Climb the Walls in Southern Thailand

Southern Thailand, specifically the Phra Nang Peninsula in Krabi Province, has become a dream destination for climbers. The karst-limestone towers poking out of the blue water of the Andaman Sea are nestled against picturesque jungle and pearly white beaches. When you are not on the rock, you can be sipping a Singha at a nearby bar or cooling off with a dip in the water.

From Railay Bay to Koh Phi Phi, just 20 miles from Phra Nang, the options are as endless as they are scenic. Cool, not-to-be-missed routes in this area include Make-a-Way (5.10b), Humanality (5.10d), and for the super-fit, Lord of the Thais, a five-pitch climb that weighs in at 5.12b.

Climbing has become a major business in this area, so shops with gear and guides are available all over the Krabi Peninsula. Our favorites are HotRock in Bobo's Plaza, King Climbers in Ya Ya's, and Wee's Rock Climbing on Tonsai Beach. If you have enough experience to handle the climbing on your own, pick up the new Thailand: A Climbing Guide from Mountaineers Books (www.thailandclimbingguide.com), complete with photographs and maps of all of the areas in the country, including the rock-perfect Krabi coast.