..... and it's time to get serious. What do you want? An new addictive project? New amazing climbing buddies? Reconnecting with climbing after life forced you to take a break?
Do it all and more in Tonsai, the climbers’ hub that’s been shaping life style choices of climbers for over 20 years. Here you will receive the answer to your climbing life question and the longer you stay, the longer the answer.
Today’s post is a reminder that the best weather window for rock climbing in Thailand is from November to April. There will also be an answer to the question whether you need to make a bungalow reservation or can just show up.
Upcoming newsletters on what gear to bring, climbing experiences, DWS trips and bungalow promotions will arrive right in your inbox in November.
Or head over to our website
BasecampTonsai.com
Now you're on belay!
Don’t just hang there….please share this mail with your favorite climber if you cannot make it to Tonsai this season. Cheers!
When is the best time of year for climbing in Tonsai?
It is just when you want to hear: “when it’s cold, dark, wet and generally depressing in the Northern Hemisphere”. That time it is mostly dry and warm, yet cool at night here in the South of Thailand.
In brief it’s between December and April aka high season in Southern Thailand. If your main interest is to join a DWS trip, please consider these months as during other months waves and winds are often too unpredictable. Regular climbing is not that weather-dependent but the boat transfer from Ao Nang to Tonsai is easier in high season. Still come with flexible plans and lotsa time, Tonsai is the one place you will wish you can stay longer even if you have months to spend here.
High season begins in November. From then through March, it’s seldom humid and a comfortable breeze is common. The weather is generally clear and sunny. The coolest weather is in late December through early February, a timeframe better remembered as peak season. During peak season, you will have to compete with a lot of sun-hungry, non-climbing human biomass for accommodation and restaurant tables.
November Is A Transitional Month
The rains gradually taper off throughout the month, but in some seasons it can still rain almost every day though never for long. The prices of everything start to go up. Popular climbing crags can get crowded.
December/ January / February Is Peak Season
The closer to Christmas, the more people arrive. Negotiating room prices is impossible, many hotels in Railay are completely booked out from mid-December to mid-January. If you don’t like crowds, this is not be the best time to come! If you would like to increase and internationalize your circle of climbing friends, this is the time for you! The weather is perfect. The average temperature during this period is between 24C to 32C. There is very little chance of rain.
March / April / May See High Season Tapering Off
After the Songkran festival in mid April there are less people around. It gets hotter at the end March. April and May are the hottest months of the year. The temperatures range from 27C to 36C. April is a transitional month. Somewhere around the middle of April, there are high chances of some heavy showers with strong winds. These storms can create high waves on Pra-nang peninsular’s West side, so that boat ferries from Ao Nang may only go early AM and be paused during the day. It seldom rains all day, the showers merely give you a little break from the sun. The sunsets are much better than in high season. When it stops raining, the visibility can be absolutely outstanding!
A place to stay in Tonsai - To book or Not to book?
We expect the coming season of 2023/24 to be busier than the last one, however, apart from high-end resorts like Tonsai Bay Resort, we see no need for reservations. Obviously, try to arrive around check-out time at 11am and a couple of days before Xmas and New Years.
If you have been to Tonsai and are ready to deposit 100 Euro on your stay with us, please contact me for a booking and you will receive the payment details.
Please plan on staying a minimum of 5 nights as the deposit will be deducted from your final room bill. Plenty of climbing to be had around here! If you planning on wintering in climbing paradise, contact us for special climber pre-paid monthly rates!
We have several traditional bamboo bungalows at Basecamp available for walk-ins. Just come by Basecamp to check it out. In case we are full or you do not like the bungalow, you are welcome to park your luggage with us and walk around!
If this is your first trip to Tonsai, please understand that all resorts in Tonsai bay are off-grid. Every resort including us produces their own electricity which is why there is none during the day when you are climbing or on the beach. Most coffee shops offer WiFi, if you need to work online, get a TRUE sim card with a monthly rate.
BASECAMP DOUBLE DECKER
Popular, unique bungalow style, these bungalows have a furnished sitting room with cement floor and a sleeping room on the second floor which is furnished with a high quality double mattress.
Tiled, attached bathroom with western flush toilet. High-quality bed linen and mosquito net, as well as mirrors, hanging and shelf space, plenty of sitting areas with thai-style pillows. This bungalow is located right next to Tonsai Bay Resort on the mainstret in Tonsai. Short walk to all crags and to the beach. Recommended for those who love to wake up with a view.
800 THB per night, maximum 2 person.
FOREST COTTAGE
Even if you are not on honeymoon, you will appreciate the king-sized bed with a good quality matress. The cottages are built with part cement and part wood to form a large tiled sleeping room with plenty of storage space. Attached is a tiled bathroom with western toilet and shower. Large balcony in the front with table and chairs for sitting. Recommended for couples or anyone else who needs a big bed. Very quiet setting in the jungle on the jungle trail to Railay East. Great wildlife viewing.
Forest Cottage: 800 THB per night. Maximum 2 persons. Minimum 3 nights. Monthly rates available on pre-paid basis.
Traditional bamboo bungalows
Located at Basecamp behind the Doubledeckers. Simple old-style bungalows with a good matrass and mossie net. Starting at 400THB and perfect if you’re travelling solo. Sorry walk-in only, no reservation possible.
Directions to Tonsai
From the Ao Nang it is quite easy to get a longtail boot to Tonsai during high season. However, early mornings the boot queue at Ao Nang beach can move slow. If you plan to be in Tonsai before 9.15am, get to the pier in Ao Nang at 8am. Please remember: if you do not want to wait any longer, you can just pay for the additional persons the boatman needs to go.
In Tonsai, the boot will land either at the far left end of the beach at Tonsai boat pier or in front of Tonsai Bay Resort depending on the tide. From both landings just walk up to the mainroad, Basecamp is only 5min walk away.
Our shop and office is staffed every morning from 8.30 to 10.00 AM
And every afternoon from 5:00 to 8:00 PM
We may be at the shop at other times but if not please come during office hours. See you in Tonsai!