Yes, there are! There are two main types of climbing that can be performed in Khon Kaen: bouldering and climbing with rope (sport/top rope climbing).

1. For bouldering, we climb on boulder (big rock, 2-6 meter-high) and use crash pad to support you when you fall. Khon Kaen has the largest sandstone boulder field in Thailand, if not in Southeast Asia. When the weather is nice, we boulder weekly at Zoolander Bouldering Area located in Khon Kaen Zoo, 45-60 min drive from downtown Khon Kaen. The grade ranges from V0 for beginners up to V11 for hard core climbers. Developing of Zoolander started in November 2017, and so far we found more than 1000 boulder problems in 1200 Acre area.

We used to boulder at Hin Chang Si, Nam Pong National Park. Recently climbing was banned in the National Park. We received negative feedback from National Park officials in Bangkok as they don’t recognize climbing as a sport. As in other places in Thailand, the issue of access has always been a thorny issue. At Hin Chang Si, this issue is made worse by the fact that it is located in an area designated as a National Park. We recommend tourists to NO LONGER CLIMB at Hin Chang Si so as to not endanger overall access to the area. Gaining legal access will be impossible if tourists keep coming and violate the authorities to climb there. Until we gain the legal access, boulders in Nam Phong National Park are off limits.

2. For sport climbing, we bolt and climb in Donglan forest, Amper Si Chompu, 2-hour drive from downtown Khon Kaen. We are developing new routes and putting more bolts in to make this area the first sport climbing area of the Northeastern Thailand. The routes we developed are in the range of 25-35 meters. The mountains raise more than 100-meter-high, but we are out of fund to bolt. As in Oct 2022, we have established more than 50 routes, range from 5b to 7b.

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We are a group of climbers who live in Khon Kaen and we formed this group aiming to enlarge the climbing community in Khon Kaen. We all work voluntarily, including exploring rock to climb, cutting trails, developing boulder problems, bolting sport routes, making map and topo, hosting the bouldering festival, and facilitating all climbing activities in Khon Kaen.

We want Khon Kaen locals to know that Zoolander is the largest and best boulder field of Thailand, and it attracts climbers from all over the world. Also, the wall at Dong Lan forest has a potential to be developed as a great sport climbing area. However, as climbing is not a well-known sport in Thailand, local Khon Kaen people does not realize the potential of their own province. Climbing areas could be developed to bring more tourist to the area.

The main members of KKCC who live in Khon Kaen at the moment are listed here: Gavriel, Wan, Bon, Opor, May, Sun, Aoey, & Meta.

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You can contact our Facebook or email kkclimbingclub@gmail.com to make appointment to climb with us.

For experience climbers, we offer crash pad rental, and we provide Zoolander bouldering topography with 27crags application (available on both iPhone and Android).

For beginners, we can provide private guide service and introductory climbing courses, so we can assist you how to get there and climb safe. Please contact Volume Climbing Gym for more info!

For corporate organizations, tour companies, and institution, we can provide climbing/bouldering workshop with advance booking.

We also offer carpool transportation with sharing the gas cost.

Some of our members climb weekdays and some climb weekends. Sometimes we go bouldering at Zoolander and sometimes we go to sport climbing at Si Chompu. Climbing date and time will be scheduled based on our free time basis.

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If you are new to climbing/bouldering outside, you can register for Bouldering for Beginners course organized by Volume Cimbing Gym. 

Please contact Wan (kkclimbingclub@gmail.com, +66-62167-8688) if you want to take a beginner course. The course includes climbing gear, guiding in the boulder field, instruction on how to climb, and spotting.

Here are some tips if you are new to climbing:

1. Clip your nails short. Remove your expensive jewelry. Prepare sunscreen and bug spray.
2. Wear something movable and breathable for the heat. Not so expensive cause you are likely to make tare it. Also, shorty running short can be too revealing. Absolutely no skinny jeans!
3. Prepare enough water and food for the day. Pack it in, pack it out. Leave no trace.

Private Guide. If you need a guide to take you around to classic boulders and 3-star problem or find a boulder grade of your interest, our guiding service ranges from THB 1500-2500 per person per day, depending on your group size. Please contact us directly for guiding service.

The price DOES NOT include transportation to Zoolander, equipment rental, Zoo entry fee (THB 350), food, and water.

All profits from gear rental and climbing courses will go to our climbing development fund to develop bouldering areas and sports routes in Khon Kaen.

Some photos from our courses.

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For experience outdoor climbers, we offer crash pad rental at Volume Climbing gym.

