbing, with numerous routes suitable for climbers of all abilities. Advanced climbers should check out deep water soloing. Mar 9, 2025 · Ton Sai Beach Climbing. Climbing on Tonsai Beach Climbing on Thaiwand wall Kings bolting trip to the floating village Climbing pics from around Railay Beach. Feb 18, 2019 · Thailand is a great rock climbing destination, full of adventure, fun, new friends and much more. Railay has easier routes, but anything 5. I’ve broken the climbing down the best I can to give you a good place to start from. One of the most popular things to do in Ao Nang, Krabi is to do rock climbing at Railay Beach with an instructor. These days you just run the first two pitches together and ignore the last one on account that it is shite. Maps and Topos of Pra-Nang, Railay, Tonsai, Ao-Nang Mainland (Chong Phli, The North Face), Phi Phi Island, Ko Yao Noi and Laoliang Island. Boat trips abound, sunbathing is the done thing and there are multiple spas and wellness centres to help you enjoy your stay. The views and landscape are stunning and the Unlike Railay and Tonsai, Phi Phi does not have a local climbing community who in turn support rebolting efforts. To get from Koh Lanta to Tonsai, I took a big ferry across, and met a few friends along the way. Max has more than 20 years’ experience as a climbing guide and is well known within the climbing community on Tonsai and Railay beach. If you slip, you’ll drop into the sea. He is professional and fun! Course's range from half a day to a full day to a 3 days course and Lead skills for more advanced climbers. He began climbing with his uncle Saree of Viking Climber, and fell in love with the sport. Tonsai vs Railay – Which beach should you visit? Railay East. Appreciate any suggestions! Thank you! This is the best climbing spot in Ao Nang- it is really good and there are routes going up all the time. Grab some climbing shoes, chalk, and confidence, and get stuck into some bouldering if you dare. Thanks for sharing. Climbing Courses and Guiding in Railay and Tonsai. 3. It’s just you, the holes, and the ocean. Given how built up the rest of the area feels, Tonsai is a breath of fresh air, a utopian climbers oasis, as yet still untouched by the resort and tourism development. Tonsai Beach, nestled on the Railay Peninsula in Krabi Province, Thailand, is a secluded haven renowned for its towering limestone cliffs and laid-back atmosphere. You could stay in Ao Nang, either side of Railay or Tonsai, but Railay and Tonsai are pretty isolated. Luckily, Railay Krabi is not a big area, and there are no vehicles, so walking is the best way to get around the peninsula. The Rock Shop was the first climbing shop established in Tonsai beach in Krabi. 10 climber there's still stuff to do but the climbing schools dominate the easier walls and there's so much traffic that most of it is polished to glass. To the west, we find Beach Corner just as we arrive on the beach from Tonsai, while on the opposite side of the beach, we have Wee's Present and Thaiwand. All the climbing areas are a short walk away. Island climbing and deep water soloing around Krabi. The sailing time varies depending on your exact destination (which part of Railay, or Tonsai). Most of the Tonsai places don't have power during the day but I think there was one hotel that did have a generator that ran all day. One of the first climbs put up in Railay, and a joy to climb. One of the best and most joyful guides is Mee, whose passion for the sport is infectious. Great views and knee trembling exposure. Railay - Tonsai Short Trail l ไร่เล - ต้นไทรระยะสั้น The short trail will take you through the beautiful nature from the West end of Railay beach to the east end of TonSai beach. Ton Sai Beach, located just a stone’s throw from Railay, provides a slightly more rugged experience but is no less thrilling. Mar 7, 2019 · There are a few ways to get to Railay Beach from Tonsai: One – along a path that takes you through the Jungle. The Rock Shop has what you need! Experience, safety, quality, and passion. Take your climbing skills to the next level with the help of our experienced instructors. 