Chalk in Southeast Asia

I'm heading over to Southeast Asia in January for a few months and someone told me awhile ago to bring a lot of chalk because it's hard to get and really expensive over there. What are other's experiences with this?

Southeast Asia is a pretty broad region... where are you heading?

Chalk isn't that much more expensive in major climbing destinations, like Tonsai/Krabi. If there are many guide/gear shops, prices will be closer to what you'd pay in the states.

Expect to pay more, perhaps much more, in places with relatively less traffic. Still, it's only chalk... paying 200% more for a block of chalk is pretty painless compared to the prices you'd be paying for actual climbing equipment.

Even if prices are higher, you'll be saving so much when considering the underpriced food, lodging, etc. Besides, the local economy could use a few extra bucks...

I'm starting in Thailand but I'll probably spend most of my time in Vietnam. Thanks for your reply. It sounds like it won't be a big deal, my friend made it sound like I should bring a couple pounds with me. Another question for those that have been in the area, are there many places to resole climbing shoes over there? Should I bring a backup pair?

Josh Edwards wrote:I'm starting in Thailand but I'll probably spend most of my time in Vietnam. Thanks for your reply. It sounds like it won't be a big deal, my friend made it sound like I should bring a couple pounds with me. Another question for those that have been in the area, are there many places to resole climbing shoes over there? Should I bring a backup pair?

ROFL that is funny chalk is your friend's biggest concern! If you even use a couple pounds of chalk in a few months!

Yes on the extra pair or two of shoes! Even if you could resole them, there would be downtime on that. Plus you could lose them, they could wear out. I have too many shoes for how much I actually get to climb, but if I were going on a trip like that, I'd bring 4 pairs- e.g. 2 comfy, 2 performance.

Sounds like so much fun!

Josh Edwards wrote:I'm starting in Thailand but I'll probably spend most of my time in Vietnam. Thanks for your reply. It sounds like it won't be a big deal, my friend made it sound like I should bring a couple pounds with me. Another question for those that have been in the area, are there many places to resole climbing shoes over there? Should I bring a backup pair?

Yes, bring a backup(s). Most of the stone on well-traveled limestone routes will be gentle on shoe rubber, but expect to be doing LOTS of climbing. Why don't you check with some of the outfitters, gear shops, and guides in Thailand and Vietnam (Halong, I'd assume)??? Many of them have websites or contact information in English, and you could get estimates on resoles or new/used shoe prices.

FYI, if you are stopping over in Hong Kong at any point, they sell 5.10 products for extremely low prices. I would expect to pay out the nose for new shoes in Vietnam or Thailand, though.

Whatever chalk you think you need in Vietnam, buy it in Thailand before you go. Asia Outdoors has a small, expensive supply of chalk - and it is inferior to regular branded climbing chalk, scooped out of a big jug, no bricks, no bags.

No resolers in Vietnam. If you're going through KL at any point, you can get shoes resoled at Verticale. Probably easiest to take a second pair of shoes.