Ton Sai

Rock climbing is the primary draw for visitors, with Ton Sai offering as many routes as Rai Leh, and hosting a number of climbing schools and guiding companies, including:

Basecamp Tonsai (Wee's Rock Climbing School)

(http://www.basecamptonsai.com). professional variety of climbing courses. course prices range from 800 baht for intro courses to 9.000 baht for five day advanced courses. also the pioneer of deep water soloing trips. their gear shop has the best selection plus they publish the only complete climbing guidebook for the area. helpfull with info on tonsai, get a free map.

The Rock Shop

The first climbing shop on Tonsai Beach, The Rock Shop (http://www.justclimbthail...) is a locally owned and operated climbing shop that provides courses, gear rental, private guides, and guide services. Courses run from 800b for a half day to 5,000 for a 3 day course including course materials. All courses are all inclusive. Guides are experienced and professional competing for the Thai National Team throughout Asia. The Rock Shop also produces a climbing guide book, The Pocket Guide, Thailand Sport Climbing available at several shops in Tonsai, Railay, and Aonong for 800b.

If you want to climb independently its easy to either rent gear from one of the shops, or bring your own. Shops usually give you a package of a guidebook, 14 quickdraws, a 60 m rope, 2 harnesses, 2 chalk bags and 2 pairs of shoes. This usually costs around 800 Bhat. Its also very easy to meet people if you're looking for a partner, so don't be afraid to just turn up alone but do be careful about who you climb with.

Almost all the routes are sport climbs on limestone rock, and are usually well protected. However, because of the close proximity to the sea the bolts tend to rust, so its worth sticking to new or rebolted routes. There are some climbs that are entirely protected by slings and sometimes these are worn through, so bring some extra slings or buy some there. You can also buy an excellent guidebook for the whole of Thailand at any of the climbing shops. It has dates and safety ratings for each climb, which is very useful. Be aware of local copies with inaccurate info.

The climbing is often athletic and overhanging. The rock quality varies depending on the crag, but its usually excellent and the rock formations are very impressive - lots of staligtites. There are some fantastic multi pitches, and you are rewarded with brilliant views from the top. Some of these can be climbed with one 60 m rope, some of them need two. Some of the hardest climbs are concentrated along the beach, which also makes a great bouldering spot because the sand is soft to fall on. There is also a good bouldering cave that stays nice and dry if it rains.

The best time to climb is probably during the winter months when its cooler, but it can get crowded, especially at Christmas time. The rest of the year its either very hot or raining, and many places shut down in low season. However there are often windows of beautiful weather during the monsoon and the rock usually drys quickly.

Playing with fire -- Ton Sai could well be the world centre for fire tricks: light something on fire, twirl it in the air, that's the basic idea. A lot of climbers can be found on the beach during their rest days practicing on the beach.

Scuba Diving

Scuba Talent Dive Center

Tel: +66 84 627 5227, (http://www.krabiontours.com). the only one dive center at tonsai beach will guide you to the underwater world.

Share or charter a boat to nearby islands. Chicken Island is good for snorkeling.

Rent kayaks from one of the bungalow operations along the beach and paddle around to Railay or the beautiful Phra Nang beach.

Look out cave Next to the Freedom Bar, there is a bamboo ladder that climbs to a lookout point of the bay. Although the ladder is fairly safe, be cautious especially after the sun goes down.