Krabi is generally considered to be one of the best places in the world for rock climbing.With its thousands of sheer limestone cliff faces, overhangs, and caves, there is something to challenge everyone, from the professional solo climber to the complete beginner. If you can take your concentration off the rock face, climbing in Krabi presents some of the best views a climber will ever see.

Beginners have the benefit of a rope attached to their harness, which is secured to the a bolt at the top of the climb (called top rope climbing) and controlled by an instructor below. This method, used everywhere in Krabi is so safe and suitable for all ages and abilities. Each of the climbs is graded (using the French system) for consistency. You can even give your arms and legs a break and hang motionless in the aur while you catch your breath.

There are at least ten rock climbing schools in Railay and Ton Sai, and several more in Ko Phi Phi. all have good, English-speaking instructors and provide guiding srevices for experienced climbers, equipment rental, as well as rock climbing courses. Fitness and strength is obviously a plus, but on the rock face, you will find the sheer will to climb counts for a lot, too.
Rock climbing in Krabi provides a challenge to both mind and body-there's a reason it's used on so many motivational training courses-and, here in Krabi, the sense of achievement you feel on reaching the summit of the course is doubled by the extraordinary views across the islands you will enjoy from the top.

Those with plenty of experience rock climbing should bring their shoes(and possibly harness)with them; the rest can be hired locally rather than lugging it on the plane. Many of the schools and climbing companies are internationally accredited in safety training and have reliable and well maintained equipment. As always you should conduct your own checks when using other people's equipment.
Over the years, many Thai and foreign rock climbing enthusiast have blazed routes up the many rock faces both here and on Koh Phi Phi and there are now more than 600 routes; from 5a's to classic multipitch 6a's, and even extremes of 8c. If you are serious about rock climbing in Krabi and will be hanging around awhile or returning its worth picking up a copy of king Climbers route guide(US$25), which is published(now in 5th edition)by a well known local climber.
A local climber by the name of Shamick Byszewski undertook the thankless task of rebolting many of the routes in 2005 using titanium bolts and public property open to all, if you wish to bolt routes of you own its advisable to consult with the locals rst to avoid stepping on any toes. These climbers make a living here and have put a lot of effort into opening and maintaining routes. Don't expect to simply show up and use them without making use of some of their services.

Krabi Attractions
Regarded by travelers from all walks of life as begin among the most beautiful tropical islands of the world.
Thale Waek (Separated Sea)
One of Thailand's unseen highlights, Thale Waek is situated along Ko Dam Khwan. As the tide recedes, the sea is gradually separated by the white sand and limestone beach that will appear to amazingly connect the two islands at low tide. The best time to visit Thale Waek is 5 days before and after the full moon from December to beginning of May. To visit Thale Waek, proceed on Highway No. 4034 from the city, then turn left and follow Highway No. 4202 to Ao Nang.
Mu Ko Hong
Mu Ko Hong consists of a group of limestone islands including Ko Lao or Ko Sa Ka, Ko Lao Riam, Ko Pakka, Ko Lao Lading and Ko Hong or Ko lao Li Pe which is the biggest island to the south. The attractions on these islands include fine beaches, shallow and deep-water coral reefs and various kinds of fish while popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, sea-canoeing and nature studies on the 400-meter hiking tril around Ko Hong. Mu Ko Hong is located at the edge of the Than Bok Khorani National Park, and is accessible by a 1-hour boat trip from Ao Nang. The park entrance fee is 200 baht per person with an additional fee of 20 baht per person for camping on the island.
Hat Tham Phra Nang

This beach is the location of the 5-star Rayavadee resort, a private property that occupies 26 acres of the beach and the only compound located near Phra Nang Beach.

The Inner and Outer Phra Nang Caves, and Phra Nang Lagoon, which are located nearby offer remarkable views against a stunning backdrop and a range of accommodations to suit every budget.

Although these attractions are accessible only by boat, they still draw numerous visitors for recreational and adventurous activities such as diving, snorkeling, hiking and rock climbing.

At the north end of Sa Bohk Korani, which flows through a winding passage on the mountain, is a wood carving of a footprint of the Lord Buddha and a shrine of Chao Pho To Yuan - to Chong. Other attractions in the park include several limestone mountain caves, verdant mangrove forests and beautiful islands which can be reached only by boat Admission fee is 200 baht per person. The Park dose not provede accommodations, but camping in the park es allowed although tourists have to bring their own tents.

