Overview
Not only is Thailand a great place to enjoy the sun, sea, beaches and culture but it's also a great place for rock climbing. The small but well known island Phi Phi Don, part of the Ko Phi-Phi National Marine Park, is one of these places with some great limestone cliffs and about 5 different climbing area.
Phi Phi was hit very hard by the 2004 tsunami. People are working very hard and the island is recovering. It isn't completely rebuild yet but don't hesitate to visit Phi Phi. It's really worth a visit !
Getting There
You can get to Ko Phi Phi Don by boat from Krabi and Phuket all year round and also from Ao Nang (close to Railey Beach) and Ko Lanta from October to April. During the monsoon, June to September, the sea can be pretty rough.
Transport on the island is mostly on foot, but fishing boats can be chartered at Ao Ton Sai (main beach + pier). There are no cars or motorbikes on the island.
CLIMBING AREAS
Tonsai Tower area: western side of TonSai Beach, 10 minutes on foot from the village
Ao Ling area: 15 minutes on foot (low tide) or 5 minutes by boat (high tide), between Tonsai Tower and Hin Taak, western side of the bay
Hin Taak area: no info
Fight Club Corner: accessible from Hin Taak beach
Drinking Wall: count twenty minutes on foot. Go to the Western end of the coconut tree plantation behind the little hospital to the right of Tonsai Tower. Walk to a faint trail heading traight up a hill for about 200 yards then follow same trail on flats through jungle to the wall
Monkey Head area: north side of Phi-Phi to the east of Lodalum bay, need to take a boat to get there, ask one of the locals
Red Tape
As far as I know there are no fees to be paid.
Climbing Areas
Tonsai Tower: up to 90m high (4 pitch), 5+ to 6c, about 20 routes
Aao Ling: up to 80m high, 5+ to 6b
Hin Taak: up to 80m high, 5+ to 7b+
Fight Club Corner: up to 26m high, 6a to 7a+
Drinking Wall: no info yet
Monkey Head: no info yet
Some of the routes still have to be rebolted !
When To Climb
Mid-November to March are the coolest months, while April to June are the hottest. Even during the rainy season it's no problem to climb because the showers don't last that long.
Local climbing shops/guides
You can rent climbing gear, guides, follow courses or ask information about the routes at the following places in the village:
- KE Hang Out: http://www.kehangout.com/
- Phi Phi Climbers: http://www.krabidir.com/phiphiclimbers/
- Cat's Climbing Shop: http://www.catsclimbingshop.com
After the tsunami, all rockclimbing-places are open and running again !!
Camping
As far as I know there are no campsites on the island and it's not allowed to camp because it's a National Park. There are plenty of cheap huts, bungalows and guesthouses on the island, starting from 3 to 5 US, depending on the season.
We stayed at the Tropical Garden Bungalows, about 15 US dollar for 2-person bungalow in low season and 25 US during high season. We even had a nice refreshing swimming pool (only guests).
External Links
Mblue01 - May 19, 2005 12:11 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentDo you know anything about KE Hangout at Phi Phi ??
jdavies212 - Jul 4, 2005 8:55 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentSorry, I don't know any information about the business you mentioned.
jdavies212 - May 19, 2005 12:14 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentAs of January 18, 2005, Phi Phi Climbers was closed for business due to the tsunami devastation. All equipment was lost. Be sure to check their blogsite for latest information before traveling there, and also for information on how to help this Thai business owner to get back on his financial feet. Blog at: http://www.phiphiclimbers.com/blog/a/007271.shtml
Mblue01 - May 19, 2005 12:11 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentDo you know anything about KE Hangout at Phi Phi ??
jdavies212 - Jul 4, 2005 8:55 am - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentSorry, I don't know any information about the business you mentioned.