2013). Overlooking Railay Bay in Thailand from the viewpoint Apr 18, 2018 · Activities on Railay and Tonsai Beach. We ended up taking the boat there 3 days for outdoor rock climbing excursions. There are many others who over the years have put their time and money into rebolting- King in particular has done a lot, as have Basecamp and many others Rock Climbing: Railay beaches are famous for rock climbing and you can find many schools teaching rock climbing there. Your other option is to stay on Railay bay. Phra Nang is a smaller beach with roaming monkeys and great Hey all! My partner and I are looking to go climb in the Railay/Tonsai for about a week in Feb 2020. Railay is a peninsula that's only accessible by boat, giving it an island feel. There are many different route from beginner to advance and everything in between. 10a (Diamond Cave and 1-2-3 wall) is usually hogged by the climbing schools. Both Tonsai and Railay are within walking distance of each other. I'll be in Railay Beach in two weeks - looking for somewhere to stay just for one night. Climate. Railay Beach gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. It is also the world destination for rock climbers especially for bouldering. Typical crowd here comprised of budget backpackers and rock climbers. We really loved Tonsai and Railay though. It has more than 700 sport climbing routes for all levels, from beginners to experts. Climbing up this slippery shite is not advisable- easier to go around to the right and bypass it via the nasty brittle razor rock and spiky shite. Railay was originally known as a rock climbing spot, attracting climbers from all over the world to its superb towering limestone. More Krabi destination guides Aonang Beach The main tourist centre Nopparat Thara and Klong Haeng Ao Nang’s up and coming neighbour Railay Beach Hippy chic, with an island feel Klong Muang and Tubkaek Ton Sai has hundreds of routes to offer, from 5c to 8c. Make sure the boatman knows where and what you are doing and negotiate how many people are going and how much it will cost. Pi Jane and Pi Toto are the mother and father of this humble shop is a major part of keeping the integrity of the area. Being able to climb right off the beach and then being rewarded by those incredible views is just the best. Welcome to Krabi Rock Climbing at Railay Beach, Thailand; also known as a rock climbing paradise! Our rock climbing school offers a variety of climbing courses for beginners, intermediate and the advanced climber. Tonsai Beach. Jul 25, 2022 · Railay/Tonsai: half-day from 1200 thb (35 USD), full-day about 1800 to 2000 thb (53 – 58 USD) Multi-day climbing course. How to get to Tonsai Beach. The bars in Ton Sai are beautiful and I remember spending many evenings in a place called Chill Out Café with interesting seating, fire dancers and good music. Hotels in Ton Sai Beach that offer online booking Getting to Tonsai Beach Rock climbing in Krabi. Accommodations are not on the beach but rather up the hill, much cheaper than the other areas of Railay. Railay Beach usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Koh Phi Phi during autumn. Welcome to Railay Rock Climbing. Railay has attracted the attention of many travelers and bloggers over the last couple of decades. Staying in Railay. We ended up staying in Ao Nang and it was great. As you come onto Tonsai beach, walking the jungle path from Railay, there is a great little wall for traversing, with a few interesting problems on it. Summary Krabi stands as Southeast Asia’s premier climbing destination, offering an incredible mix of traditional rock climbing and deep water soloing opportunities. You will find Ton Sai area more laid back. Feb 1, 2023 · Thailand has been well known to climbers for many years thanks to its stunning rock and tropical paradise locations. The boat ride takes only 5 minutes and costs THB 600 – the more people you are, the cheaper it gets. How many nights are you going to Railay? If you're in Railay for a few nights and then have to decide between Tonsai or Koh Lanta, I'd definitely recommend Koh Lanta, as long as that's still your debate. Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach both offer freaking epic, gorgeous, and mind-blowing rock formations and you get the chance to ascend them. Basecamp on Tonsai is probably your best bet. Below the guys for reasons of masochism spent the night on a porter ledge above Phi Phi on a re bolting trip. The routes at Ton Sai also cover all skill levels (5a to 8c), but the beach is more known for its harder, more technical climbs. This area has the highest climber population. There are a few climbing shops in town; which you really only need if you need to rent gear, or need instruction, or travelling solo. You'd need a scooter. Railay East contains most of the high-end resorts and the pick-up point for boat tours. Puerto Rico has much better and more extensive climbing than Cayman, better food, culture, etc and is significantly less expensive. Isolated from the mainland, the peninsula of Railay is surrounded by the warm Andaman Sea, lush jungle, and twisted rock. My budget is around 700 Baht for the night. Thailand - Railay/Tonsai & Chiang Mai in Climbing on Tonsai Beach Climbing Thailand Kings bolting trip to the floating village Climbing pics from around Railay Beach. Railay is all about the relaxation. There are three shops in Ton Sai which hire out full sets of gear; the popular Base Camp Tonsai, the slightly more expensive Rock Shop near Ton Sai beach, and the newer Shadow Rock. Tonsai was such a epic place back in the day, don't know if I want to go back and see what they did to it:/ Jan 24, 2022 · How to get to Tonsai Beach. Most routes use fixed anchor points, making climbing here accessible without advanced technical knowledge. You can take a taxi, van, local bus or a motorbike taxi from Krabi town. Climbing at Tonsai Beach is possible most of the time, despite the weather! Given how built up the rest of the area feels, Tonsai is a breath of fresh air, a utopian climbers oasis, as yet still untouched by the resort and tourism development. The climbing is unbeatable there! Mar 7, 2023 · Ton Sai Beach is a small, secluded beach located on the southern coast of Thailand’s Railay Peninsula. **How to Take a Boat to Reach Tonsai from Ao Nang:** - ⛴️ To reach Tonsai from Ao Nang by boat: 1. Further on, as far as you can go, you get to the final climbing area which is really good. Find The Pocket Guide on Tonsai Beach at: The Rock Shop, and Freedom Bar. To get to Railay, you have to take a long-tailed boat either from the town or Ao Nang. Oct 2, 2017 · Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Touristic nature of Tonsai/Railay/Krabi . This price includes all boat transfers to the DWS sites, DWS guide, old climbing shoes, climbing chalk, lunch and drinking water, ladder and kayak for access to the start of the climbs. They operate the boats frequently, as soon as enough people are waiting (every 10-15 minutes). Nov 22, 2018 · Tonsai Beach is the perfect base for rock climbers and thrill seekers with a cool, relaxed vibe. Definitely go climbing and definitely do deep water solo. Many (including us in this guide) refer to the whole peninsula as Railay Beach, not just the beach itself. Personally, as long as you keep yourself busy climbing or are cool just chilling on the beach, I probably would do Railay or Tonsai depending on what's available/cost. 500 THB cash per Person. Jan 31, 2025 · A: Yes, several well-equipped climbing shops are located in Railay and Tonsai, offering gear rental, sales, and maintenance services. If you go at high tide then you'll have to end up wading through water at the railay end. There are several mini-marts and a couple of internet cafes. Our Deep Water Solo Trips are 1. 12), and the good shit starts in the mid-7's. This will take about an hour, it isn’t extremely difficult but it’s no walk in the park either. Plenty of climbing on the Railay side and if it's low tide you can easily back and forth between Tonsai and Railay. One partner belays the other, as they try to scale the cliffs. Jul 7, 2021 · Tourism on Railay. Jun 23, 2023 · Railay Rock Climbing. Dec 16, 2022 · Railay Rock Climbing Shop can show you the ropes and coach you along tougher routes to push your limits. If you're a 5. - Board a boat to Tonsai. Plenty of food shops, mini pub, near places of rock climbing. Climb, climb, and climb! Feb 20, 2015 · Rock climbing here has been some of the most phenomenal memories I have of my travels so far. Known for its impressive limestone cliffs, it is considered one of the best rock climbing destinations in the world. Accommodation in Railay East is much cheaper than Railay West side. The west part is the one we encounter when coming from Tonsai, while the east part is the one we find after crossing Railay. You can take a boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay. Sport Climbing: Sport climbing is the most popular type of climbing in Railay, thanks to the abundance of bolted routes. We've