Mountain Project Logo
To save paper & ink, use the [Hide] controls next to photos and comments so you only print what you need.

Ao Nang Tower

International > Asia > Thailand > S - Islands & B… > Laem Phra Nang… > Tonsai Bay
Warning Access Issue: Warning! Stainless steel bolts are suspect near the coast! DetailsDrop down

Description

This beautiful solitary sea tower begs to be climbed, and it is the first area you see after leaving Ao Nang. It is in the shade from morning until noon, so best to get an early start and plan to be off before the sun hits. 

The two main routes on this tower are:

Orange Chandeliers 11b, 3 pitches

Joob Joob 5.10c, 3 pitches

Sam;s guide mentions a harder 13a climb past the anchor of Ao Nang Ao Nang, and a few forgotten climbs on the right side of the tower.

Getting There

This is the beautiful tower you pass while traveling between Tonsai and Ao Nang. It is only accessible by boat or sea kayak. You can pay the boatman to stay and wait or tell them to come back at a certain time. It cost us 600 baht ~$15 for transportation. With better bargaining skills you could probably get there and back for cheaper.

Getting out of the boat will be easier at high tide, and it is rumored to be difficult to get a boat to take you here during the rainy season.

Routes from Left to Right

5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c
 52
Orange Chandeliers
Sport 3 pitches
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a
 2
Ao Nang
Sport
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b
 13
Joob Joob
Sport 3 pitches
Route Name Location Star Rating Difficulty Date
Orange Chandeliers
 52
5.11b 6c 23 VIII- 23 E3 5c Sport 3 pitches
Ao Nang
 2
5.10a 6a 18 VI+ 18 E1 5a Sport
Joob Joob
 13
5.10c 6b 20 VII 20 E2 5b Sport 3 pitches

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Rappeling from the top of Ao Nang Tower into a long tail boat. Photo: Devan Johnson
[Hide Photo] Rappeling from the top of Ao Nang Tower into a long tail boat. Photo: Devan Johnson
Joob Joob. Seth Anderson Photo.
[Hide Photo] Joob Joob. Seth Anderson Photo.
The glorious Ao Nang Tower
[Hide Photo] The glorious Ao Nang Tower
Joob Joob P3
<br>

<br>
Photo Klara Stienwender
[Hide Photo] Joob Joob P3 Photo Klara Stienwender
Climbing the 5.10 while our boat waits patiently below.
[Hide Photo] Climbing the 5.10 while our boat waits patiently below.
The beautiful Ao Nang Tower
[Hide Photo] The beautiful Ao Nang Tower

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Shirtless Mike
Denver, CO
[Hide Comment] One drawback of climbing on this tower is the incredible noise of the long boats. Don't expect to be able to hear your partner whatsoever. Good to work out rope signals in advance. Jan 10, 2008
Nick Giblin
Bend, OR
[Hide Comment] This is an awesome formation! Rent a kayak and get yourself on this thing. It is truly unforgettable! Feb 19, 2013
Jskierpx
Truckee, CA
[Hide Comment] Climbed December 2017. We successfully rented a kayak from the beach on Tonsai for $12 for the day, paddled out and found the rope to pull ourselves onto the spire. If you are bringing a rope to donate to Thailand, consider replacing the tattered lines that get you out of the boat, there is core showing and it could use some love! Really fun adventure climb and way to burn a day, get on it! Dec 16, 2017