Rock Climbing Near Chiang Rai

[maidu]

Five hills in particular, all within 25 minute bicycle ride of downtown Chiang Rai. All have fine potential for rock climbing enthusiasts. Most of the routes are undeveloped, in the sense they're covered with vines, though some are clean rock - though never been climbed by humans (though doubtless been climbed by monkeys, not long ago). Anyone knowing other areas near town, please pipe up - same for anyone with added info related to rock climbing in this area. URL for map plus brief description.

[sceadugenga]

I see you have the rock out crop on the way to Don's Cafe, I always wondered if there was a path or track to the top for non-climbers.

[rmacdon61]

I have looked at that wall across from the Chiang Rai Beach with the cave. My first thot was, wow, great climb that!

[harsu]

I see you have the rock out crop on the way to Don's Cafe, I always wondered if there was a path or track to the top for non-climbers.

Forgive me for veering off the topic of rock-climbing, but there is a path up this hill..... here is some info. I wrote for something else........

The Hill by Wat Phra That Tham Doi Kong Khao

By bike or vehicle, head out of the city past Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park on the road that you would take to go to Don's restaurant or on to Mae Yao/ Doi In Cee. 2.8Km past the park at an intersection, turn right and follow the signs as if going to Ban Phasoet Hot springs/ prison. A further 2.9km will take you to a gravel road off to your right marked by a Buddha statue and signage. Turn onto this road and after another 400 metres there is the monastery and wat. Park in the grounds. The hill you are going to ascend is one of those limestone plugs that you see dotted around the province, rising improbably upwards from flattish ground of the Wat. A path leads you off to the left, follow it around the base of the hill past the female monks white-painted quarters. You will pass a cliff face to your right on which hang some of the biggest colonies of wild bees you'll ever want to see. They are not so active at this time of year but take care anyway. Follow the small path around, a concrete grey wall now on your left, until you see a shrine and some guardian animal statues with crazy marble eyes. The path then heads uphill for about 200m. through sparce woodland. You reach a clearing and a small retreat house, and the steps to the summit are on your right. Don't be fooled the first fifty or so are smooth, proper steps after this it's very rough and ready stone 'steps' and then it's a scramble and a glow inducing climb to the very top.

A truly wonderful view of CR city, the reclining woman hill and the river greets you from the purpose built platform which you share with a Buddha statue. To your left you'll see a hermitage and stupa partly hidden from view also on the hill top.

Going down I usually end up- at some point -sitting, having to make a 4 point contact with mother earth, rather than just the recommended three. Safely at the bottom, take some time to stroll around the monastery grounds both male and female 'monks' live and study here and it is a popular Buddhist learning and meditation centre.

There is a multi- layered cave to visit within the grounds go up the steps that are directly behind the parking area. Take a torch or lighter or switch on the electrics at the connection box yourself (on the concrete pole to the left front of the steps up to the cave entrance). There are a few bats, shrines and about 200 metres of beautiful water worn tunnels to admire with sand covered floors. Once outside again, make a donation in the box by the pond and collect some fish food there to sit and feed the carp and catfish. There are public toilets available in the temple grounds.

Edited December 20, 2011 by harsu

[villagefarang]

I see you have the rock out crop on the way to Don's Cafe, I always wondered if there was a path or track to the top for non-climbers.

Forgive me for veering off the topic of rock-climbing, but there is a path up this hill..... here is some info. I wrote for something else........

The Hill by Wat Phra That Tham Doi Kong Khao

By bike or vehicle, head out of the city past Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park on the road that you would take to go to Don's restaurant or on to Mae Yao/ Doi In Cee. 2.8Km past the park at an intersection, turn right and follow the signs as if going to Ban Phasoet Hot springs/ prison. A further 2.9km will take you to a gravel road off to your right marked by a Buddha statue and signage. Turn onto this road and after another 400 metres there is the monastery and wat. Park in the grounds. The hill you are going to ascend is one of those limestone plugs that you see dotted around the province, rising improbably upwards from flattish ground of the Wat. A path leads you off to the left, follow it around the base of the hill past the female monks white-painted quarters. You will pass a cliff face to your right on which hang some of the biggest colonies of wild bees you'll ever want to see. They are not so active at this time of year –but take care anyway. Follow the small path around, a concrete grey wall now on your left, until you see a shrine and some guardian animal statues with crazy marble eyes. The path then heads uphill for about 200m. through sparce woodland. You reach a clearing and a small retreat house, and the steps to the summit are on your right. Don't be fooled – the first fifty or so are smooth, proper steps – after this it's very rough and ready stone 'steps' and then it's a scramble and a glow inducing climb to the very top.

