Before getting into the list, I want to give a bit of context about the climbing in Central Thailand.
Within just 2.5 hours of Bangkok, there are over 300 routes spread across 7 distinct crags. It may not sound like much compared to areas with thousands of climbs, but the region has grown steadily over the past several years. Despite our limited resources, I can confidently say there are truly some exceptional lines here rivaling classics in other popular destinations like Krabi or Kalymnos.
South of Bangkok, there's Khao Yoi—the first crag in Central Thailand—which has already seen two rounds of rebolting. The climbing here is mostly vertical, with long routes on clean, slick limestone. Being pretty much a roadside wall, it used to see the most traffic before newer areas were developed. This is probably the only wall where you can easily walk over to a 7-11 and pick up drinks and lunch. Although it’s closed to civilization, the wall itself is surprisingly secluded and still offers an outdoor experience.
Petch on Fire Winter (7B+) at Turtle Crag, Kanchanaburi
Further west toward Myanmar, Kanchanaburi Province began development in late 2019 right before the pandemic, featuring three walls: Turtle Crag, Hug Hill, and Pump Mountain. Each wall offers its own unique style of climbing and tons of potential for further development, making this entire province the most exciting for future development. Kanchanaburi also has some of the best, hardest, and longest multipitches in Central Thailand, with Sailor Moon being the longest multipitch in the country. What’s even more impressive is that the majority of the routes were bolted almost entirely by one person—Dol (also known as Kanchanaburealpine on Instagram). He’s a local strongman who spends more time bolting than he does climbing.
Weekend vibe in Kanchanaburi
North East of Bangkok in Saraburi, you’ll find Muaklek and Nam Pha Pa Yai Camp (NPPY). Muaklek is probably best known for its longer approach and sandbagged grades. The wall has the highest concentration of hard lines in the region, and some would argue it’s the best crag in Central Thailand if you’re climbing in the 7s and above.
Snook on Squeeze Your Cheek 7C in Muaklek
NPPY, unfortunately, is now much smaller due to the forced closure of the once-glorious Pasak River Wall—a former weekend hub for local climbers. Today, access is limited to the Bat Cave area. While smaller, it still holds some of the best routes on this list.
Last but not least is Lopburi, located just 2 hours north, which now sees the highest number of climbers. The area has experienced a strong resurgence in recent years. Back during the heyday of NPPY’s River Wall, Lopburi felt like a forgotten child—mostly visited for multipitch climbs. Fast forward to today, and it has become the go-to hangout spot for weekend climbers. Thanks to recent development by 1st Pitch, WhipDrip, TCDA, and many other volunteers, older routes have been reopened and new lines have been added, bringing new life and energy to the crag. Lopburi now receives the love it deserves.
Fame climbing Kham Khong Sat Lok 6C+ in Lopburi
The striking tower rising above sunflower fields makes Lopburi one of the most picturesque walls. Featuring six different sectors, it is also the largest single crag in Central Thailand, offering both single- and multi-pitch routes from 5a to 8a. From vertical technical crimping to steep tufa power endurance test pieces, whatever style you like to climb, you can probably find it here.
There are also Khao Cha Ang, the newest development in Rayong with just a handful of routes, and Khao Iko, an older cave with questionable access.
For many of us local climbers, these places are more than just climbing areas—they’re a refuge. A place to step away, reset, and spend time with friends. A weekend playground that brings the community together. That strong sense of camaraderie and welcoming attitude is what truly makes climbing here special—not just the quality of the routes.
Local Bangkok climbers in Lopburi during trail building day at Secret Garden
Recently, I’ve been inspired to start writing more about climbing in this area. It often feels overlooked—a small local scene with very little documentation. The region actually has quite a rich history worth telling.
This list is something I’ve been thinking about for a while: the best 5 routes at each grade. It’s based on my own experience, with input from two friends—Tung and Toon—to keep things balanced and less biased. While I truly enjoy almost every climb, there are some real gems that stand out.
For this list, I spent quite a bit of time narrowing down the top 5 at each grade. I tried to look beyond just personal preference. It’s not just my favorite routes—these climbs either represent high-quality rock climbing or offer something unique in movement, style, or features that set them apart. I’ve also made an effort to include climbs from different crags—not just the most popular walls—so the list better represents the diversity of climbing in Central Thailand.
To keep things simple, I’ve grouped the grades into the following categories:
6A/+, 6B/+, 6C/+, 7A/+, 7B/+, 7C/+
Most of the routes included have some level of consensus for its quality and grade. There are definitely newer routes that are just as good, but without enough repeats, I don’t feel comfortable calling them classics yet. That said, I’ve added a short list of notable climbs at the end that almost made it.
Tung Pakorn on Faith 7B in Muaklek
Route List
6A/+
-
Easy Cracker — Left Side, Muaklek
Technically challenging that will test even seasoned climbers. A true 6A test piece. Not sandbagged at all :)
-
Pratimakam — Temple Wall, Lopburi
-
Chinese New Year — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
-
For Us — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
Long windy routes and a spicy finish. Not easy for the grade. -
Imagination — Easter Island, Lopburi
A unique climb features a long crack and chimney. Try jamming for a trad climbing experience.
