Krabi – Rock, Raw and Rustic Railay

KRABI Railay, the 2nd hottest beach destination after Phuket in Thailand. Krabi Rock

Sick of the commercialized Patong Beach? Krabi Railay brings you one step closer to a more quaint and rustic part of Thailand. In January, me and a bunch of crazy rock climbers decided to make our way there to – conquer the incredible limestone cliff rocks on Krabi Railay Island!

Outdoor Rock climbing, the #1 selling point and known attraction in Krabi island to tourists all over the world. So instead of the usual beach sun tanning, thai massages and crowded night markets, we found ourselves staying on Railay Island and Tonsai island, best known for the nicest rock walls across Southeast Asia. Before I get to the details of my rock climbing Krabi adventures…

Krabi – Rock, Raw and Rustic Railay

Simple List of Things to Do for a Holiday in Krabi and Railay

#1 For the Chillax Traveller

Hit the beaches 

Ao Nang beach, Railay Beach( Gorgeous Sand and crystal clear blue waters). Capture the best photos with that sun-kissed face and intense blue backdrop of Sea.

I have been to Railay Beach at least 4-6 times till date, and never get sick of it. The beauty of the towering cliffs, soft sand on the feet, the little bars you walk past to get to the sport climbing spots.

One thing to note is the tides of the day. If you are trying to get to certain places or spots on the island, be mindful that there will be times that you will have to waddle in water and get quite wet if the tide is up. Little tip, always wear slipper or water proof shoes that can walk on water, put on swimwear underneath your clothing and lastly, avoid having bags that are not waterproof. You wouldn’t want your camera to get soaked!

Go Snorkeling and Tanning

Chicken island, Phi Phi island and many others are places to start off your snorkelling journey. (Can’t recall all the names, but just pop by any tour agency that sprouts all along Aonang’s streets to find out more) – PSST: Do not pay more than $60 for a day tour. Always banter for a better rate and depending on the season and time of the year, you can even get up to 60% off.

One of the best parts about these excursions is the relaxing boat rides and feeling the sun on your face after a nice cold swim. Bring along some bread in your bag to attract schools of fish to you while you are snorkelling.

Chill at a Beach Bar at Railay West at Sunset

Pick any nice bar along the beach or streets in Aonang or Railay. For a more hippie gypsy vibe, visit those on Railey/ Tonsai island. Fire breathing performance, slackline walking, mats, cushions, cigarettes and hammocks. It’s like straight out of the scene in Leonardo Di Carpio ‘The Beach’.

Base on my latest trip to Krabi, my favourite place to chill out after a long day of rock climbing would be the Railay West beach which has a stunning sunset view and you can lay your picnic mat, jump into the waves for a nice wash off the dirt, sweat and soil from the day of climbing.

RESORT RECOMMENDATION: We stayed at the Sand Sea Resort on Railay Island, which is so convenient to get around. However the prices have gone up since then!

#2 Outdoor Action-Packed Traveller

Krabi Rock Climbing – Sport Climbing

The #1 draw factor on Krabi – outdoor sport climbing. The endless rock walls are situated at different parts of the island for you to explore. They have different intensity levels for everyone, whether you are a noob/ beginner at rock climbing, an enthusiast who wants to try it for the first time or a seasoned female or male climber with all your hardcore and precious set of rock climbing gear.

For those who have never tried outdoor natural rock climbing before, you are in for a treat. Unlike the limited grips in an indoor rock climbing gym, natural rock has plenty of options for you. From smooth chalky limestone surfaces to rough friction-full grips to huge rockhard jugs.

Depending on the route you climb, you will occasionally see some friendly passerby ( bees, ants, monkeys if you are ‘lucky’). But come on, its natural rock, nature is part of the deal. Bring it on – Soil, dirt, animals and all!

Multi-Pitch Climbing

If you have always wanted to try multi-pitch, this is the place to be. Its got easy and conquerable routes for beginners and you get such a stunning view that take your breath away. Below is a picture of these 2 ladies going on their multi-pitch adventure.

Just a word of caution, multi-pitch requires proper preparations, so make sure you have learned the proper multi-pitch techniques and ropes and have all your necessary rock climbing equipment and gear before you embark on this.

Deep Water Solo in Krabi

NOW, for those who would like to try something a little more extreme, this is something for consideration..Deep Water Solo!

Definitely not for the faint-hearted. This pumped and extremely exhilarating activity can be booked at 2-3 point on Railay/ Tonsai Island. Look out for the large wooden signboards along with dirt paths as you go about. Want a kick of Krabi rock climbing, cliff diving and sheer insanity, try this and never look back (or down)!

Kayaking

Laze and cruise down the lovely waters at your own time and pace. Take a dip as and when you feel like it and feel the gorgeous sun beating down on your face. If you would like to try canyoning which is another popular sport in Asia, read more in my Bali post.

Slack Lining over the sea!

Situated at the corner right of Tonsai Island. Rent a kayak and head over to it to give this once in a lifetime slackline a try! 1-2 seconds, I assure you that’s the average a person can last on it.

White Water Rafting

Wet and Rough, the way you like it? Rage down the rapids and get very soaked along the way. Packed as it is with many other rafters, it is still a great deal of fun, and a great deal of splashing. Try it once and bring out the kid in you again 😛

ATV Biking

Lastly, bumpy dirt biking! Roar your way down the jungle and onto the main road. Our guide was pretty strict with us going too wild, but still, there is a lot of kick riding a giant monster like this, swerving and drifting around the corners. This is definitely a must-do, and it can compete with the super fun one I did in Bicol Philippines as well!

So that sums up my Krabi Railay Rock Climbing Adventures.
Read more about Rock climbing in Bangkok Gyms

“Have i gone mad?
I’m afraid so, but let me tell you something, the best people usually are.”
― Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland