A new trendy activity has taken the vibrant heart of Bangkok by storm. Amidst the bustling cityscape, a new breed of urban adventurers is emerging, drawn to the world of rock climbing.
These climbers hone their skills at one of Bangkok’s climbing gyms, where they scale through towering walls and color-coded challenges. As they ascend through these gravity-defying routes, they’ll not only get a full-body workout, but also become part of a tight-knit community where they share strategies and victory stories as invigorating as the climb itself.
Haven’t embarked on climbing any of these colorful gym walls? This humble reporter has taken on the task of compiling info of Bangkok’s climbing gyms to see what’s on offer.
The Basics
It may seem daunting at first, but rock climbing is an accessible sport. Apart from the fact that it’s a great workout that helps improve balance and coordination, climbing is also good for mental health—conquering a route you’ve been working on for days helps break the monotony of what you get from regular exercise routines.
It’s also a very sociable sport where people talk to each other about how to tackle challenging routes and help overcome their fear of falling.
All climbing gyms feature constructed walls with grips for both hands and feet that mimic the sizes and shapes of holds on outdoor rocks. These holds are color-coded into routes. The beginning of a route will usually feature a sign that notes the level of difficulty through a grading system. Climbers then go through the route using only grips of the same color. Gym staff usually change them weekly to keep things fresh.
There are three types of climbing at these gyms:
- Top rope: A form of rock climbing where the climber is attached to a rope and/or belay device. It is probably the safest form of climbing since a climber is securely attached to a rope that runs through an anchor at the top of the climbing route, which means they can safely fall and the device will help secure you in place as you descend. It’s a great start for novice climbers.
All top rope routes are a straight climb to the top and they usually tend to be long climbs. Climbers can either take breaks as they hang from where they fall or decide to stop and safely descend.
- Lead climbing: For the experienced climber, this is a technique that’s basically top rope but requires two people – the lead climber who ascends the climbing route while one person stays on the ground, called a belayer. They belay the rope to help the climber stay safe should they fall.
Routes are essentially the same as top rope with long climbs to the top but also include fixed anchor points where the lead climber can fasten their rope to them.
Most climbing gyms require climbers to know the safety regulations and proper use of the rope before they’re allowed to attempt any of the lead climbing routes.
- Bouldering: Simply put, bouldering is a form of free climbing without the use of any ropes or harnesses. Routes are a lot shorter, and are more varied as some are vertical and others horizontal. They also require more technical moves. They include various formations that require the climber to think about their positioning from cracks to slabs to steep slopes. Because there is no harness, soft mats are placed under these walls to help prevent injuries.
This is a popular choice for climbers looking to practice moves and help build strength and stamina. Each route can be seen as a puzzle piece where climbers figure out how to finish a route efficiently and quickly.
All climbers must wear climbing shoes which help keep their feet in place of the holds and crags. Because climbing can produce sweaty palms, it can be quite difficult to keep in place, which is why climbers use chalk to help reduce the sweat and increase hand-to-rock friction.
All gyms allow you to rent equipment including shoes and chalk. Once you get the hang of climbing and find yourself coming back for more, it is recommended that you buy your own climbing shoes.
Climbing routes are generally measured by two grading systems in terms of difficulty. Most gyms use the French grading scale for top rope and lead climbing and the V-scale for bouldering. All gyms require first timers to sign waivers and read safety procedures and guidelines.
The Gyms
Rock Domain
Located in Bangna, this gym is now easy to travel to thanks to Yellow MRT Line. It’s a 3-minute taxi ride from the Si Iam MRT station, or if you’re feeling extra sporty, a 15 minute walk.
Rock Domain features about five top rope climbing routes with auto belay devices that are good for solo beginners. Most of the routes in this gym, however, are lead climbing routes so you may get more mileage here when bringing friends. The highest route goes up to 17 meters which is no easy feat.
There is also a bouldering section, but at the time of visitation, most are more challenging than you’d find at other gyms.
Top rope and lead routes use the French grading scale (5a, 5b, 5c, 6a, etc.). Bouldering routes use the open-ended V-scale (V0-V8).
Rock Domain also offers free introductory classes for both top rope and bouldering that take around 20-40 minutes. The intro to top rope climbing teaches first timers how to tie knots and use the belay device while bouldering teaches how to safely climb and fall. The staff at Rock Domain are friendly and willing to give a helping hand and a motivation boost.
Climbers can also rent equipment including shoes, harness, ropes, belay devices, and chalk.
Other features:
Rock Domain includes bathrooms with showers, soap, and shampoo. Climbers can exchange their ID cards for free locker storage. Do bring your own towels as they don’t have any.
Interested in buying your own equipment? The gym sells Tenaya-branded climbing shoes as well as belay devices, chalk pouches, and fingertips.
