A comprehensive guide for travelers looking to climb in Thakhek, Green Climbers Home, Laos. This guide includes information on climbing areas, seasons, finding partners, transportation, gear, local climbing guides, and more.
Thakhek, located in the middle of Laos, is a popular climbing destination in Southeast Asia. The climbing season in Thakhek is from October to May, with the best months being December to February.
https://www.thecrag.com/en/climbing/laos/thakhek
Thakhek is a great place for beginners. Most of the climbing routes are well-equipped, Green Climbers home offers beginner courses for top rope and lead climbing.
Intermediate climbers will find a wide range of routes to test their skills and push their limits. Thakhek boasts an impressive variety of climbing routes from 6a’s up to 7c’s with varying climbing styles including Tufa/3d climbing, roof climbing, technical crimp climbing, short bouldery climbs, long climbs and steep routes.
For expert climbers Thakhek offers some climbs above 7c’s.
Thakhek also offers Over 70 boulders up to V8/7b.
Thakhek is a small town next to the Thai border in the south of Laos. There is a hostel/hotel right on the crag called Green Climbers Home 5 minutes walk from the crag. The main climbing area is nestled in a valley with over 500 sports climbing routes and 70 boulders.
There is lead climbing, bouldering, and 3 multipitches in Thakhek. All the climbing in Thakek, Laos is limestone.
Over 500 Sports Climbing Routes up to 8c
Over 70 boulders up to V8/7b
Only 3 Multi Pitches
Climbing is free; there is no admission fee to climb in Thakhek.
The Canyon Wall Thakhek, Laos Climbing
Thakhek is mostly climbed from October to May when Green Climbers Home is open. It is possible to climb during May to September, but the crag may be inaccessible due to rain, and almost no one is climbing here.
Important holidays (Prebook accommodation and transportation in advance as everything gets sold out, especially bus tickets, hotels and motorbikes/car rentals.)
- Camp 1 has no mobile reception (no Internet). Camp 2 has mobile reception (Internet).
- Camp 1 is closer to most of the crags, especially the popular intermediate-advanced crags and bouldering areas.
- Camp 1 has less traffic noise from the road.
- Camp 2 is near the road and loud trucks can be heard if you sleep in the tents.
- Camp 1 is said to have bigger food portions.
Send them an email or a message on Facebook. Their staff is extremely helpful and responsive. Check their website for the most up-to-date information.
- Book in advance for the high season (December), it gets full quickly.
Both camps have the same amenities, the difference is internet connectivity.
I recommend camp 1 if you can live without instant internet access.
If your life depends on the internet, Camp 2 is the best option. There is plenty of socializing at Camp 2 as well. Camp 2 has a coworking area.
Camp 1 is the original camp. It is the closest to the crag. The huts are basic and have a bed, mosquito net and a fan. There is a shared bathroom and shower. Camp 1 has a restaurant and bar. There is a camping area in the back next to the river and cave with tents for 2 and 4 people. There are hostel beds style dorm available.
Camp 2 is the new camp. It is a 5 minute walk from camp 1. The huts have a bed, mosquito net, fan and some have a private bathroom. Camp 2 has a restaurant and bar. There is a camping area in the back with tents for 2 and 4 people next to the river. There are hostel beds style dorm available.
Cheap and convenient. Make sure to negotiate the price.
Cheapest and easiest way to move around. Not recommended due to danger, the roads are very dangerous due to poor road quality and heavy traffic (Allot of longhaul truck drivers). Prices start around 8 USD per day and 100 USD per month depending on the bike type. Wear a helmet! Your insurance will not cover you if you get into an accident if you didn’t have a helmet on or without a motorbike driving license. If you’re caught driving without a license or helmet, you will be fined.
There are no ride hailing services in Thakek.
You can book this at the airport, it is the most expensive option. This takes around 1 hour to Green Climbers Home. Cost is around 100 USD.
Where to buy Gear?
Contact Green Climbers Home, they offer a small selection of climbing gear. There are no climbing shops in Thakhek.Where to rent rock climbing gear in Thakhek?
Green Climbers Home offers climbing courses and guides. They offer courses in Top Rope, Lead Climbing and Multi Pitch. They also offer climbing gear rental.
- Yoga - Green Climbers home offers yoga sessions.
- Explore the caves - Traverse the cave behind Camp 1 in Green Climbers Home. There are 2 tunnels that lead to the other side of the mountain.
- Mountain Bike - Rent a mountain bike in the shop at the entrance of Green Climbers home.
- Do the Thakhek Loop - Rent a motorbike and drive around the popular thakhek loop. The Thakhek loop is a 425 kilometer loop around countryside, mountains, caves and rivers. The loop takes around 3-4 days to complete.
- Learn to SlackLine - With more than 8 slacklines, there is one for every level.
- Practice your Juggling skills in Camp 2
- Explore town
Staying in town offers the best accomodation and food options. The downside is it requires 25 minute drive on dangerous roads to the crag.
This is the fastest and easiest way to get here. Thakhek does not have an airport. You must fly to the Nakhon Phanom (KOP) airport in Thailand and take a taxi or bus from the airport accross the border to Thakhek. The taxi is around 1 hour to Green Climbers Home and 30 minutes to Thakhek. Bus can take 3-4 hours.
Nakhon Phanom has 3 direct flights from DMK.
There are no direct buses from Thailand to Thakhek, you must take a bus to Nakhon Phanom and then take a bus accross the border to Thakhek. The bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek takes around 3-4 hours. There are direct buses from Vientiane to Thakhek, the road conditions are bad and the ride can be rough. Information on the bus from Vientiane to Thakhek is limited, you have to ask around.
Bus from Bangkok
Bus from Bangkok to Nakhon Phanom takes around 12 hours. The bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek takes around 3-4 hours.
Bus from Chiang Mai
THe bus from Chiang Mai to Nakhon Phanom takes around 16 hours. The bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek takes around 3-4 hours.
Bus from Vientiane
Bus from Vientiane may take around 8-12 hours. The bad road conditions make for a rought ride.
TukTuk - You can take a tuktuk from the bus station to Green Climbers Home. This will charge you double to triple the normal fare , make sure to have KIP and negotiate.
Motorbike Rental - You can find motorbike rentals around town. Normally they will take your passport as insurance.
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A comprehensive guide for travelers looking to climb in Thakhek, Green Climbers Home, Laos. This guide includes information on climbing areas, seasons, finding partners, transportation, gear, local climbing guides, and more.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to reach out [email protected]. I would love to hear from you!
Disclaimer: Rock climbing is an inherently dangerous activity and can result in serious injury or death. The information provided in this blog is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we cannot guarantee the safety or accuracy of any content. It is essential to properly assess your own skills and fitness level before attempting any rock climbing activities. Always seek professional instruction and guidance, and climb at your own risk. The authors and publishers of this blog are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or damages that may occur as a result of any information or recommendations provided. Please verify the information with the local authorities or businesses before planning your trip.