Ko Phi Phi Don

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

• KE HangOut
  Climbing courses and info
  
• Cat's Climbing Shop
  Courses and info
  
• Phi Phi Climbers
  Courses, info and gear rental
  
• Phi Phi Climbers Blog
  Latest tsunami recovery news for Phi Phi Climbers, and how you can help.
  

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Images

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