Yangshuo and/or Tonsai in July/August

Hi y'all - looking for a few more opinions on what it's like to climb in Yangshuo and Tonsai in late July/early-mid August. I know it's probably going to be very hot and humid. Has anyone been to either of those places during that time of year? What's it like? We are going to be on that side of the world visiting extended family, and are really hoping to get some climbing in at one of those spots, if possible.

My wife and I climbed there a couple years ago in August. It was really hot (90+) and humid as you might expect...and there are mosquitoes too. But, there are some crags that are shaded to make everything more bearable. If you're into that sort of thing, there are some good guide companies in the town that can point you to the best areas. Their services are really inexpensive and you get a little more of the local flavor.

Yangshuo is an amazing place, I'd go back there in any weather!

Jay Swamidass wrote:My wife and I climbed there a couple years ago in August. It was really hot (90+) and humid as you might expect...and there are mosquitoes too. But, there are some crags that are shaded to make everything more bearable. If you're into that sort of thing, there are some good guide companies in the town that can point you to the best areas. Their services are really inexpensive and you get a little more of the local flavor. Yangshuo is an amazing place, I'd go back there in any weather!

It will be hot as hell, but it won't matter -- the climbing is phenomenal. Most of the climbing is on well textured or highly featured rock, and sweat/humidity doesn't affect the climbing as much as it does in the southeastern US.

Prepare to:
-Chase shade. Go for west/north facing areas or caves (Chicken Cave!). Some crags, like The Egg, have good climbing on all aspects and you can adjust according to the time of day. Some areas, like banyan tree or white mountain, stay shit-hot pretty much all day.

-Sweat and hydrate. Getting to the crags requires a modest bike ride, but it can feel awful in the summer heat. Pack in tons of water. Better yet, if there are stores or people shilling drinks nearby the crags, buy from them even if they bump the prices by a little. Maintaining good relations with the locals (especially the farmers' whose land you are crossing to get to the crags) is a good way to help prevent access issues, and patronizing their businesses is important.
Also keep in mind that the drinking water there is distilled and not very good at replacing salts lost to sweating - I'd advise bringing Gatorade mix (from stateside) with you or eating accordingly.

No problem!

We stayed at the Stone Bridge Hostel hostelworld.com/hosteldetai…

It's about a 7 minute bike ride (Definitely rent bikes when you are out there!) outside of the city next to a little farming village. Much quieter than staying in the city which can get a bit rowdy in the evening times. The guy who owns(ed?) it is a nice Aussie who was very accommodating.

Pro tip: find a restaurant -- there are many -- that serves "Beer Fish." It's good eatin'!

Thanks y'all! This is very helpful.

That is actually the official start of the southwest monsoon in Thailand. Often not as hot as March, but that is because it can rain for days on end.
Rainy season in southern China as well, though not as pronounced.