For Developer

Zoolander bouldering area. Hello, V10 crusher/hard climb pursuer!  Come join us here to develop new hard problems and get your first ascents. We currently have boulder problems up to V11, but we see potentials for harder lines waiting for someone to send them.

Si Chompu sport climbing area. If you want to donate bolts and hangers and love to bolt new route and explore a new cliff, please contact Gavriel. He is our bolting guy. If you can get us some bolts and hangers overseas, you’ll be greatly appreciated, and we will try to assist you what we can during your stay in Khon Kaen.

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KKCC have all the climbing equipment you need for rent with a fair budget. However, we are a small club with small stock, we would appreciate if you need us know in advance if you want to come and rent our gear. For a full detail of equipment rental rate, please check ‘Service and Price list’.

For Zoolander bouldering are

Carpool = 300 ea. Crash pad = 250/pad/day. Climbing shoes = 100/pair/day. You are required to put a deposit on crash pads and shoes, THB 1000 ea. We will return your deposit and shoes in full amount when you return our gear in good condition.

Two of KKCC members operate a bouldering gym in Khon Kaen city. The name is Volume. We offer climbing equipment rental, but you will have to pick it up and return at Volume Climbing Gym, locating at 2nd floor, Fairy Plaza department store, Klang Muang road, Khon Kaen city.

For sport climbing at DonLan Forest, Si Chompu

Carpool = 500 ea. We don’t rent out rope or quick draws at the moment.

All profits from gear rental and climbing courses will go to our climbing development fund to develop bouldering areas and sports climbing routes in Khon Kaen.

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The Zoolander Bouldering Area is located within Khon Kaen Zoo (Khao Suan Kwang), approximately 45–60 minutes north of Khon Kaen City. The boulders are perched atop the mountain, far from the zoo’s main tourist attractions. Rest assured, you won’t have to worry about tigers chasing you or feeling like an exhibit yourself—this area offers a peaceful and private climbing experience.

Khon Kaen Zoo is operated by the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, a government organization funded by Thai taxpayers. This is why Thai citizens benefit from a lower ticket price compared to foreign visitors. This two-tier pricing system is applied across all eight zoos in Thailand. If you work in Thailand and pay Thai taxes, you are eligible for the Thai ticket price (THB 130). Simply present your work permit or Thai driver’s license when purchasing your ticket. Ticket prices for foreign visitors are THB 350.

In addition to granting access to the bouldering area, the ticket also provides access to well-maintained roads, parking, restaurants, clean restrooms, the animal viewing areas, and a water park.

The Khon Kaen Zoo proudly supports the development fund of the Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC). KKCC has established a strong relationship with the zoo organization and is in the process of finalizing an agreement. Under this agreement, 18% of tickets purchased by climbers will be donated to the KKCC development fund, helping sustain and grow the climbing community in the region.

Directions from Khon Kaen City to Khon Kaen Zoo:

1. Start by driving north on Mittraphap Road for approximately 46 km. Look for Aura Farm, a large and noticeable landmark along the way.
2. From Aura Farm, continue heading north on Mittraphap Road for another 4.2 km until you see the Khon Kaen Zoo sign on your right.
3. Turn right onto Phitakpracha Alley and drive through the village market for 1.7 km. You will pass Khao Suan Kwang Train Station on your left.
4. Turn left and continue for 750 meters. Then, turn right to cross the train tracks. Follow the winding road for another 1.5 km.
5. When you see the sign for Wat Pa Khao Suan Kwang Tat Fah (Temple), turn right. Follow this road for 1.4 km, and you will arrive at the main entrance of Khon Kaen Zoo.

Refer to the map below for a clearer overview of the route.

The boulders at Zoolander are composed of sandstone, offering a wide variety of climbing styles. Whether you prefer crimps, jugs, slabs, overhangs, or technical and powerful moves, you’ll find something to suit your taste. The area features hundreds of boulders, including untouched, never-before-climbed lines. However, as some holds may still be loose, it’s crucial to exercise caution. Always inspect your route and the descent before climbing up!

Avoid attempting highballs or sketchy problems without thoroughly checking for loose holds and cleaning the line. Remember, sandstone absorbs water when it rains, which can weaken it and make holds more prone to breaking.

The boulder fields are expansive, surrounded by a 3-km main road and an additional 9-km dirt road. Development is ongoing, and we’ve already published five sectors with hundreds of established problems on the 27crags topo application.

Trail systems have been well-established in key sectors, including Power Station, Water Park, Central Park, and Zen Garden. As of October 2024, the area boasts more than 850 listed boulder problems.

