Rock Climbing Railay, Krabi, Thailand

It’s mid-afternoon in Krabi and the streets of Ao Nang are buzzing with life. The beaches are already full and the sun is glistening off the turquoise waters. I wade into the water and climb into the long-tail boat headed for Railay, a peninsula only accessible via boat due to the giant limestone cliffs secluding the area from the rest of Krabi.

The beach where the boat boards from Ao Nang to Railay.

The engine roars and the boat speeds off on the crystal blue waters. It looks as if we are heading towards the ocean when we speed around a monstrous cliff and a long stretch of sand is revealed. Beach goers are sprinkled here and there and it becomes evident that this is where visitors to the Krabi area go to escape the crowds. That is not why I am going to Railay. I am here to scale the walls of the limestone cliffs that rock climbing beginners, amateurs and experts alike tout as being the best in Thailand.

The entrance to Walking Street on Railay Beach West.

I arrive at Railay Rock Climbing Shop, conveniently located on Walking Street just off Railay Beach West where the boats arrive. I fasten my harness, grab my shoes and chalk bag and head for the other side of the peninsula where we the climbing walls are located. Other climbers from other shops are already on the site which is located right along the water’s edge. The climbs are of varying length and difficulty. I look up at the climbers who are mid-climb and they look like tiny specs at the top of these massive walls.

A climber who is on his way up one of the more advanced walls.

My instructor tells me to watch him as he ascends the first wall. I try my best to memorize the path he takes, but this will prove to be of little help once I am on the wall. It is soon my turn to conquer the 50-meter wall. I fasten the rope to my harness, chalk up my hands and prepare to climb. I announce, “climbing” and the belayer responds, “climb on.” I soon realize that it is easier to go faster and not spend as much time thinking about where to put your hands and feet. Go with what feels natural and don’t panic. This “strategy” doesn’t last very long as I soon find myself stuck. Voices from below shout out, “put your left hand there.” Are they kidding? How do I know where “there” is? My face is smashed up against the rocks. I move my left hand around until I hear, “Yes, there!” I pull myself up and once again I’m on my way.

I finally reach the top as applause and cheers echo from below. Triumph! I did it. I turn around and look out at the breathtaking view. I begin to make my way down, kicking off the rocks as I descend. In the time it took me to climb it, it takes a tenth of the time to descend – and then its over.

Still looking up amazed and what I just climbed, I hear the instructor ask, “Ready for the next climb?” Here we go again!

After four hours of climbing, it is beginning the get dark and time to call it day. We finish our final cimbs and head back to the other side of the peninsula. Sunset on Railay Beach West is spectacular. I board the boat to Ao Nang as the sun begins to sink at the horizon.