Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC) is a dedicated group of climbers based in Khon Kaen, Thailand, committed to expanding and enriching the local climbing community. Our team works entirely on a voluntary basis, engaging in activities such as:

• Exploring new climbing routes
• Clearing and maintaining trails
• Developing boulder problems
• Bolting sport routes
• Creating detailed maps and topos
• Organizing the annual bouldering festival
• Facilitating all climbing activities in Khon Kaen

Our primary goal is to showcase Khon Kaen’s exceptional climbing destinations to both locals and visitors. Notably, the Zoolander and Hin Changsi Bouldering Areas are among the largest and most impressive boulder fields in Thailand, attracting climbers from around the globe. Additionally, the Dong Lan Forest area holds significant potential for development into a premier sport climbing destination.

Despite these remarkable assets, climbing remains relatively unknown in Thailand, and many Khon Kaen residents are unaware of the province’s climbing potential. By developing these areas, we aim to attract more tourists and elevate Khon Kaen’s status as a climbing hub.

The main members of KKCC currently residing in Khon Kaen are: Gavriel, Wan, Bon, Opor, May, Sun, Aoey, and Meta.

We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our initiatives, upcoming events, and how you can get involved in the vibrant climbing community here in Khon Kaen.

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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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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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Sport Climbing in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen, located in northeastern Thailand, is home to an amazing sport climbing scene, particularly in the Si Chompu district. Approximately a two-hour drive from Khon Kaen city, this area boasts towering limestone mountains that have become a haven for climbers seeking new challenges.

Development and Routes

The development of sport climbing in this region began in 2016, spearheaded by the Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC). Since then, over 100 routes have been established, with ongoing efforts to expand and enhance the climbing experience. Notably, the bolting process has been led by climbers like Gavriel Jecan, with support from various enthusiasts and organizations. As of March 2025, the area offers a diverse range of routes, with grades spanning from 5a to 7b+, catering to climbers of varying skill levels. 

Access and Recommendations

Accessing the climbing areas requires a vehicle, as there are no accommodations within walking distance of the walls. A 70-meter rope is recommended for many routes, as several are quite long. 

Accommodations

While there are no accommodations within walking distance of the climbing areas, several local resorts are available:

• Amorn Rose Garden: Located near Tham Saeng Thum Temple. Reservations can be made by phone at +66-89430-6623.

• Praew Rose Garden: Situated near Tham Pha Namthieng Temple. For bookings, call +66-95136-7924.

• Raiphatarawarin Café & Camp: An agricultural tourism spot offering accommodations, food, beverages, and agricultural products. They have a strawberry garden for visitors and organize various activities. Rooms are available for 1,000 THB per night.

• Home Stay Por Aui: Located in the Si Chompu district, this homestay offers an authentic Isaan community experience. For reservations, contact +66 96-990-6811.

These accommodations are accessible by car and provide a comfortable stay for climbers visiting the area.

Topo Information

A comprehensive topo for the sport climbing areas in Si Chompu is available on Mountain Project. This resource is continually updated to reflect new routes and developments, ensuring climbers have the most current information for their adventures. (mountainproject.com)

Conclusion

The Si Chompu district in Khon Kaen offers a unique and developing sport climbing destination in Thailand. With its diverse routes, ongoing development, and supportive climbing community, it provides an exciting experience for both novice and experienced climbers.

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Hin Chang Si: Thailand’s First Official Bouldering Area in a National Park

Hin Chang Si, located within Nam Phong National Park in Khon Kaen Province, is Thailand’s first officially sanctioned climbing area within a national park. This landmark achievement was made possible through a dedicated partnership between the Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC) and the National Park Office, establishing Thailand’s first permanent climbing access agreement within a protected area.

Topo Information

The comprehensive bouldering guide for Hin Chang Si, located within Nam Phong National Park, is now available on The Topo platform. This resource offers detailed information to enhance your climbing experience.

What’s Included:

• Detailed Crag Information and Access Trail: Navigate the area with ease using the provided access trail and comprehensive crag details.

• GPS Coordinates for All Boulders: Precise GPS coordinates to help you locate each boulder problem accurately.

• 370 Problem Descriptions (as of May 2026): A comprehensive list of boulder problems, including new challenging lines up to V13, established during the KKBF2024.

• Offline Access with Premium Subscription: Download the topo for offline use, ensuring you have access even without a mobile signal.

• QR Code Available On-Site at the Crag: Access the topo directly at the climbing area by scanning the QR code provided.

Support Local Climbing:

By utilizing this topo, you contribute to the local climbing development fund, supporting the growth and maintenance of climbing areas in the region.

Geological Significance

The boulders at Hin Chang Si are composed of ancient sandstone from the Phra Wihan Formation, dating back 150-180 million years to the Jurassic period. This coarse to fine-grained rock, primarily made up of quartz grains bound by natural cementing materials, offers exceptional climbing characteristics:

• Exceptional Grip: Natural texture ideal for friction and crimping.
• Varied Holds: From positive edges to challenging slopers.
• Diverse Problems: Multiple rock faces and overhangs.
• Perfect Friction: Rewards technical footwork and body positioning.

Climbing Season

The optimal time to visit Hin Chang Si for climbing is from November to May. During this period, the park is open daily from 8:00 AM to sunset. Please note that access may be restricted during the off-season. In April, the region often experiences drought conditions, increasing the risk of forest fires. From July to September, heavy rainfall is common, which can affect climbing conditions. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan your visit during the dry season to ensure the best climbing experience.