If you’re equipped with tools and want to contribute by clearing weeds or vines to develop new problems, feel free to do so—but please avoid cutting down large trees. Always communicate with us before cleaning or attempting a new line to ensure coordinated area development.

Some boulders at Zoolander

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We are working on bolting routes in Donlan forest, Si Chompu area, some in Ban Sumjumpa and some in Ban Pha Namthieng. It is about 2-hour drive from downtown Khon Kaen. There are a lot of tall limestone mountains in the area and bolting process started in 2016 and still on going. We have more than 50 routes in Oct 2022 and we are working hard to set up more routes and put more bolts in.

*70 meters rope is RECOMENEDED for this area. We bolted long routes.

We are working to put our detail sport climbing topo on mountain project as well (Update Oct 2022)

Mountains for sport climbing in Khon Kaen.
Covert Crag
Shangri-La wall (white part)

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Zoolander Bouldering Area

We have been working closely with the zoo director and staffs, and we are authorized to develop and climb boulders in the zoo. We are proud to say that climbing is one of the recognized activities in the zoo. Just make sure you use proper safety equipment and climb at your own risk. We don’t climb at general tourist attractions, but in the wood on the top of the mountain. Climb safe and leave no trace.

The zoo entry fee is THB 150 ea. To climb, you will have to sign a waiver form at the entrance when you pay the entry fee.

DO NOT bring pets of any kind Into the Zoo. Do not drink alcohol of all kinds. Do not smoke inside the zoo. Violator is subjected to a fine maximum of THB 2,000.

The zoo is open daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM. The entry This fee includes other awesome amenities in the zoo area like clean restrooms, restaurants and shops, animals viewing area. Access to the Water Park will cost an additional THB 40. We also have a trailhead sign at Power Station and Central Park sectors, for other sector we use cairns as trailhead marker. We are working to put more trailhead signs in the area.

Power Station Trailhead

Approach and parking are different among sectors. Typically, boulders in every sector are less than 10 min walk. The trail is marked by cairns. Trail is cut pretty well in winter 2017, but vegetation possibly grows back in some sectors. Power Station: park on the opposite side of the trail. Other sectors, park around trailhead considerately.

KKCC has been working to develop trails to keep access to Zoolander bouldering area.

Si Chompu Sport Climbing

Si Chompu climbing area can be access for free. You can find more detail about how to get there on mountain project website and also in Rock Climbing Central & Northeast Thailand Guidebook. Boneyard Wall is located in Pha Nam Thiang temple so please be considerate and respect the monks and locals. Covert Crag, Shangri-la, and Pha Noi are located on the dirt road and the road condition change every season. High clearance vehicles are recommended, especially in rainy season.

We don’t have that many climbers going to the area. After a while vegetation grow and you will probably require some tools to get access to the base of the wall. Bushwhack may necessary. It requires some effort, but the climb is worthy.

Boneyard wall and Pha Noi are easily accessible with minimum walking distance. However, Shangri-La is located behind a sugarcane/cassava field. We strongly recommend you avoid rainy season when farmers are planting their sugarcane since they spray pesticide all over. Sugarcane is also extremely itchy… you don’t want to bushwhack through them.

Dirt road to Covert Crag and Shangri-La walls.

Hin Chang Si, Nam Phong National Park

It is worth to mention that KKCC started developing bouldering in Khon Kaen 7 years ago at Hin Chang Si, Nam Phong National Park. It became one of the climbing destinations in Thailand. We even hosted Khon Kaen bouldering festival in 2017, which is a great success with more than hundreds of climbers from all over the world joined us. However, we received negative feedback from National Park officials in Bangkok. As in other places in Thailand, the issue of access has always been a thorny issue. The NP blame climbers for destroying the rock surface and cutting vegetation at boulder base. They put ‘No Climbing’ sign at every trailhead. After they kicked us out, they decide to build a metal/wood bridge on top of boulders to develop the place for general tourist. We are speechless.

We recommend tourists to NO LONGER CLIMB at Hin Chang Si. If you violate the law, you might get fined from national park officers. We did.

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In Khon Kaen city

Both Zoolander and Si Chompu are in a driving distance for a day trip. If you want to stay in Khon Kaen city, you can carpool with us/rent a car/drive/taxi/van to climb. We highly recommend these hotels that support climbing activities:

• Rachawadee  resort and hotel
• Terminal hotel
• Charm boutique resort
• Chada Veranda hotel
• Kosa hotel

If you want to carpool with us, we prefer picking you up along the Mitraphap road north side for the zoo and Maliwan west side for Si Chompu. We don’t do hotel pick up unless you hire us as a private guide for the day.

At Zoolander. 