all be… Rock Climbing: Rock climbing junkies are in danger of an overdose in Railay and neighbouring Ton Sai. Would rather stay in Railay vs. However, when literally hundreds of bolts started failing at Railay and Tonsai the narrative changed. Teaching is mainly done at the south end of Railay East, next to the path leading to Phra Nang beach, but you can also find rock climbing activities on Tonsai beach and Phra Nang beach. Here are a few. I did it in flip flops but trainers or sturdier sandals would be better! Two – Climb the section of land that splits Tonsai and Hey everyone! Me and a small group of friends are planning to make a short trip (3-4 days) to Krabi for some climbing in September. Ao Tonsai stretches just beyond Railay West, but it is technically a separate beach and there’s no easy way in. Mar 31, 2018 · More guides to Tonsai. Just 5-7 minutes by walking to Railay There is an ATM on Railay Beach, but not Tonsai (as of Feb 2014). Our 2 and 3 day Learn to Lead Sport Climbs courses teach the essentials of outdoor sport climbing. When bolts failed it was because some installer had messed-up in some way. There are lots of wonderful climbing areas spread throughout the country, and there is definitely a lot more to Thai climbing than Tonsai and Railay alone. Alternatively some guiding schools offer sporadic trips. Relaxation and a laid-back atmosphere: Nov 26, 2019 · Climbing schools can be found at the end of the Railay East beach, for those who unlike me aren't scared of heights. Tonsai Beach, Thailand . Railay Bay - Tonsai Bay l ไร่เลย์ - อ่าวต้นไทร The trail will take you through the beautiful nature from the beach sections into the forest sections from Railay to Ton Sai area. Appreciate any suggestions! Thank you! Make sure the boatman knows where and what you are doing and negotiate how many people are going and how much it will cost. Bet that sun felt hot though! Phi Phi has some great climbs. There is no road access to this area of Krabi. Jul 21, 2019 · Railay, Krabi is a hotspot for climbing enthusiasts. When it was first discovered by the tourism industry, it was a quiet and modest community, however, if you visit during peak season these days, you will struggle to take a beach photo without crowds filling the foreground. Accessible only by boat due to the surrounding rugged terrain, Tonsai offers a tranquil escape from more crowded tourist spots. Tonsai as I'm not a climber (but would love to try a beginner climb). Surrounding Beaches: Railay Beach West is to the west of Tonsai. Children four years and older need to pay, and their charge is the same as adults. Gear. 11+ to 5. By the time you get here So it was with this phenomenon. ⏳ APPROACHING TIME: - Tonsai Wall: 1 Minute - Iguana Park: 10 Minutes Oct 27, 2017 · Tonsai still is mostly climbers/backpackers, and is cheaper. When choosing which routes to re-bolt we cover the full spectrum of grades, and make sure we re-bolt the most urgent and popular routes. Sweaty palms This is a great way to learn which leaves you plenty of time and energy to concentrate on climbing or to simply enjoy the view. Railay West has a magnificent arc of golden sands and is backed by seafront restaurants and hotels. To get from Tonsai to Railay, head to the beach, turn left, and head up the hill. The Tonsai boatmen at the right of Tonsai beach are your best bet. Rock Climbing. Jan 17, 2025 · “Ao Nang” refers to the village of Ao Nang and the larger Krabi subdistrict, including the climbing areas of Railay (split into Railay West and Raily East) and Tonsai, reachable via a 15-30 minute longtail boat from Ao Nang Beach. You should see a path if you proceed in that direction. Tonsai is known as the more laid back and affordable of the two. If you’re planning to visit Railay Beach from Ao Nang, you will be dropped off at Railay West Beach. Go say hi to him and buy his guide book which gets better with each edition. By the time you get here Climbing on Tonsai Beach Climbing Thailand Kings bolting trip to the floating village Climbing pics from around Railay Beach. rock climbing in Krabi Thailand. Over 1,000 sport routes across 85 Apr 25, 2025 · The four main areas of Railay consist of Phra Nang, West Railay, East Railay, and Ton Sai. 9 to 5. We will focus on Railay West Beach in this article. Tonsai – With easy access to climbing and a handful of budget options, Tonsai is a great place to base