Fifteen years ago, my now husband and I came to Thailand. We stayed on Railay, and learned to climb. Our trip ignited a passion, and we continued to return to... read more Railay every year to climb on the limestone rocks progressing from top roping to lead climbing. Leap forward to 2020, and we wanted to bring our children (aged 5 and 7) to Railay to enjoy some rock climbing too. We haven’t done any lead climbing since 2011, so wanted to have a guide for our trip to Railay.
I looked at various guides, and they generally all have the same marketing, so our choice came down to reviews and availability.
Karst Climbing is a fairly new outfit, with good reviews, and they could do our dates. Communicating with Karst climbing was easy, with quick, comprehensive responses to our emails. We booked an initial half day, paid online and were met by Mon at our hotel on the morning of our first session.
He drove us in his truck to his shop, loaded up with gear, and we headed off to the pier to travel to Railay.
He set up a rope on 123 wall and got a feel for our abilities, and worked well with the kids, our daughter was very keen to climb, but found the transition from indoor climbing wall to rock very challenging, and Mon showed great patience and kindness towards her. Our son, who is older and has more experience, got a bit shaky on one climb, so Mon chose another route which was better suited to him, and helped build his confidence back up.
He also set up ropes for me and my husband and was happy for us to belay each other or the kids using his gear whilst he belayed another one of us, enabling us to maximise our time with him.
Our first day was so good, we booked the following morning with Mon, and went up to Diamond Cave for another great few hours of guided climbing. Our daughter didn’t climb on the second day, but was so taken with Mon that she has declared she will climb with him next time we come to Thailand, and was chatting to him all the way back to the long tail.
We have been very lucky to have only had good climbing guides in Railay, but we have witnessed plenty of disinterested guides who don’t support their customers to get the most from their climbing experiences. Mon was a fabulous guide, he knows the climbs well, he was brilliant for our family with our mixed abilities and ages, and I would recommend him to anyone looking to climb in Railay.

  This was my first time climbing outside and Mon was very supportive and encouraging! When a climb got difficult for me, he talked me through what my next moves were... read more until I reached the top. It was so much fun and I would recommend Karst...More

  Just returned from a trip to Thailand and the highlight was definitely a full day of climbing with Mon. The location was amazing and he picked out the perfect routes.... read more We were a group of varying grades in rock climbing and there was something for everyone. One of our party

  I had 2 great climbing days with Mon. I never climbed with a rope before, but Mon showed me how to set up everything for safe climbing. Mon knew... read more every route in his sleep and always gave me tips from below where the best grips were. I can recommend Karst Climbing for beginners as well as advanced climbers.

  I was staying across the street from their office and heard the rock climbing was great so gave them a try. I had a blast and Mon was a really... read more experienced guide who was also fun to be around. Lauren was also really great to...More

  I had a great time doing the 3 day course here. Mon was a very knowledgeable guide and I got a lot of 1:1 instruction time which was amazing for... read more me as a beginner. Lauren was super helpful with answering my questions prior to booking....More

  Mon was a great guide! Definitely able to accommodate all skill levels! It was my girlfriends first time climbing outside and she had a blast doing some top rope while... read more I was able to do some leading!

  I went from doing one half day climb to three because that was how fun it is. It was my first time climbing outdoor and I have Mon to thank... read more for getting me hooked. He was a great guide, keeping the group size small. He personalised his clients’ experience, giving them climbs that suit their level. He was patient in teaching and was always very encouraging. All around a very chill guy. He would often remind me to enjoy the view, because I tend forget about that part after having the sole focus of topping the route. I had a lot of fun and would definitely be back for more.

  Karst Climbing was a 10/10 experience. I took a 2 day Lead climbing course with Mon and then continued practicing with him for a series of half days thereafter. Mon... read more was a brilliant teacher - patient, attentive, safe - and always knew how hard to push to me. He kept things interesting by taking me to a variety of different climbing areas each day and by pushing me to top rope more challenging routes. If you’re an indoor climber looking to transition outdoors, learn the ropes for how to lead, or just have a good time - Karst is the place to be!

  Before came to Krabi I already inquired several climbing centers via email. Karst is the most Efficient one which replied always promptly. Lauren always answer my questions with patience.... read more Mon is a great guide who belays so good. I feel totally safe with the rope...More