It is possible to stay at the campground and cabins at Zoolander in KK zoo.  KKCC does not own the zoo, so you will have to contact the zoo directly to book your stay. The cabin is THB 500-1000/night. Accommodations in the zoo come with A/C, TV, fridge, and water heater, but no wifi. It’s basic but OK. If you bring your own tent, it is 150 per night. We recommend tenting only in winter (Nov-Jan). Other seasons are either too hot or too wet to stay in a tent. Their campground has shower. You only have to pay the entry fee once on your first entry if you book your stay with the zoo. For the rest of your stay, you just pay for accommodation.

Call or Line to contact Pui (+66)-83-599-1959 or contact their Facebook page to check for availability and make a reservation to accommodations in Zoolander. Some of the zoo personnel can speak English. Renting a motorbike at the zoo is also possible if you can communicate with the Zoo personnel in advance.

If you don’t have your own vehicle and camp at the zoo, you can access to boulders in 4 areas by walking: Power Station, Water Park, The Ridge, and Campground. Other sectors are pretty far to walk from the campground. Note that there is no dinner sold inside the zoo since all the shops are closed in the evening. So still need to go out of the zoo to a market near the main road to get dinner.

Near the zoo

You can also stay just outside the zoo in Khao Suan Kwang destrict and make a short commute (5 min) to go climbing. Accomodations outside the zoo is cheaper than in the zoo (300-400 THB/night). However, if you stay outside the zoo, you will still have to pay the zoo entry fee every day to go into the zoo to climb. Please note that the zoo is huge, so you will still need a motorbike/car to commute every day. Here the list of accommodations near the zoo:

1. Baan Suan Tanicha (16°51’05.2″N 102°53’36.5″E) Located just 1 km outside the zoo. Quiet and country. Basic but ok. 300-400 THB/night. A/C and TV are included. Call Tanakorn (082-849-7026) to make a reservation. Don’t expect agoda or any online booking. You are outside of the city in the rural Northeastern part of Thailand.

2. Well House Khao Suan Kwang. Located near the market and train station of Khao Suan Kwang, 4.4 km to the zoo. 400-600 THB/night. Clean and modern. Call 093-793-3700 or send Facebook message to make a reservation. They have pretty good review on google. Noted that they are near the market so it’s not quiet at night.

3. Amp Inn Resort Khoa Suan Kwang. Also located near the market and train station of Khao Suan Kwang, 4.4 km to the zoo. 600-800 THB/night. Clean and modern.  You can send Facebook message to make a reservation. It’s new, just open around the end of 2021. Many climbers stay here during 2021-2022 and they gave us a good review.

In short, if you have your vehicles and love to see the city & party at night, stay in Khon Kaen city. If you want solitude (no wifi) and close to the boulders, stay in the zoo.

Si Chompu Sport climbing area. 

There is no accommodation in a walking distance of the wall. You will need a car/truck to drive around the area and to access the wall. In winter, you can camp at the rose garden near the crag. Bring your tent and camp kitchen to enjoy camping time among flowers and mountains. Camping with your own gear is THB 100/person, including shower (no hot water, but it’s OK). Booking the camp site by phone only Praew +66-95136-7924.

Phu Pha Man National Park or Pha Nok Khao De Loei are the nearest  accommodation we can find. There are a couple places in Phu Kradung as well. Covert Crag, Pha Noi and  and Shangri-La are not easy to find. You will have to drive through villages and sugarcane field. You may want to contact us in advance in case you want to go there.

Map and topo of Si Chompu sport climbing can be found on mountain project.

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Zoolander

You can buy your lunch box anywhere on the way and eat in the boulder field. Just pack your trash out. The zoo also has 2 canteens, one at the parking lot near tourist welcome center and animal area and the other one in the Water Park. Both places will be closed ~ 5 PM. I tried noodles at the animal area and it’s decent. THB 45-50 per meal. There are shops at animal area and Water Park. You can get water, coffee, cold drink, snacks, ice-cream, souvenir, etc.

Signature dish = Khoa Suan Kwang Grill Chicken, typically eat with sticky rice and spicy dipping. It’s sold at side road food stalls along the way to the zoo, and at the canteens in the zoo.

*It is not easy to find vegetarian option inside the zoo. We suggest you buy your own food outside the zoo.

Khon Kaen City

If you stay in the city, there will be tons of restaurants, bars, and all kind of entertainments at night. Northeastern Thailand specialty is papaya salad… along with other spicy stuff.