Looking to cool down after a workout? Their Basecamp66 cafe offers a variety of hot and cold coffee options as well as daily specials from pastas and croissants.
Pricing:
- Day pass: THB450, THB350 for under 18
- 6 Months: THB12,800, THB9,900 for under 18
- Annual: THB21,500, THB16,800
- 10 passes(valid for 1 year): THB4,000
- Monthly membership: THB1,950, THB1,650 for under 18
- Initiation fee: +THB300 for first month
Climbers can pay THB800 for one of their staff to help belay them for one hour. A two-hour private session where climbers can learn techniques and lead climb runs THB3,000.
Address:
1780 Debaratna Road, Bangna-Tai, Bangna
Bangkok 10260
02-399-4648
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 11am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-9pm
Urban Playground
Located in Sukhumvit 49/9 as part of the Racquet Club’s many sports facilities, Urban Playground offers two floors of climbing and a climbing school for both children and adults. It can be found in the club’s building 2 on the 3rd floor, past the indoor tennis courts.
Urban Playground features a plethora of routes for top rope, lead climbing, and bouldering of varying difficulties. The top floor includes short routes with auto belay devices, while the bottom floor features longer routes for both top rope and lead. Most notably is the 16-meter high climbing wall. Both floors feature bouldering routes. We found that most of the routes were of moderate difficulty, so expect an intense workout.
If you are a non-member and want to try lead climbing, the staff will ask you to prove you can use the equipment properly, which we found admirable in their duty to keep things safe.
Top rope and lead routes use the French grading scale (5a, 5b, 5c, 6a…). Bouldering routes use the open-ended V-scale (V0-V8).
Climbers can rent equipment including climbing shoes and harnesses.
Urban Playground also has a training program that includes multiple courses and services including belay service, introductory courses, and training sessions. These courses can be done in groups. It is recommended to book ahead of time.
Other features:
Urban Playground includes charging stations and seating to rest. There is also a shower room with soap and shampoo, and towels are available for rent. Lockers use a keycode system.
Because Urban Playground is part of the many facilities in Racquet Club, a day pass and/or membership gives you access to all of their sports facilities.
Pricing:
- Adult: THB495 for weekday, THB595 for weekend
- Youth/senior: THB395 for weekday, THB495 for weekend
- Under 4: THB200 for weekday, THB250 for weekend
You can also sign up for a membership at the Racquet Club which provides access to all their sporting facilities. A yearly membership will run you a hefty THB25,900. More membership plans are available at their website.
Don’t have a friend to help belay the rope? Staff can help you at THB600 per hour. Two beginner courses are available. A one-hour introductory course on safety, use of equipment, and top rope belaying costs THB500. A basic techniques course costs THB2,000 for two 90-minute sessions.
An advanced lead climbing course costs THB3,600 for two two-hour sessions, while one-hour personal training sessions costs THB500.
Address:
The Racquet Club
6, 8, Sukhumvit 49/9, Klongtan Nua, Wattana
Bangkok 10110
02-119-7200
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: Noon-10pm
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-9pm
Stonegoat
Stonegoat specializes solely in bouldering. A popular spot among climbers, expect to meet heavy crowds during peak hours. Stonegoat features six climbing walls, providing multiple routes for casual climbers and competitive athletes of all skill levels. Stonegoat is located at the deep end of Sukhumvit 69 and is a five minute walk from BTS Phra Khanong station.
Stonegoat features six climbing walls for bouldering and includes a unique island boulder as well as a 33-meter long competition wall featuring the trickiest and most technical routes for professional climbers. The routes range from easy to challenging.
Stonegoat uses a color-coded grading system, in contrast with other gyms’ use of the V-scale.
Stonegoat also offers a 90-minute introductory bouldering course for THB800, with private 90-minute training sessions with coaches starting at THB1,200. More details can be found here.
Other features:
Stonegoat also provides multiple benches near walls where people can store their belongings under the benches. Shower rooms are provided with soap and shampoo.
The gym also has the Crux Cafe where you can order refreshments.
Pricing:
- Day pass: THB450 for adults, THB360 for kids
- 5 day passes: THB2,100 adult, THB1,700 kids
- 10 day passes: THB4,000 adult, THB3,200 kids
- Off-peak day pass (available only weekdays, check-in before 2pm): THB300 adult, THB200 for kids.
There’s also a “Goat Pack” promotion that gives three day passes for THB750.
Alternatively, you can sign up for either monthly or yearly memberships which come with benefits including discounts on products in their shop, physiotherapy sessions at all branches in J-Clinic, and pilates classes at Soul Fit.
- Monthly subscription: THB1,600 per month
- Yearly subscription: THB17,950 per year
Climbers can rent shoes for THB100 and a bag of chalk for THB20.