yourself. Phranang Beach is the protrusion of the peninsula. I arrived at West Railay beach by boat, and immediately made my way over to Dec 7, 2024 · Tonsai Beach. Over 1,000 sport routes across 85 areas. The Diamond Cave is also worth a mention, which can be explored for just 40 Baht. Railay is situated between Ao Nang and Krabi town. Tonsai beach as well as Railay beach are some of the best p Jun 10, 2013 · Railay West – A nice beach with more upscale dining and resorts. The Tonsai Beach in Krabi, sometimes written as Ton Sai Beach, is certainly one of the most stunning beaches in the region. The boats stop running in the evening and hiking back through the shrub and over rocks in the dark with mosquitos from Railay makes for a interesting story but not a super fun experience. To get to Tonsai beach from the city, you have to take a local water taxi called Longtail Boat. A new climbing area is being developed- Lampang- but in 2020 it is still early stages for this crag. Climbing aside, Thailand is very popular with travellers and Tonsai Beach is one of the most famous places in the world for rock climbing. If you are already in the area you can hop on a longtail from Ao Nang beach or have the hotel organize a boat for your transfer. You need to walk through the Railay Bay Resort. Aug 21, 2017 · Railay versus Tonsai. Without doubt, this has got to be one of the most stunning settings to climb in the world, and you don’t have to be Spiderman to scale the karsts, beginners can take to the rock with any number of excellent rock climbing schools in the area. One of the best in Thailand. Railay was like original Tonsai back in the day before they developed it with walls and resorts and shit and then they did the same with Tonsai. There are no cars or roads in Railay, which also gives the place a relaxed feel. Climbing Courses and Guiding in Railay and Tonsai Check out Tinidee on tonsai beach. Overview Famed for its beautiful beaches, towering tufa-ridden limestone cliffs, and incredible setting, Tonsai Bay and nearby Railay Beach are usually high on the destination list of anyone who’s serious about sport climbing. Deep water soloing trips in general have stopped, except for Tonsai Basecamp's trip, but they won't take you to the best walls since it is illegal. The new guide book, Rock Climbing Thailand 10th edition is finally here! After way too many years of rewriting, the guide is finally out and availabe in Thailand or via Amazon. Arriving on Railay beach from Krabi. This is an alternative trail to the long loop that connects Railay and Tonsai. Climbing on Tonsai Beach Climbing on Thaiwand wall Climbing pics from around Railay Beach. 3 days ago · Tonsai Beach is Thailand’s most popular location for rock-climbing, and also has some of the cheapest accommodation in the Railay Beach area In between Ao Nang and Railay, Tonsai is quiet with a number of accommodation options at the budget end of the scale. The climbing is unbeatable there! The Bouldering Cave from I love climbing site. This was common on Phra Nang Beach but there were several sites around the Railay region suitable for rock climbing. Looking to relax, enjoy the beaches. Guide book: King climbers Route guide book Aug 24, 2014 · Great shots Nina!! The climbing in Railay/Tonsai is amazing, but a challenging place to learn because everything is so steep and pumpy there. Feb 24, 2016 · Staying in West or East Railay provides a lot more comfort, but at a price – expect to pay from about £30 per night for a typical double/twin room. Ao Nang Beach is a 15-20 minute ride from Krabi . Tonsai Beach is considered the mecca of rock climbing in all of Southeast Asia. This style is fantastic for beginners and intermediate climbers. railay has nicer water and beaches but nowhere near as much climbing more of a family holiday area, where as tonsai is pretty much 90% climbers. Railay Beach gets 181 hours of sunny skies, while Koh Phi Phi receives 181 hours of full sun in the autumn. Railay is the main beach. From beach-climbing paradises like Tonsai and Railay to lesser known hot spots like Kao Jin Lae, the Land of Smiles has endless limestone crags and caves that easily top my list of favorites. The start of the Humanality route is reached by first climbing a ladder leading to a short, low 5th class traverse pitch followed by a short 6a+ boulder move of a pitch…and then the great fun of Humanality begins! Jan 24, 2022 · How to get to Tonsai Beach. Tonsai Beach is probably the best location in Railay for rock climbing as it is close to some large limestone cliffs. 