If you want to feel the urban vibe of Khon Kaen. The walking street market is every Saturday. We also highly recommend Ton Tann Market for dinner. This market opens daily in the evening-night. See tontann-market-khonkaen. There is pretty much everything you can eat, drink, shop, music, and hang out. We always bring climbers there when we have a big group visit.

Si Chompu Sport Climbing

Sadly, the wall is in the middle of nowhere. Consider buying your lunch box from 7-11 or other places to eat at the crag. There is one small convenience store before you turn into a dirt road.

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We would like to keep our access in climbing areas, so please be careful when you climb. We don’t want any bad injury that will flash in the front page and raise questions! Climb at your own risk.

Zoolander

Sign the waiver at the front entrance. We avoid climbing in general tourist area, because some non-climber tourists might have a wrong idea about bouldering and try to jump on without proper safety. We don’t want kids to break their ankles… then we lose access to climb. Always have spotter(s). Avoid any highball /sketchy problems as new rocks can be loose. Pick a climb that suits the skill level of you and your group to minimize the possibility of injury and need of rescue. Consult Khon Kaen Climbing Club if you are new to climbing.

The nearest hospital is Kao Suan Kwang Hospital, locating at 198 Mittraphap Road Tambon Kham Muang, Amphoe Khao Suan Kwang, Chang Wat Khon Kaen 40280, Tel +66 – 43 326 473. 12 min drive from the zoo.

The zoo staff who is in charge of the area is Mr. Ton, Tel +66 82 191 7251. Zoo admin, Tel +66 86-4556341.

Si Chompu Sport Climbing

For sport climbing, use appropriate equipment that has been thoroughly checked before the climb. Belayer should wear helmet and be careful of lose rock. 

Sadly, the wall is in the middle of nowhere. Climb at your own risk. Ban Boribun Health Center is about 20 min away, and it’s just a small village health center. Any serious injury should be taken to Chumpae hospital (45 min away).

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In Khon Kaen City.

It’s a big city! There are a lot of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, spas, etc. We think you can take it from there.

At Zoolander

The entry fee to the zoo includes animal viewing area. Waterpark is THB 40 extra. You can find more detail about animals in the zoo here Khonkaen zoo.

Near Si Chompu

Hiking and caving at Phu Pha Man National Park. We recommend Phraya Nakkarat cave. Hike 15 min up hill, then about 2 hours caving and take exit to Kred Kaew cave. High clearance vehicle, good lighting and private guide from National Park is necessary.

Phaya Nakkarat hiking and caving

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For Zoolander, we do have our topo well established in 27crag.com, one of the world’s largest online rock-climbing topo services. It’s a premium topo (not free). Each purchase of the topo goes toward our bouldering and bolting fund. As in Oct 2022, there are currently > 800 boulder problems in Zoolander.

27crags.com is an interactive application that you can download in your phone. It includes coordinate of every boulder, hiking trail, all the routes and grades. You can also log your ascents (with your suggestions of stars and grades) to your profile on 27Crags. It really gives credit to the place. You can download 27crags app on your iPhone using this link.

For Dong Lan Forest, Si Compu sport climbing area, we have added some info on mountain project. The area is pretty remote and not easy to find. Please contact us for more detail. We also have our sport climbing topo in Rock Climbing Central & Northeast Thailand Guidebook. You can purchase the guidebook from Thailand Mountain Sport Club and it will go toward bolting activities in Central & Northeast Thailand, including Khon Kaen.

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We are just a small group of people in Khon Kaen who love climbing, and work voluntarily for the sake of climbing communities. We have limited resource in term of labor and funding. You can help us by:

• Donate bolts and hangers for our sport climbing area. We use 10-mm, and  3/8″ expansion bolts for limestone and glue-in bolts for sandstone. If you are and experience sport route developer, come help us bolting!
• Donate your time and effort to help us clean and develop trail and boulder lines. We also take gardening tools.
• Donate your old climbing shoes to us! We don’t mind if they have holds. These old shoes will be used to expand climbing communities in Khon Kaen. We don’t have climbing gym, so we rent these shoes out to the locals who want to learn climbing. Money we get from rental will go to our bolt fund to develop more routes and maintain access to the boulder field.
• Rent our gears! We have friendly rental price. Money we get from rental will go to our developing fund.
• Distribute the words of mouth! Tell your friends to come climbing here. When you post pictures of climbing/bouldering in KK, please use #KhonKaenClimbingClub, #KhonKaenBouldering, #Zoolander.
• Buy our swag! We do have t-shirt and guidebook for sales at Volume climbing gym.
• We also have Black Diamond chalk box for THB 125, same price with everywhere else.

Our trail in the boulder fields is the way it is today because people volunteered to help

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