Address:
36/3 Sukhumvit 69 Alley
Phrakhanong Nuea, Wattana, Bangkok 10110
(+66) 063-219-9933
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 11am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-10pm
Sunday: 10am-9pm
Balance Climbing
Opening this year, Balance Climbing mainly offers bouldering, but there’s also a top rope section for children. The new climbing gym is located on the first floor of Bell Tower’s The Shoppes mall in Rama IX within walking distance of MRT Rama IX Exit 2. Once there, take the elevator next to Tops or the escalator in front of Boots.
Balance Climbing has a 900-meter-square space with climbing walls split into zones and plenty of routes to conquer. Everyone can have a go at their beginner and intermediate climbing walls. To the right of the gym is a competition wall reserved for professional climbers.
Balance Climbing also has a stretching area, and multiple benches for climbers to rest and cool down.
However, there are no showers or lockers at Balance Climbing, only changing rooms. You can store your belongings at one of the seating areas.
Staff are always on-site to offer quick instruction and safety procedures.
Pricing:
- Day pass: THB450 for ages 14 or above, THB350 for under 14
- 3 day pass (valid for 3 months): THB1,260 for ages 14 or above, THB960 for under 14
- 10 day pass (valid for 6 months): THB4,000 for ages 14 or above, THB3,000 for under 14
- Monthly subscription: THB2,200 for ages 14 or above, THB1,540 for under 14
- Yearly subscription: THB21,120 for ages 14 or above, THB14,784 for under 14
Address:
Belle Tower Rama 9, Rama IX Rd
Huai Khwang,
Bangkok 10310
Opening hours:
Daily: 10am-10pm
F5 Climbing Center
F5 Climbing Center offers mainly bouldering, but top rope is also offered for children to practice learning the basics.
F5 Climbing Center has bouldering routes graded using the V-scale.
F5 organizes monthly climbing trips to other provinces including Lopburi, Petchburi, and Saraburi where climbers can partake in lead climbing. These outdoor excursions are of moderate difficulty via the French grading scale, ranging from 5a through 7c.
Pricing:
This month, the gym introduced new prices for day passes that are relatively cheaper than other gyms.
- Day pass: TH150 for adults, THB50 for students.
- 12-day pass: THB999 for adults, THB499 for students
Memberships are also available starting at THB2,000 per month. Students get a 15% discount with memberships starting from THB1,700. More membership plans can be found here.
Address:
28 Ramkhamhaeng 24 Alley 14, Hua Mak
Bang Kapi, Bangkok 10240
Opening hours:
Monday-Thursday, Sunday: 1pm-9pm
F5 closes every Friday and Saturday.
Climb Central
This climbing gym features plenty of top rope and lead climbing routes, and an outdoor bouldering area. Climb Central is farther west from the city center, located in the district of Bang Khae.
Solo climbers can get a choice of a total of nine routes with auto belay devices. There are plentiful lead climbing routes, which at the time of visitation, were of moderate difficulty. The bouldering area is relatively small compared to other gyms.
Climb Central uses both the French grading system and V-scale for top rope/lead climbing and bouldering, respectively, but it works a little bit differently here. Climb Central consolidates several difficulty levels into a pie chart split into six slices.
For example, a route with one slice means the route is a V0-1 for bouldering and 5+ for top rope, two slices means V1-2 and 6a+, etc.
Other features:
There is a shower room, but you will have to bring your own toiletries. Lockers at Climb Central are quite small. It might be better to leave your belongings on the shelves near the climbing areas.
There is also a shop selling all sorts of climbing equipment at their pro shop, and a restaurant/cafe spot for climbers to dine in.
Pricing:
- Day pass: THB600 for adults, THB500 for children
- Five passes (valid for 3 months): THB2,200 for adults, THB1,700 for children
- 10 passes (valid for 6 months): THB4,200 for adults, THB3,200 for children
- 20 passes (valid for 6 months): THB7,800 for adults, THB6,000 for children
- 30 passes (valid for 1 year): THB10,500 for adults, THB8,400 for children
There is currently a “Trial Pack” for THB790 that gives new climbers three days to try out the gym. This pack is valid for six months.
Address:
Indy Market
Soi Khlong Nong Yai, Bang Khae, Bangkok 10160
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 1pm-10pm
Saturday-Sunday: 10am-10pm
Gravity Lab
Gravity Lab, located in the far west of Bangkok, is a bouldering gym with a fitness center full of weights, barbells, and dumbbells.
Climbing routes are measured using the V-scale with difficulties for beginners and professionals.
Pricing:
Day passes cost THB400 and THB100 for renting equipment. There is also a 10-day pass priced THB3,500 that is valid for two months.
First timers can get a promo deal at THB1,999 for one month access to the climbing gym and fitness program or THB1,699 without the fitness program.
Address:
149 Boromrajchonnanee Rd, Arun Amarin,
Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700
02-434-3999
Opening hours:
Monday-Friday: 7am-9pm
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-8pm
