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| Elevation: | 803 ft |
| GPS: |
18.94529, 102.44609 Google Map · Climbing Area Map |
| Page Views: | 301,222 total · 1,735/month |
| Shared By: | Ryan Kelly on Jan 13, 2010 |
| Admins: | moredaysoff, Nate Ball |
Description
Laos, or more correctly the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic, may not have the climbing reputation of its neighbor Thailand, but it certainly has its one must-visit crag: Pha Tam Kam, aka "Thakhek" aka "Green Climbers Home".
The country only opened their doors to tourism a little over two decades ago, and likewise the climbing culture is still young, but the potential is there to establish Laos as destination area in the climbing world. The Lao are friendly and energetic opportunists and are more than willing to invite falang onto their lands if it will earn them a buck or a fraction of.
The main body of the country in the north is mountainous and perforated by limestone crags jutting out of the flat rice fields covering the valley floors. The rock is the same white limestone that you'll find around the rest of this part of the continent. Though you can find a variety of styles it's predominantly single-pitch over-hanging sport climbing on tufas and pockets.
The biggest hindrance to the popularity climbing is the weather, which is a fair bit wetter than down south during the season (June Sept) and closes down a lot of areas. Fortunately there are a few established area that are climbable in the pouring rain, which makes it quite comfortable temperature-wise.
There are two other developed climbing areas developed in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Vang Vieng is known for being a debaucherous party destination.
Getting There
Dangers and Annoyances
If youve been traveling around S.E.A. youll surely note that the Lao are far more laid back than any of their neighbors. You wont have to deal with the hagglers of Thailand and Vietnam, nor the scam artists of Cambodia. However, the Lao have begun to work on grasping the concept of capitalism, and thus the prices have been skyrocketing as the tourism grows. I usually found that the price drops almost instantly to true market value with a firm stance; take the offer once its fair, dont belabor the issue trying to get another 20 cents knocked off. Ive witnessed this on more than one occasion and it comes off as very rude and insulting.
Be wary of the Lao Lao whisky.
Seasons
On the plus side, Laos being the only land-locked country in South East Asia, you dont have to worry about the corroding SS bolts like in Thailand.
Accommodation, Supplies, and Climbing Needs
Supplies can be picked up at any market store scattered across the streets. ATMs are widely accessible, however see warning in Vang Vieng section.
Green Discovery is a corporate outdoors company and will gladly take herds of noobs to the local cliff and pull them up topropes for a modest fee. They have shops in Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang. In Vang Vieng, where the bulk of the climbing is located, I recommend searching out Adams Rock Climbing School for supplies of a guide. Adam is a climber, not just a corporate top rope, and can set you up with whatever you need.
Guidebooks
The Thailand Climbing Guide by Sam Lightner Jr also has a section in the back on Laos.
The best option is to just pick up a printed copy of the guide from Adam in Vang Vieng. The $5 you spend goes towards bolting.
Classic Climbing Routes at Laos
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![Sunset over the west side of Vang Vieng with the Pha Deang Mountains looming in the background [HDR Composite]](https://mountainproject.com/assets/photos/climb/106649461_smallMed_1494128728.jpg?cache=1701316135)
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