Posts in Thailand
Tonsai, Thailand
 

I first came to Tonsai in 2013 on my first solo backpacking trip. It was then when I met Tony and Damien for the first time. Who would have known that three years later the three of us would roam Laos and Thailand together? The brutal heat and vicious mosquitoes made less than ideal climbing conditions but it's hard to deny the beauty, tranquility, and the special vibe here that brings people together.

View of Phra Nang Beach from the Escher Wall, photo by Nestori Virtanen

Railey Beach from Thaiwand Wall

Me on The Best Route in Minnesota, photo by Tony Archie Kim

I got scared at the top slabby bit, photo by Nestori Virtanen

View of Tonsai from Thaiwand Wall while hiding in caves to waiting out the rain

Dawn on the uninhabited Poda Island where a group of us spent the night before saying goodbye to Tonsai

 
Namphapayai, Thailand
 

Nam Pha Pa Yai is such a gem of a climbing camp! It is just north of Bangkok and is accessible by car or train. Being so close to the city, it is surprisingly quiet and intimate. There is no wifi and very little cell reception. The rock is solid and the routes are long and varied. With home cooked dinners and less than 10 people a night, it is a beautiful place to lay low and just climb.  Did I mention you zipline to the wall? Also that you can stay in a tree house if you book early enough?  I loved it and would love to return when the weather is cooler.

 

On the train ride from Bangkok to  Kaeng Khoi

Beautiful Thai countryside 

The climbing at Nam Pha was amazing! It is like a mini-Green Climbers Home and you have the wall almost all to yourself

Ernst zipping over to the Main Wall

Tents on stilts were spacious and clean

My little bluey had a bath on rest day. The weather was so dry that it dried in an hour or so!

 
Chiang Mai, Thailand
 

So...after Thakhek, we had the full intention of climbing strong and pushing hard but what reeeeaaally happened in Chiang Mai was...FOOD!

Anxiety State Crisis Cave in Crazy Horse Buttress, coolest place to climb!

Tony

Swena

skewers

Coconut ball thingys

Pork for Pork Rice

So much Khao Soi

Banana Roti

Mango Sticky Rice

Eye Brow Dawg

Fat Fold Dawg

Beer the Golden Retriever from our hostel (Chokdee) whom liked to go on walks with us.

...and Decathalon. Decathalon also happened.

Damien introduced Tony and I to Decathalon, and we went back...a lot.