Rock climbing near Chiang Mai

Posted by Northerner on February 10th, 2012 filed in Adventure, courses

The region of Northern Thailand around Chiang Mai is better known for its hill trekking opportunities than for rock climbing. Despite the fact that many of the majestic peaks that dot this region of the world look suitable for climbing, they only attracted the occasional amateur climber until a few years ago. In the late 1990s several Thai and expat climbers developed an area near the city’s San Kamphaeng District.

The crag known to one and all as Crazy Horse Buttress is close to Muang On Cave and has around 150 climber’s routes. Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures (CMRCA) operates trips out to the crag. Routes can be climbed by people of all abilities and are mostly vertical with overhangs. Climbing routes are fairly lengthy with a minimum of 25 metres. CMRCA offers people the chance of buying different ropes up to 80 metres long, although this one is really only for those with lots of stamina.

CMRCA also has velcro shoes which are best suited for climbing the limestone of Crazy Horse. The company offers a number of different climbing and caving courses and excursions. Those who have never climbed before will find the Rock Climbing Introduction Course a great day out with expert tuition in the basics and in rappelling. CMRCA’s city office is on Ratchapakhinai Road and full information and contact details are available here.