6B/+
-
Vanda Blossom — Secret Garden, Lopburi
-
Zion Train — Right Side, Muaklek
Not just a top 5 for the grade, but a maybe top 5 climb in all of Central Thailand? Climbing does not get much better than this. -
Politik Kill — Bat Cave, Nam Pha Pa Yai
-
Corcovado — Temple Wall, Lopburi
The only multipitch exempt to be on this list because let's be real, this is the lopburi's classic climb. -
White Road — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
6C/+
-
Wan Pi Mai — Secret Garden, Lopburi
-
Kham Khong Sat Lok — Kitchen Wall, Lopburi
-
Remember King — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
A king line in Khao Yoi. Great bouldery crux in the middle. -
Finger Me — Right Side, Muaklek
Like the title says. Prepare to use your two fingers a lot. -
Sai Yok Yai — Turtle Crag, Kanchanaburi
7A/+
-
Danse Avec Les Trou — Left Side, Muaklek
I'll put this one up as a contender if there's ever a contest for the best 7A ever. Starts slabby, technical mid section and steep powerful finish. Every move is art. This route will stick with you and you will dream about it later. This is the quintessential Muaklek climb. Don't go home without trying. -
Tiger Snatching Galaxy — Hug Hill, Kanchanaburi
-
Lum Yai — Temple Wall, Lopburi
One of the newer routes on this list but an instant classic that is verified by almost everyone in Bangkok who can climb 7a. -
Countdown 2000 — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
-
Cowboy Rider — Sukhumvit Wall, Lopburi
This one is the right of passage. A coming of age climb. Every intermediate climber breaking into 7a does it with this one.
Climber on Danse Avec Les Trou 7A in Muaklek
7B/+
-
Butter Toast — Pump Mountain, Kanchanaburi
This one is just as delicious as the name. Any problem in this world can be solved by delicious butter toast. -
Black Popcorn — Hug Hill, Kanchanaburi
-
Tomahawk — Main Wall, Khao Yoi
The original Central Thailand test piece that has challenged every local crusher. A must do if you want to be part of the history. -
Fucking Balance — Secret Garden, Lopburi
Get Out 7a, Finger Discourse 7A+ and Fucking Balance 7B all lined up next to each other and make up the secret garden classic tri-fecta that many local climbers take as a challenge. This one is cherry on top. -
Fire Winter — Turtle Crag, Kanchanaburi
One of my favorite cruxes on this list!
7C/+
-
Squeeze Your Cheek — Left Side, Muaklek
Hold on to your butt for an adventure. This one requires endurance. My kind of route. It's long and it's just so so amazing. -
Tuk Tuk Where You Go — Sukhumvit Wall, Lopburi
Easy one for boulder bros. Just a few hard committing moves to claim 7C. -
Million Baht Baby — Secret Garden, Lopburi
Bolted and forgotten for over a decade before Gee, the local strongman of 1st pitch, came along, cleared the vegetation and claimed the first ascent in 2024. Now it's the most climbed 7C in the area and the quality of the climb is worthy of the title. -
Sonic Youth — Bat Cave, Nam Pha Pa Yai
Unforgiving hard sequences down low may be discouraging but the anchor is worth the fight. -
White Umbrella — Hug Hill, Kanchanaburi
Bouldery start, hard laid backing to a pocketed head wall. It feels like an adventure. Every sport climber's dream.
Mam on Million Baht Bay 7C in Lopburi
Notable List
-
Mammoth — 7B, Hug Hill, Kanchanaburi
one of the newer one. Maybe one of the best climbs at Hug Hill but few ascents so far. -
Jai Khaow — 8A, Hug Hill, Kanchanaburi
The 8A in kanchanaburi. Maybe a bit soft but super good so who cares? -
Old Guard — 7B, Temple Wall, Lopburi
The mega line of Lopburi. Bolted in 2026 by the one and only Gee of 1st Pitch. A visionary line that took strength, passion and sacrifice to put up. This overhanging striking line slashes right in the middle of the main cave of the main wall. This will put Lopburi on the map. Worth a flight to come try. However, there's only been one ascent so far and the FA probably sandbangged it so I can't put it on the list yet. -
Yin Yang — 7B, Bat Cave, NPPY
Technical face climb as beautiful as it gets. -
Siddhartha Crack — 7B, Left Side, Muaklek
Hard to find a crack like this on limestone in Thailand. The feature only should put it on the main list, but the rather contrive crux at the end down grade the classicness a tiny bit. Still superb. -
22 (No Name) — 7B, Main Wall, Khao Yoi
Being next to Tomahawk, 22 is overshadowed. But it's a worthy classic climb on its own anywhere else. -
Anatomy Of Rodin - 7C, Pump Mountain, Kanchanaburi
Great sequences all the way. But the line feels a bit like several pieces together. -
Dominion — 6C+, Easter Island, Lopburi
What a climb. Again, bolted and sandbangged by Gee, the man. Got to climb it though. As of May, 2026, I still left some draws on since me and Tung who recently climbed an 8A couldn't finish this "6C". -
Left Wing Lesbian — 6C, Temple Wall, Lopburi
A great hard 6C. super fun. -
Renaissance Spaghetti — 6B, Pump Mountain, Kanchanaburi
Next to a bunch of forgettable 6s, this one is unique and stands out among all others.