Susan Hoi features a slab formed from a huge number of embedded various types of mollusks which can be dated to approximately 40 million year ago. This shell graveyard at Ban Laem Pho was once a large freshwater swamp, the habitat of diverse mollusks. With changes on the surface of the earth, seawater enveloped the submerged mollusks resulting in a homogenous layer of fossilized mollusk shells forty centimeters thick known as Shelley Limestone. With geographical upheavals, the limestone layer is now distributed in great broken sheets of impressive magnitude on the seashore. The site is located 17 kilometers from the town.

When visiting or living in another country, especially one with a culture as different as Thailand, it's worth learning a little about the culture and customs.
Not only will you go home with a little more knowledge of the world around you but it will certainly help when meeting the local Thai people. Much like the rest of Asia, Thailand is a predominantly Buddhist culture and much of its rules about how to be polite come direct from their religious beliefs. Though many of the customs may seem strange to a Westerner it's always worth remembering that you are in a foreign country and are ambassadors from your own, so though you may not get it right every time, an effort to understand and use Thai culture and customs will certainly be appreciated in Thailand.

Hands and Feet In Thai culture the head is spiritually the highest part of the body ans the feet the lowest and considered unclean. You should never touch any adult Thai on the head, especially if they are older than you, and it is even wise to avoid the heads of young boys as one day they may become monks.
You should never point your feet at someone or an object as this is considered disrespectful. A child can burst into tears because he has done something wrong and instead of his Father hitting him or scolding him he simply pointed his foot as the boy to show he had no respect for him.

Greetings-How & When to Wai The traditional Thai greeting is the Wai. The Wai is a prayer like gesture made with the palms of your hands begin put together accompanied by a slight nod and sometimes a lowering of the eyes.
The height of the hands varies as to the status person you are waiing, but generally speaking if it is person of importance for example, a monk or an older person, then the top of your fingers should be raised to the top of your nose.
A lot of people make the mistake of waiing too often and waiing a person they need not wai. The Thais will look on this as a bit strange. You do not need to Wai shopkeepers, waitresses or people in the service industry though they may Wai you, and as a general rule a foreigner needs to Wai very few people and they are either people older and respected personally, a friend's parents, or the owners of a home you are visiting.You will also find a handshake works just as well especially with a lot of Thai people, as they know this is the foreign greeting and is still a respectful thing to do.

Losing Face A lot is said about the tradition of a Thai losing face. There is no point explaining it here as foreigners have the same tradition. To understand it better and to put it in very simple terms, you just need to rename it is Western terms. Losing face is when you are made to look foolish in public. Of course the concept to Thai"face" can be explained in much deeper depth that this, but the above is a simple rule that works well for everyone.
To make some lose face is unadvised as people often take an unkindly to this as you would in the West. Be aware that for a Thai to lose fase is a very bad thing so try to avoid making them lose face at all costs.

howing Affection The Thais especially elder frown upon public displays of affection, even innocently holding hands and certainly kissing in public. This is becoming less now as Thailand becomes increasingly modern and westernised and many of the younger Thais will not be bothered by this.

Dress Shoes should be removed when entering a Thai home. You'll often see stacks of shoes outside an apartment room.
If you visit an official place such as the immigration office, always dress neatly. Shirtless, with no shoes on will not start you off the right way with the officials as they consider it disrespectful.
When going to a religious site again always dress respectfully and without showing too much flesh. Hot pants, shorts, no top etc. are not fitting clothers for these places and you will often not be allowed into them.
Shoes can be worn inside the temple grounds but not in the area where the main Buddha image is kept.

