Wat Pa Suwannahong is at the base of this tower. It is a Buddhist Temple. Climbing is always allowed, but you must sign in before you climb, and you MUST dress appropriately. Guys wear a shirt, women wear something to cover your shoulders and thighs, and take your shoes off when appropriate. Ladies take a "sarong" to cover up your shoulders.
Donations encouraged. A little for you is a lot to the monks.
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
Warning Stainless-steel bolts are suspect near the coast. A rebolting effort is underway. MORE INFO >>>
This information is a public crowdsourcing effort between the Access Fund,
and Mountain Project. You should confirm closures, restrictions, and/or related dates.
View of Khao Chin Lae 2, near Lopburi, Thailand
Description
Khao Chin Lae 2 is a 600 foot limestone peak that rises out of the sunflower fields and rice paddies of central Thailand. It is a short ride from the town of Loburi, but it is relatively unheard of when compared to the climbing destinations of Southern Thailand. There are over 50 sport routes in two separate areas, and four routes that summit the tower. Three are bolted and one uses traditional protection.
The climbing is different than the south, in that it is mostly vertical with edges, pockets, cracks and corners. Few tufas or stalactites. Some of the harder sport routes are great, especially in the "Secret Garden Area," but the real gems are the multi-pitch routes.
When you get to Lopburi, head to "Noom's Guest House" for good rooms, wonderful service, and advice on the climbing and how to get there. Noom is one of the developers of the climbing here.
For more information and a free guide, see the site Bamboo Escalade
Getting There
Lopburi is about 150 km north west of Bangkok. It is about a four hour train ride from the capital, and tickets are around $1.
Once you are in Lopburi, you will need to rent a motorbike to get to the climbing. Noom's seems to be the only place to rent a bike, but his are brand new. You can also get a taxi.
Head east on HWY 1 out of Lopburi, going straight through two traffic circles. Get out of the last circle at the big red building (Honda building?). Pass the "Tesco" and "Big C" and take a left onto road 3017. Travel 12 km or so and take a left, following signs for "Wat Pa Suwannahong."
Park your bikes at the temple.
Noom has a wonderful map and can give you good better directions. The locals also seem to recognize us "farangs" as rock climbers, and send us the right way.
Access Issues
Access Sensitive!
The climbing here is above a Buddhist Monestary that rests in the shadow of the mountain. You must access the tower through the temple and sign in with someone. Donations are welcome.
Also, make sure to wear proper clothing and remove your shoes when appropriate. Men where shirts and women cover your shoulders!
The Classics
Mountain Project's determination of some of the classic, most popular, highest rated routes for Khao Chin Lae 2:
3rd pitch is the crux. It is very steep climbing on very sharp rock. Double ropes are recommended as a lead fall could possibly slice your rope in twine. The formation is a must climb, although the rock is very sharp. Show caution when climbing this very sharp beautiful spire....[more]Browse More Classics in International
Great cliff withing driving distance to Bangkok. About 2 hours away from Mo Chit BTS. This area is easily better than Khao Yai because there are climbs up to 6 pitches, but beware of sharp limestone. Also, stay at nooms guesthouse. It is within walking distance of the Lopburi trainstation, he is a climber, and good dude. Also, he makes real good coffee. PM for further details.
By Ryan Williams Administrator From: London (sort of) Dec 22, 2010
Glad you guys liked this place. I'd love to see some more routes submitted. Unfortunately I only climbed there two days, and don't remember any of the routes on the right side well enough to add them...
I gotta acknowledge MP & Ryan for putting this area on our radar. Spent 3 days in beginning of Jan. 2013 & had a blast! No other climbers around, hardly any tourists. Also, I second what's been said above about Noom - great guy, great place to stay, & killer coffee.
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