Rock-Climbing Northern Thailand

Entrance to Windy Cave

Crazy Horse Buttress is the 'other' Sport Climbing area in Thailand. It's near Chiang Mai, the second largest city in Thailand, located about 700km north of Bangkok. It's less well known than Krabi to the South, but no less in quality. In fact, if you are a moderate or beginner climber, this may be the better destination. There are about 90 routes from grade 5 to 6c (the French system of grading is used here), and only one at 8a. The remaining 25 or so routes are in the 7s.

Making our way in to the crag. Groomed trails, nice huts to rest. leveled and clean belay areas.... All thanks to the CMRCA and it's volunteers!

The main driving force behind climbing at Crazy Horse is the Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventures on Ratpakinai Rd in Old Chiang Mai. The climbing guide book, transport to and from the crag, bolting, climbing club and other services are set up by them. It's your first stop if you are new to climbing here.

A class doing a Tyrolean Traverse across Windy Cave. Brave kids. It's a long way down!

The best time to go is during the cool and dry season from October til February. It starts to warm up in March, but remains dry til about May, and is still ok for climbing. A 60m rope will get you up and down most of the climbs, but a 70m rope is best and you will be able to link up one or two climbs with a short second pitch. All routes are sport, and a rack of about 14 - 16 medium to long quickdraws should suffice. Bring mosquito repellant.

68-year-old 'Doc' Kung making his way up the 6a Chimney at Tamarind Village

Best climbs to start off with? I recommend making your way up to 'The Rooftop'. There are three climbs there: a 5b, 5c and a 6a. It's a great introduction to the area and the view from up there is great!

Kai Li starting up a 6b on Buddha Buttress

If you are staying in Chiang Mai and you don't have your own transport to the crag, you'll need to book a seat on the CMRCA shuttles. CMRCA uses three songthaews, which are pick-ups with a cab for passengers. A songthaew can take up to 10 passengers, so if you are concerned about getting a seat, book a place the evening before. It costs 250 Bhat and comes with lunch. Pick up is in front of the CMRCA at 0830 and leaves the crag at 1630 in the afternoon. Transport takes about 45 minutes each way.

The strange and the wonderful... I have no idea what this is, but there are a lot of mosquitoes and bees in the area.

Where to stay? There are a couple of guesthouses close to the crag, but options are somewhat limited. Most people stay in Chiang Mai and shuttle up to the crag. There are lots of places to stay in old Chiang Mai, depending on your budget. Most will be walking distance to the CMRCA and lots of places to eat.

Kai and Doc having dinner at the night market in Old Chiang Mai