A truly wonderful view of CR city, the reclining woman hill and the river greets you from the purpose built platform which you share with a Buddha statue. To your left you'll see a hermitage and stupa partly hidden from view also on the hill top.

Going down I usually end up- at some point -sitting, having to make a 4 point contact with mother earth, rather than just the recommended three. Safely at the bottom, take some time to stroll around the monastery grounds – both male and female 'monks' live and study here and it is a popular Buddhist learning and meditation centre.

There is a multi- layered cave to visit within the grounds – go up the steps that are directly behind the parking area. Take a torch or lighter or switch on the electrics at the connection box yourself (on the concrete pole to the left front of the steps up to the cave entrance). There are a few bats, shrines and about 200 metres of beautiful water worn tunnels to admire with sand covered floors. Once outside again, make a donation in the box by the pond and collect some fish food there to sit and feed the carp and catfish. There are public toilets available in the temple grounds.

I admire your writing skills. :jap:

[sceadugenga]

Indeed, and excellent information as well.

Sounds like a pleasant excursion.

[scorpio1945]

I see you have the rock out crop on the way to Don's Cafe, I always wondered if there was a path or track to the top for non-climbers.

Forgive me for veering off the topic of rock-climbing, but there is a path up this hill..... here is some info. I wrote for something else........

The Hill by Wat Phra That Tham Doi Kong Khao

By bike or vehicle, head out of the city past Rai Mae Fah Luang Cultural Park on the road that you would take to go to Don's restaurant or on to Mae Yao/ Doi In Cee. 2.8Km past the park at an intersection, turn right and follow the signs as if going to Ban Phasoet Hot springs/ prison. A further 2.9km will take you to a gravel road off to your right marked by a Buddha statue and signage. Turn onto this road and after another 400 metres there is the monastery and wat. Park in the grounds. The hill you are going to ascend is one of those limestone plugs that you see dotted around the province, rising improbably upwards from flattish ground of the Wat. A path leads you off to the left, follow it around the base of the hill past the female monks white-painted quarters. You will pass a cliff face to your right on which hang some of the biggest colonies of wild bees you'll ever want to see. They are not so active at this time of year –but take care anyway. Follow the small path around, a concrete grey wall now on your left, until you see a shrine and some guardian animal statues with crazy marble eyes. The path then heads uphill for about 200m. through sparce woodland. You reach a clearing and a small retreat house, and the steps to the summit are on your right. Don't be fooled – the first fifty or so are smooth, proper steps – after this it's very rough and ready stone 'steps' and then it's a scramble and a glow inducing climb to the very top.

A truly wonderful view of CR city, the reclining woman hill and the river greets you from the purpose built platform which you share with a Buddha statue. To your left you'll see a hermitage and stupa partly hidden from view also on the hill top.

Going down I usually end up- at some point -sitting, having to make a 4 point contact with mother earth, rather than just the recommended three. Safely at the bottom, take some time to stroll around the monastery grounds – both male and female 'monks' live and study here and it is a popular Buddhist learning and meditation centre.

There is a multi- layered cave to visit within the grounds – go up the steps that are directly behind the parking area. Take a torch or lighter or switch on the electrics at the connection box yourself (on the concrete pole to the left front of the steps up to the cave entrance). There are a few bats, shrines and about 200 metres of beautiful water worn tunnels to admire with sand covered floors. Once outside again, make a donation in the box by the pond and collect some fish food there to sit and feed the carp and catfish. There are public toilets available in the temple grounds.

I admire your writing skills. :jap:

Ditto

[maidu]

At Doi Kong Kao (the hill shown in the lower left, on the map) that steep path on its west side is a fine outing. When I first came to reside in C.Rai in 1998 (I had first visited here in early 80's), I noticed there had been some preliminary work on putting in steps on that west side of the hill. Once, while scambling up, a beautiful Thai woman was climbing down the same steep incline. She was dressed in free-flowing white cotton dress (this is not a made-up fantasy). We stopped to talk for a bit, she two steps above me, so her belly was face level to me, about a foot away (very steep steps). She told me it was her last day of being a layperson, and the next morning she was scheduled to take vows to become a nun (part of the temple site below is a Buddhist nunnery). Some carnal thoughts flickered through my brain - intertwined with the idea of giving her a 'sending off' present, but I was too gentlemanly to act upon it. Instead I entrusted her with 1,000 baht to give to the head monk - earmarked for fixing the steps. The following week, several dozen soldiers were hiking up that path, carrying bags of sand, cement, bricks, rock and jugs of water - and the steps were upgraded and the standing Buddha was erected on the summit. But I didn't get my rocks off, and never saw the lady again.