Nang Cape/Railay Beach

Rock-Climbing

Climbers discovered the cliffs around Nang Cape in the late 1980s. The mostly vertical cliffs rising up out of the sea were, and certainly are, a dream comes true for hard-core climbers. Today anyone daring enough can learn to scale the face of a rock in one of the most beautiful climbing destinations in the world. There are 500 to 600 established routes. Notable climbs include the Tonsai Beach overhang and Thaiwand Wall, where climbers must use lanterns to pass through a cave and then rappel down from the top. Beginners can learn some skills through half-day or full-day courses for fixed rates of B1,000 or B1,800, respectively. Most climbing organizations are found on East Railay. Slightly less adventurous, or more spendthrift, types can try the free climb to "the lagoon." The lagoon isn't all that impressive, but the view from the top is spectacular. The trailhead for the fairly arduous climb up the occasionally near-vertical mud, rock, vine, and fixed-rope ascent is along the path to Phra Nang Beach, immediately across from the gazebo. Watch out for monkeys!

Cliffs Man Nang Cape. 075/621768.

Tex Nang Cape. 075/631509.

King Climbers Nang Cape. 075/637125. www.railay.com.