Hat Karon (Karon Beach)
Located south of Patong Beach, Hat Karon is a curving beach that lies beautifully in the sun with small sand dunes, casuarinas and palm trees. The crescent bay is the beach's signature that drawing travelers attention. From May to October, the beach may by affected by serious undertows, as the bay open. Watch out for those warning flags before going swimming or surfing at the southern end of the beach. During the high season, the beach is ideal for relaxation, swimming or sunbathing. A wide range of accommodations, from top-end to budget and mid-range, are available. Other facilities such as nightclubs, restaurants and other evening entertainment are located along the beachfront road.
Hat Kata (Kata Beach)
Located approximately 17 kilometers from Phuket City are Kata Noi (Small Kata) Beaches. Both are renowned for snorkeling to se the coral, tropical fishes and the seas eco-system. Also worth visiting is Kho Pu, a small uninhabited island located off Laem Sai. Most visitors find snorkeling along the islands rich coral reef enjoyable. Diverse beach activities are available on both beaches. Accommodations on Hat Kata are set amidst tropical are cliff settings. Visitors can choose to stay in budget to top end accommodations according to their preference. Well known hotels located here are Club Med and the Boathouse. For more information on how to get there, please refer to the transportation section in Hat Karon.
Hat Kalim (Kalim Beach)
Located north of Patong Beach is a secluded beach dotted with rocks and coral reefs. Accommodations and restaurants are available. Another interesting stopover is Freedom Beach which is located around the head of Laem Ka Sai Rot and is accessible by a chartered long-tailed boat.
Hat Kamala (Kamala Beach)
Located approximately 26 kilometers from Phuket City, Hat Kamala is a relatively secluded 2-kilometer beach that is suitable for total relaxation. Accommodations are available.
Hat Patong (Patong Beach)
This Beach is a most developed, most vibrant, most visited beach of Phuket that never fails to impress visitors. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the City, the beach has a wide range of accommodations and shopping arcades, and provides magnificent leisure activities and energetic night-time entertainment. It is a picture perfect postcard view of a 3-kilometer long white sandy beach that is perfect for swimming,lazing, and enjoying challenging water sports such as jet skiing, windsurfing snorkeling, sailing, and parasailing.
In addition, Patong offers gastronomical delights for seafood lovers. There are plenty of good restaurants located along the beach.
Hat Nai Han (Nai Han Beach)
Located a few kilometers from Kata Beach, next to Phromthep Cape, approximately 18 kilometers from town is Hat Nai Han, an extra-ordinary beach that has white powdery sand and crystal clear water. The beach borders on two charming landscaped lagoons surrounded by rubber trees and other tropical plants. As the beach has not yet been fully developed to its full potential, it is less crowded, more peaceful, thus is ideal for people seeking solitude. Holidaymakers are not recommended to swim during the monsoon season from May to October. Watch out for the red flag!
Despite having a rather limited selection of accommodations, they range from budget bungolows to the top-class Yacht Club. Check with the TAT phuket Office for more up-to-date information and room rates.
This beach can be reached by songthaeos, which leaves from the intersection of Ranong Road and the fountain circle. The fare is 25 baht/person/trip. In addition, visitors can also charter tuk-tuks which costs a lot more at 150 baht to 200 baht/trip.
Hat Rawai (Rawai Beach)
Located approximately 17 kilometers from town is the less crowded, more peaceful and less commercial beach with a second-to-none pristine beach. The Beach is home to well-established community of Phuket Chao Le people (sea gypsies). In addition, from this beach visitors can charter boats to explore other offshore islands. Hat Laem Kha, located to the northeast of the beach, is the departure point for those wishing to visit Koh Lon, and Koh He, Laem Phromthep, Phukets landmark, is located at the southern end of the beach. This cape is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Accommodations range from budget bungalows to middle range resorts.
Getting to the Beach is easy by songthaeos, which cost approximately 20 baht/person/trip. Songthaeos depart from the stop at the circle for Ranong Road, while chartered tuk-tuks will cost more at 150 baht/trip.
Hat Surin (Surin Beach) Located approximately 24 kilometers from town and only in a short distance north of Laem Sing is an enchanting beach lined with casuarinas trees. Isolated and secluded, the beach is ideal for sunbathing and relaxing. The Beach, however, is not suitable for swimming as it has a steep sloping beach and the weather fluctuates during the southwest monsoon. In addition, there is a golf course which was established in the reign of King Rama VII.
Several Muslim fishing communities are located nearby and Mosques are situated to the west of the beach. The local Mosque, Matsayit Mukaram, is worth visiting as it is an elegant whitewashed structure with lacquered wooden doors.
To get there, travel along Route No. 402, after reaching the Two Heroines Monument, turn left and proceed for approximately 12 kilometers.