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Kanchanaburi (กาญจนบุรี)

International > Asia > Thailand > Central - Around Bangkok
Warning Access Issue: Access is sensitive in Kanchanaburi! Please behave accordingly to the guideline below. DetailsDrop down

Description

Welcome to Kanchanaburi, the third largest province in Thailand (behind Nakorn Ratchasima and Chiang Mai). A popular destination for both domestic and international visitors due to its rich history during wartime, along with lush and mountainous landscape giving charm and opportunities for the development of outdoor recreation.

The potential for new routes here is a lifetime worth.

Climbing development began years ago by several visiting climbers and few local Bangkok ex-pats dedicating personal resources and time. Many of the previous climbing areas are now largely unattended - it is unknown whether access is granted in some of the previous areas (therefore will not be listed on MP).

As of 2019, new routes and area(s) are being pioneered by local duo climbing-brother based out of Sai Yok District (approx. 50-60 km from Kanchanaburi town). With help from the Bangkok community - it is believed that Kanchanburi will continue to see new routes being established in the coming years, and will eventually grow to become one of the major climbing destinations in Central Thailand.

Getting There

From Bangkok, there are various modes of transport to get to Kanchanaburi. However, for ease of access to the crags, having/renting a car is highly recommended.

Seasonality

Statistically speaking - Kanchanaburi is one, if not, the hottest province in Thailand, therefore, it is not recommended to visit and climb here during the summer months (March to June).  The temperature cools down reasonably during monsoon season but visitors should assume the risk of occasional storm and mosquitoes swarm.

During the winter months (Late Nov to Jan) the temperature drops even more making a day's outing very enjoyable.  

Access issue and Behavioral guidelines

The climbing development has graciously been granted by the local authority of Sai Yok District. Please remember you are a guest, and that your behavior can create impact for future climbing access in Thailand, positive or not. Be a good steward for the climbing community.

1) Be nice and respectful toward the locals (just like anywhere, a smile and a nod can go a long way).

2) Due to limited parking and relatively small size of the current crags, a visit in large groups is NOT recommended. Please maintain a low profile and consider leaving your music/boombox in the car.

3) There is no facility at any of the current crag. It is of utmost importance that every visitor practice LNT (Leave no trace). Pack out ALL of your trash and please do all of your bathroom business before arriving.

In case of emergency, make sure to relieve your self at least 30m from the crag. Dig a hole and bury your business or simply use a wag bag and pack it out.

4) No camping allowed. Please leave the climbing area by 6 pm. Many areas are considered community forest (ป่าชุมชน). Do not disturb or approach all wildlife. Do not climb a route if there’s a sign of nesting (bird, bees, etc).

5) While shopping at the nearest 7-11 is convenient, please consider supporting local businesses. (I.e. Hug Hill Cafe near Turtle Home Crag, various local restaurants in Sai Yok District)

6) A helmet is strongly advised, especially for the belayer. Loose rock is common for new climbing area.

7) Please report any sighting of loose rocks, dangerous hardware, or wildlife nesting on FB group or page such as “Let’s go climbing Thailand” or “Thailand Mountain Sport Club” (TMSC).

  • ****** CLIMBING IS AN INHERENTLY DANGEROUS ACTIVITY that may result in serious injury or death. The information and topo provided on Mountain Project are not objective but rather subjective. Do not use the information contained here unless you are a skilled and experienced climber who understands and accepts the risks of climbing. If you choose to use any information on this page to plan, attempt, or climb a particular route, you do so at your own risk. ********

Emergency Services

In the case of emergency, below is a list of local services (likely only Thai speaking)

Thailand EMS Service 1669

Sai Yok Hospital 034 591 300

Kanchanaburi rescue team 093 049 3070

Sai Yok Police Station 034 591 030

Accommodation/Food

The town of Sai Yok (ไทรโยค) provide ample of options for accommodation and good local food.

Hotel options ranging from 400thb (13USD) all the way up to 4000thb (130USD) are available.  Take your pick.  

International visitors, please assume the majority of local services will not be English speaking.  Have your google-translate app ready.

Photos [Hide ALL Photos]

Bouldering in Sri Monkol sub-district.  Photo by Verapat
[Hide Photo] Bouldering in Sri Monkol sub-district. Photo by Verapat
A crusher and a hustler (for food)
[Hide Photo] A crusher and a hustler (for food)
Petch above the crux of Left Hand Picasso (7b, 5.12b).  Photo by Ya Sripai
[Hide Photo] Petch above the crux of Left Hand Picasso (7b, 5.12b). Photo by Ya Sripai
"Pump mountain" (ผาปั๊ม) from a distance
[Hide Photo] "Pump mountain" (ผาปั๊ม) from a distance
A day out at "Pump Mountain"
[Hide Photo] A day out at "Pump Mountain"
A Climber at Turtle Home Crag.  Photo credit - Verapat
[Hide Photo] A Climber at Turtle Home Crag. Photo credit - Verapat
Turtle Home Crag from a distance:  Photo credit - Verapat
[Hide Photo] Turtle Home Crag from a distance: Photo credit - Verapat