Tonsai/Railey

Thailand has mixed reviews among climbers. For many, it’s a climbing paradise, a place where you can spend the entire trip in flip-flops and a tank top. For others, it’s a place where it’s too hot and the rock is too slippery. I belong to the first group, but after a few visits to Tonsai, I felt satiated with climbing in the same sectors and decided to explore the multi-pitches of Tonsai. There aren’t many multi-pitches in Tonsai, and some of them are not usable because they are not equipped with titanium bolts, but the ones that are available (or at least the ones I climbed) are amazing routes and an adventure.

What to pay attention to:

• All multi-pitches in Tonsai are sport routes so no traditional gear such as cams, nuts, etc., is needed.
• As a rule, it’s best to have two ropes with you – usually one at least 80m and the other 60m. The long one is used for climbing and the other one for securing overhanging pitches. Once both are tied together they are very efficient for rappeling.
• For overhanging routes, it’s advisable to carry 2 prusik loops or ascension gear (e.g., Petzl Tibloc) along with some slings to facilitate ascending the rope (and possess the skills to use them). It not uncommon for climbers to find themselves stuck, hanging in mid-air on a rope during climbs, and even more so while rappelling. In such situations, ascending the rope using prusiks or the gear is the only option (unless your partner can pull you up), other than calling for help.
• It’s good to have fairly standard-sized HMS carabiners as the rings at the belay stations are quite thick, and it may be difficult to clip in carabiners with a smaller opening.