Access and Amenities

Hin Chang Si is approximately a 50-minute drive west of Khon Kaen City. The park offers amenities such as clean restrooms, restaurants, shops, and animal viewing areas. An entry fee is required, which grants access to these facilities. The entrance fees are as follows:

• Thai Nationals:
  
  • Adults: 20 THB
  • Children: 10 THB
• Foreign Nationals:
  
  • Adults: 100 THB
  • Children: 50 THB
• Vehicles:
  
  • Cars: 30 THB per vehicle
  • Motorcycles: 20 THB per vehicle

Where to Stay Near Hin Chang Si Bouldering Area

When planning your visit to the Hin Chang Si bouldering area in Nam Phong National Park, you have several accommodation options to consider:

1. Nam Phong National Park Camping and Bungalows

Located approximately 1.7 kilometers from the bouldering area, Nam Phong National Park offers both cabin accommodations and camping facilities. The cabins are available for 1,200 THB per night and feature two bedrooms. Camping is also permitted within the park. For reservations or more information, contact Nam Phong National Park at +66 96-739-7920 or +66 61-934-2790.

2. Rock Ranch Eco Camp

Situated about 8 kilometers from the Hin Chang Si Entrance Station, Rock Ranch Eco Camp provides bungalow accommodations ranging from 550 to 700 THB per night. Camping options are also available for 200 to 300 THB per night. To make a reservation or inquire further, reach out via Instagram or call +66 818 519 090.

3. City Hotels in Khon Kaen

For those preferring to stay in the city, Khon Kaen offers a wide selection of hotels to suit various budgets. The city is approximately a 45-minute drive from the bouldering area, making it convenient for a day trip.

Conservation and Responsible Climbing

Climbing in Thailand’s national parks is a privilege, not a right. To preserve this access for future generations, climbers are encouraged to:

• Follow All Park Regulations: Adhere to guidelines set by park authorities.
• Climb Responsibly: Respect the natural environment and fellow climbers.
• Show Respect to Authorities and Nature: Engage positively with park staff and protect the ecosystem.

By adhering to these practices, we can ensure that Hin Chang Si remains a sustainable and accessible climbing destination. 

Contact Information

For more details or inquiries, please contact Nam Phong National Park at +66 4324 8006 or Khon Kaen Climbing Club’s Facebook Page

Hin Chang Si offers a unique and historic climbing experience in one of Thailand’s most beautiful natural settings. We look forward to welcoming you to this remarkable destination.

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In Khon Kaen city

Both Zoolander and Si Chompu are in 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/ take a van to climb. We highly recommend these hotels that support climbing activities:

• Rachawadee  Resort and Hotel
• Charm Boutique Resort
• Kosa Hotel
• Glacier Hotel
• S-block Condotel

If you’re interested in carpooling with us, we offer convenient pick-up locations along the Mitraphap Road on the north side for the zoo and the Maliwan Road west side for Si Chompu. Please note that we do not provide hotel pick-ups unless you hire us as a private guide for the day. This ensures a smooth and efficient journey to our climbing destinations.

At Zoolander. 

If you’re considering an overnight stay at the Zoolander campground or cabins within the KK zoo, you’ll need to arrange your booking directly with the zoo, as KKCC doesn’t manage these accommodations. The cabins are priced between THB 500-1000 per night and include basic amenities such as air conditioning, a TV, a fridge, and a water heater, though Wi-Fi is not available. Additionally, the campground offers shower facilities. Once you’re booked for a stay with the zoo, you only need to pay the entry fee on your first entry. After that, you’ll only pay for your accommodations for the duration of your stay.

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 vehicle and camp at the zoo, you can access 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 district and make a short commute (5 min) to go climbing. Accommodations outside the zoo are cheaper than in the zoo (400-800 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 is the list of accommodations near the zoo:

1. Bedrock Inn (Baan Suan Tanicha) Located just 1 km outside the zoo. Quiet and country. Basic but ok. 300-400 THB/night. A/C and TV are included. Contact their Instagram page to make a reservation. 

2. Well House Khao Suan Kwang. Located near the market and train station of Khao Suan Kwang, 4.4 km from the zoo. 400-600 THB/night. Clean and modern. Call 093-793-3700 or send a Facebook message to make a reservation. 

3. Amp Inn Resort Khoa Suan Kwang. Also located near the market and train station of Khao Suan Kwang, 4.4 km from the zoo. 600-800 THB/night. Clean and modern.  You can send a Facebook message to make a reservation. 

In short, if you have your vehicle 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 within walking distance of the wall. You will need a car/truck to drive around the area and to access the wall.

There are 2 local resorts that we recommend.

1. Amorn Rose Garden, located near Tham Saeng Thum Temple. Booking the campsite by phone only +66-89430-6623.
2. Praew Rose Garden, located near Tham Pha Namthieng Temple. Booking the campsite by phone only +66-95136-7924.

Phu Pha Man National Park and Pha Nok Khao in the Loei province also offer accommodations for visitors. Reaching destinations like Covert Crag, Pha Noi, and Shangri-La can be challenging, as they are not easy to locate. These spots require navigating through villages and sugarcane fields. It’s advisable to contact us in advance if you plan to visit these areas, as we can provide guidance and assistance to ensure a smooth journey.

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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