000 THB pP. There are also plenty of multi-pitches, with 'Lord of the Thais' (7b) considered one of the Jan 14, 2025 · Boats from Ao Nam Mao stop at Railay East. (6c traverse?). Oct 1, 2015 · Ton Sai beach is lovely! The sand here is a tad darker than the nearby Railay West but the vibes are way better. Apr 27, 2019 · There’s plenty of climbing crags around here as well, along with a hikes to a lagoon and a viewpoint. Feb 14, 2023 · Walking to Railay is possible over the jungle path all day. It is not a very big One of the first climbing schools in Railay Beach Thailand, King Climbers enjoy a long standing reputation for safety and high teaching standards. Like Railay, Tonsai Beach, it is located in a remote area that is not very easy to access. At busier times you might like to break away from Railay West and visit Tonsai Beach. We offer a range of climbing courses for the absolute beginner to advanced climbing and rescue techniques. The coast in the south of Thailand is a luxurious tropical paradise. Mon has been climbing and working as a guide in Railay and Tonsai since 2006. I fell into category #3. Jun 8, 2024 · Railay is a fairly small peninsula, but packs in a tonne of adventure opportunities. The good news is that there are some new areas which are shady in the afternoon. Koh Tao: 2-day lead climbing course 5600 thb (165 USD), 2-day trad course 6400 (188 USD) Railay/Tonsai: 2-day lead climbing course 5000 thb (146 USD), 3-day lead climbing course 6500 (165 USD) Renting Gear It is possible to walk between each of these beaches, and the walk takes around 10 minutes. - Head to the main pier in Ao Nang, marked as the 🅿️ on the 27Crags Map. Railay is known for climbing, thanks to its impressive limestone cliff collection. Cayman Brac is fun but very expensive and lacking culture, etc. Next to it there is a tasty little boulder, with some really quite tricky and quality problems to the top. King climbers made a climbing trip in 2002 to the back of beyond to the real Thailand, where tourists are never seen and adventures can be had. Oct 21, 2022 · This occurs mostly in April/May and again September/October. - Purchase a boat ticket from local agencies or at the pier. To reach Tonsai, you must climb a hill of rocks between the two beaches. Tonsai Beach (Jan. Find rock climbing routes, photos, and guides for every state, along with experiences and advice from fellow climbers. Oct 12, 2023 · Rock climbing. Check it out! Rock Climbing: Rock climbing junkies are in danger of an overdose in Railay and neighbouring Ton Sai. Getting high on Thaiwand wall- Railay Beach and Tonsai in the background . Getting from Tonsai to Railay. My husband and I just stayed 3 nights there and wish we could have stayed more! You’re close to railay for variety+ shops, but tonsai is lowkey and relaxing. However, after the other passengers hopped off in Railay, I had the boat driver take me to the Tonsai side. Nov 29, 2024 · Types of Climbing in Railay. Our shop in Railay & Tonsai has been part of the heart of climbing in the Krabi region since 2003. Railay East Beach Railay East is not suite for swimming as mangrove. Railay East: Railay West: The busy side with a beautiful beach and the limestone cliffs; Railay East: Quieter, more rustic & not suitable for Mar 9, 2025 · Beach Quality: Again, just like all the Railay Beaches, Tonsai Beach has fantastic sand and views. It’s the most central of all the beaches, so you’ll likely find yourself here often even if you don’t stay on this side. Tonsai is a small tropical paradise located on the Railay Peninsula on the west coast of Thailand. Tonsai was such a epic place back in the day, don't know if I want to go back and see what they did to it:/ Get a go at Asia's top outdoor rock climbing destination - Thailand. Expect three-dimensional limestone with huge jugs, tiny pockets, slopers, stalactites, tufas, caves The easier routes are usually pretty busy, especially during high season (November to March), and super polished, but still worth jumping on. Most of you reading this probably already know TonSai is world class climbing, and attracts some serious climbers. The limestone cliffs offer a unique and challenging climbing experience, and there are several climbing schools and tour operators in the area that can provide instruction and equipment rentals. Courses are led in Railay, Tonsai, and Chong Pli. 11a opens up lots of options in Tonsai. 