Climbing in Lopburi:
Thailand’s Best-Kept Secret for Rock Climbers

In my last blog , I mentioned another climbing destination in Thailand that many climbers might not know about. If you’re not from Thailand, you may not have heard of this hidden gem: Lopburi .

When people think of climbing destinations in Thailand, Railay in Krabi is often the first place that comes to mind. The towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear sea make it a dream destination. I recently had an incredible five-day climbing trip to Railay, which you can read about in my previous blogs

But Thailand has so much more to offer. Let me introduce you to Lopburi—just 170 km from Bangkok (about a two-and-a-half-hour drive). It’s a charming city with so much to discover beyond its famous monkeys.

Lopburi is known for its mischievous Monkey gangs , though many have been relocated to more natural habitats. But the city has much more to offer than just its monkeys.

From November through January, the province transforms into a stunning landscape of Sunflower fields , marking the cooler “winter” season in Thailand. Climbing in Lopburi during this time is truly magical. The cool weather and vibrant sunflower fields make for perfect climbing conditions.

Imagine waking up to fields of bright yellow sunflowers swaying in the breeze and then spending the day climbing in perfect weather. That was my New Year’s climbing trip in Lopburi, and I’m excited to share it with you along with some stunning photos

During my Krabi trip (as mentioned in this blogs ), I met a few new climbing friends who I hadn’t climbed with before. Since then, we’ve spent time climbing together, including on this trip to Lopburi. It was a great way to make memories with like-minded climbers!

We took a two-day trip, staying near the crag called Khao Chin Lae , surrounded by sunflower fields. The crag is about 20 km from Lopburi city center. Note: Hotels near Khao Chin Lae tend to get fully booked during the end-of-year season, so booking in advance is recommended. Alternatively, you can stay in Lopburi city, where hotels are affordable (less than THB 1000/night, around $30).

If you’re not staying near the crag, it’s best to wake up early to catch the sunflower fields before you start climbing. There are not many restaurants or convenience stores near the crag, so it’s a good idea to bring your own water, food, and snacks.

At Khao Chin Lae, there are several climbing areas. I usually climb at the Secret Garden and Temple Area.

• Secret Garden is easy to access and offers a peaceful, shaded atmosphere. The cool breeze makes it an ideal spot for both climbing and relaxing between routes.
• Temple Area requires a more challenging hike but rewards climbers with fun routes, including a few beginner-friendly 5-grade options. Sturdy hiking shoes are highly recommended.

On this trip, I was excited to push myself and try harder routes, not just for the challenge but for the experience. I warmed up on the school walls I’ve climbed many times before, but then it was time to try something new.

I tackled my first 6a outdoor route, called Whip Drip Warrior , and while it was a bit intimidating, I made it through! The route started with a straightforward climb, but as I moved right, the gap between bolts got larger. I hesitated for a moment, but then I pushed myself to keep going. After a few minutes of gathering courage, I clipped the next bolt and reached the top. It was a rush!

After that, I decided to try a 6a+ route. It was tough, especially the crux with a tricky pocket, but I couldn’t get through it this time. That’s climbing—sometimes you win, sometimes you learn.

The highlight of my trip was attempting my first 6b+ route. It was a crazy experience! The route is called Kra Rok Bin (or Flying Squirrel in English). The first few bolts were manageable, but then things got intense. There were no footholds or handholds, just tiny ledges that kept me from falling. I managed to make it almost to the top with lots of takes, and people cheering me on below. My hands and legs were shaking, but I held on and made it! It was an unforgettable moment.

The two-day trip was another great and memorable climbing experience. But beyond the climbing itself, the best part was spending time with my climbing crew—sharing experiences, supporting each other, and laughing along the way

We even came up with a climbing crew name: “Medium Rare Climbing.” It all started after a night of eating raw chicken (don’t ask!)—but we survived and didn’t get sick!

Thank you for reading about my Lopburi New Year climbing trip! It was an amazing adventure with friends, new climbing challenges, and unforgettable moments. In my next blog, I’ll share even more from my international climbing trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia—stay tuned for Part 1 of that exciting adventure!