the Rai Leh Peninsula on the Andaman Coast of Krabi in Thailand

Rai Leh

Posted on July 11, 2011 in Local Recommendations.

The towering limestone cliffs of the Rai Leh Peninsula on the Andaman Coast of Krabi Province in Thailand attract climbers from all over the world and will be familiar to anyone even vaguely familiar with the sport. Unlike many heavily trafficked tourist destinations, however, the requisite skill level and subsequent respectful attitudes of the typical visitor have left the charms of Rai Leh relatively unspoiled.

Though many visitors to the peninsula are drawn by the more than seven hundred bolted routes on the many faces and walls at Rai Leh and the superb quality of the rock (if not always the permanent hardware), there are a great many other delights to be sampled in the area regardless of whether or not you happen to be vertically inclined.

Rai Leh Peninsula - Photo courtesy of Mariachily

World class beaches, cliff jumping, swimming, snorkeling, spelunking, trekking, kayaking, and general (which is not to say average) rest and relaxation await the lucky visitor. A midnight dip on a dark night in waters lit by brilliant-blue bioluminescence that lights up when disturbed comes highly recommended, as is taking in the sunset on the white sand beach of Rai Leh West, where newly arrived vacationers can kick back with a beverage and observe the feats of gravity-residence performed on the cliffs above.

There are regular departures for Rai Leh from Ao Nang, Krabi, Ko Lanta, Ko Phi Phi, and Phuket Town, most of which make the journey by long-tail boat and ferry. There is a profusion of affordable accommodations, ranging from the luxurious to simple huts and campgrounds. Take care to avoid marking the occasion by overpaying for tattoos administered by artists possessed of questionable talent and often unsterilized equipment.