🌊 Well known in the climbing world, Tonsai and his sister Railay are the Heart of Asian climbing!🌊 Rock Climbing: Railay beaches are famous for rock climbing and you can find many schools teaching rock climbing there. Maps and Topos of Pra-Nang, Railay, Tonsai, Ao-Nang Mainland (Chong Phli, The North Wall), Phi Phi Island, Ko Yao Noi and Laoliang Island. As far as Railay's viewpoints go, the Railay East Viewpoint is one of the best! However, be prepared for a steep climb involving thick ropes and a bit of rock climbing and scrambling to get there (especially steep on the way down to Princess Lagoon). Definitely a more relaxed energy. Railay and Tonsai – In Brief. Railay Beach – A Rock Climber’s Dream! Railay (locally known as Rai Leh) is a pocket of Thai paradise located east of Krabi and is defined by its picturesque beaches and dramatic limestone mountains. Or are you thinking of going to Krabi proper vs Koh Lanta? Koh Lanta was really nice. Lead climbing. It is is a smaller town that can be reached via a fifteen minute hike through the jungle. Here’s more info on rock climbing around Tonsai and Railay. We also have private options if you prefer one on one instruction, or if you simply want a great climbing partner who knows the area. Getting between Tonsai and Railay is just a short ten minute hike through some rocks and trees connecting the two, so it’s common to take day or half-day trips between one and the other. This will take you to another climbing area, which looks quite good. Even though there has been money donated to climbing shops on Phi Phi Island in the past 3 years, none of it has gone towards the actual rebolting of this area. HOW TO GET TO TONSAI & RAILAY – Tonsai and Railay Beach by shared taxi boat. There are also great guides at Basecamp Tonsai and a couple of other places. If you want a nice hotel try the Railay beach side since it's more touristy. The white sand, clear turquoise water and iconic towering limestone karsts make this one of the most beautiful areas in Thailand. Hard work to take pictures of though. Tonsai Beach (or Ton Sai beach) is the most quiet and calm on the peninsula of Railay in Krabi province. Hiking the jungle path from Railay to Tonsai with some bungalows around (Jan. 2. Visit Tew Lay Bar - very pretty views. There is a higher path which avoids the water entirely, and a lower easier path which you can use at low tide. I've seen some previous posts talking about… Tonsai Bay located on the western side of the peninsula and north of Railay West. It’s going to be the best decision you make. Some ferries drop off here. Set on 16 rais where is adjoining with Railay beach (west). The tenth edition of this guide is the most comprehensive route guide book on rock climbing in Southern Thailand. The landscape in this area is seriously impressive, there are loads of spectacular walls rising straight up from the beach, dripping with massive tufas and high-quality rock. At the Rock Shop in Tonsai, ask for Hari – he practically grew up on the rocks there and can always be found climbing, even when not working. May 25, 2017 · It's a short hike (maybe 15mins) to Railay but it won't be worth it to stay here and do the hike unless you are into climbing. Tonsai to Railay is incredibly simple. For climbers staying in Ton Sai, on some days the mainland may be reached only via Railay East and Ao Nam Mao as the longtail boats cannot exit the bay when the waves are high. It includes: The Latest new routes, areas and information. The only way to get to Tonsai Bay is by boat or with a hike from Railay Beach. Thaiwand wall is the best multi pitch crag here. […] It's amazing if you're climbing hard enough - ideally 6c and up (at least 5. The limitless potential for new routes and the growing culture of recreational climbers means climbing in Thailand is only set to improve. Other Tonsai Bouldering. There are many others who over the years have put their time and money into rebolting- King in particular has done a lot, as have Basecamp and many others The food at Railay isn't bad - I don't think I ate a bad meal in Thailand ever, and I was there for a month! I remember having some good pizza on Railay. Jan 12, 2023 · Not surprisingly there’s a lot of awesome things to do in Tonsai Beach, and no matter your style you’re bound to find something cool to while away the time. Tonsai Beach is one of the most well known places to rock climb in Thailand. Other great information sources Bouldering Thailand- Great site for bouldering- mainly North Thailand around Bangkok- lots of topos and up to date info. I can’t say enough about the service we received there- plus the location means lots of opportunity to go on island hopping day trips and rock climbing. All our guides have a minimum of five years climbing experience and are accredited by the ACGA. The difference between the two is that Tonsai has predominantly climbers staying whereas Railay has a lot more general tourists. People kept on climbing feeling confident they could tell a safe bolt from an unsafe one. Nov 13, 2024 · Tonsai Beach: A Paradise Beach in Krabi. King Climbers is one of the longest running climbing schools. From the caves in Chiang Mai to the beaches in Railay at Krabi, check out these top 9 climbing crags in Thailand. We only teach lead climbing on our three day courses. Look right after glancing at the ocean in Railay. Lead climbing means that the student has to climb up with the rope clipping it into carabiners as they go. Railay West vs. Tonsai is technically a part of Railay. Koh Yao Noi (and Koh Phi Phi) climbing is good to go, except I'm not sure if access has been re-established to the grateful wall. Tonsai is the original climbing destination in Thailand, and people have been coming here for decades to enjoy this climber’s playground. Tonsai Bay Resort is a perfect place for those looking for a secluded place, far from a crowd, also there is the best for climbing. The only down side is that it is a morning crag, with sun in the afternoon on the main wall. On an interesting side note, Tonsai used to be one of the world’s top deep water soloing spots. Towering limestone cliffs shelter incredible beaches, the most beautiful is Railay. The beach I'll be in Railay Beach in two weeks - looking for somewhere to stay just for one night. In order to travel from Ao Nang to Railay or Tonsai Beach, you will need to take a taxi boat which costs 100 baht per person each way. Getting there: You can take a boat from Ao Nang Beach to Railay Jan 24, 2012 · In reply to tom_greenwich: pretty much the best place in the world just so you know right next to railay is tonsai, they are in the same bay but separated by a smallish head land. Teerapong Jaro (Mon) opened Karst Climbing in Ao Nang in April 2019. On the Tonsai side Gop from The Rock Shop- continues to look after and rebolt the routes in Tonsai and Railay. This place is away from the hustle and bustle of neighboring beaches like Railay Beach and Ao Nang and a popular meeting point for travelers, climbers and backpackers from all over the world. So it was with this phenomenon. Longtail boat rides cost 100 baht per person. Nov 26, 2019 · Climbing schools can be found at the end of the Railay East beach, for those who unlike me aren't scared of heights. It’s not as cute & idyllic as Tonsai and Railay, but it was far more convenient in terms of tours, restaurants, shops etc. Railay can be enjoyed for half a day and you won't feel like you missed anything if you return to Ao Nang the same night. The beach is a magnet for rock climbers from around the Railay Beach gets 304 mm (12 in) of rain, while Koh Phi Phi receives 304 mm (12 in) of rain each month for the autumn. He moved to Tonsai to train under his uncle and dedicate himself to climbing and learning to guide. It Many wonderful climbing areas spread throughout Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach are separated by a 5-minute walk. This charming and picturesque beach is well-known for its laid-back vibe, world-class rock climbing opportunities, and crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. He will write about this properly, but it takes him a long time to write in English. There is easy access to beautiful Phranag Cave from the west end of the beach and there’s a short jungle trail to a viewpoint above the beach Nov 8, 2021 · Railay/Tonsai is much better quality sport climbing than Red Rocks or Joshua Tree and of course the food is amazing. Originally called 123 as it was done in three pitches in the days when there were only 50m ropes. jbijrtvfkdrmvtxuytuwuzhaneivqctyjjnpvvytjcmkzs