Join us for KKBF2024 from 14-15 Dec 2024 at Nam Phong National Park.

*Having a limited number of crash pads available and manpower and because we want to make sure you have a pleasant time climbing with us,
the number of participants to the KKBF2024 is limited to 100 climbers. Observers have to register as observers to watch the competition. 

KKBF2024 is the first climbing event authorized by the National Park Service of Thailand.

1. OVERVIEW

Khon Kaen International Bouldering Festival 2024 (#KKBF2024) is organized by Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC). We are a group of local and international climbers united by a passion for climbing and the development of climbing in Khon Kaen. Proceeds from ticket sales and money raised from the festival will go toward the climbing fund in Khon Kaen.

This year, the festival takes place at the Lower Meadow area in Nam Phong National Park, Khon Kaen Province, Northeastern Thailand. We are the first organization authorized by the National Park Service to host a climbing event in the park. Not only a natural conservation area,  Nam Phong National Park is also a place that has hundreds of sandstone boulders with great potential for nearly a thousand lines to climb. The Park has been closed for climbing since 2016. Due to the hard work of KKCC and many other supporting organizations, the area will welcome climbers again exclusively for KKBF2024. We hope that this area will soon become an international bouldering destination. 

KKBF2024 is intended to be better than ever, 2-day-1 night, with new exciting boulder problems! The festival will bring more than 100 climbers to Khon Kaen for 2-days of climbing, adventure, fun, challenges, and friendship. Our goal is to make Nam Phong a climbing destination in Southeast Asia, offering a platform for meeting, learning, and sharing climbing experiences, and outdoor activities.

For those who joined KKBF between 2019 and 2023, you’re likely familiar with Zoolander. However, only those who have been part of the climbing community long enough, and visited Khon Kaen during 2012-2016, know that Nam Phong National Park was established as a climbing destination long before Zoolander became popular.

This year, with the support of local authorities and the community, we’re excited to revive the outdoor climbing spirit at Nam Phong National Park and bring back those original vibes.

2. KKBF2023 SCHEDULE

Saturday – December 14, 2024

7:10 AM
Meet in front of Kosa Hotel, downtown Khon Kaen City, for KKBF transportation. Departure to Nam Phong National Park.

8:30 AM
Mandatory festival meeting at the entrance gate of Nam Phong National Park (see photo below). Event opening, pick up registration packages. Introduction to the Hin Chang Si bouldering area, competition rules, safety guidelines, and the bouldering topo. Collect crash pads.

10:00 AM
Bouldering competition begins at the Lower Meadow of Hin Chang Si. Local climbers will guide you through the boulder field with an orientation and overview of the area.

12:00 PM
Lunch at the boulder field. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Be sure to specify any dietary restrictions during registration.

1:00 PM
Afternoon climbing session and workshops.

4:30 PM
Climbing stops. Collect crash pads.

5:00 PM
Group dinner and festival celebration at the entrance gate of Nam Phong National Park. Camping is available.

7:30 PM
KKBF transportation departs back to Khon Kaen City.

Sunday – December 15, 2024

7:10 AM
Meet at the front of Kosa Hotel, Khon Kaen City, for KKBF transportation to Nam Phong National Park. Departure shortly after.

8:30 AM
Arrival at Nam Phong National Park entrance. Pick up crash pads.

9:00 AM
Morning climbing session begins. Enjoy free-style climbs or join the bouldering clinic.

12:00 PM
Lunch break at the boulder field. Lunch is included in the registration fee. Please specify dietary restrictions during registration.

3:30 PM
Climbing session wraps up. Return crash pads and prepare for the closing.

4:00 PM
Prize presentation for the winners, lucky draw, and ice cream!

5:00 PM
KKBF 2024 officially ends. Festival transportation departs from Nam Phong National Park back to Khon Kaen City.

3. COMPETITION CATEGORIES AND REGISTRATION FEE

Climbing Categories:

The festival registration fee is based on the following competition categories:

  1. Competitive (Male/Female) – For climbers aiming to challenge themselves with routes V4 and above, with a chance to win an awesome prize.
  2. Beginners (Male/Female) – For climbers who enjoy climbing at the V0 to V3+ level.
  3. Youth (Combined Gender) – For climbers under 15 years of age.

Additionally, we offer an Observer category for parents or significant others who want to join the festival but do not climb. Observers do not have access to the bouldering topo or crash pads.

Prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in each category are yet to be announced, but we’re working with our sponsors to secure some exciting rewards!

Registration Fees:

  • Adult: ฿1500
  • Youth: ฿1200
  • Observer: ฿700

The registration fee includes:

  • 2-day access to Nam Phong National Park
  • 2 lunches 
  • 1 dinner
  • Water
  • Access to the bouldering topo
  • A festival t-shirt (only for climbers, not observers)
  • First aid response

KKCC will provide some crash pads and you can share them with your friends during the festival. Crash pad reservations can be made during the registration. 

Payment can be made in Thai Baht (฿) only via a direct transfer to KKCC’s Siam Commercial Bank account in Thailand, Prompt Pay, or PayPal. All proceeds from the festival support the KKCC climbing development fund to promote climbing and outdoor activities in Khon Kaen.

Important Information:

  • Pre-registered participants will receive a personalized ticket that serves as a 2-day pass for Nam Phong National Park, with no additional payment required at the gate.
  • Please note that there will be no on-site registration. KKBF tickets tend to sell out quickly due to the limited number of crash pads, so early registration is essential.

4. TRANSPORTATION

KKCC will provide transportation from the Kosa Hotel in Khon Kaen City to Nam Phong National Park and back on December 14-15, 2024. The round-trip transportation price is ฿300. You can book transportation for both days if you plan to stay in the city.

Nam Phong National Park is about a 45-minute drive from central Khon Kaen. If you prefer to drive yourself, see the details below:

Transportation by Private Van/Car:

  • Van rental (with driver, and fuel excluded) costs around THB 1,800-2,000 per day, depending on negotiation.
  • Car rental is about THB 1,000-1,200 per day. You can rent a car from Khon Kaen Airport.

To drive to the festival location, search for “Hin Chang Si View Point, Nam Phong National Park” (จุดชมวิวหินช้างสี อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำพอง) on Google Maps. It’s a well-known tourist spot and easy to find.

Important Information:

  • All personal vehicles must park at the lower entrance gate of the park. Only KKBF and service vehicles are permitted to drive up to the trailhead due to limited parking and safety concerns.
  • Please plan accordingly as parking space at the trailhead is restricted.

5. ACCOMMODATION

The registration fee does not include accommodation.

Camping is allowed at the lower entrance gate of Nam Phong National Park, but you will need to make a reservation directly with the park. Alternatively, staying in Khon Kaen City is recommended due to the wide range of available accommodations. We suggest Kosa Hotel for its convenience and proximity to the festival meeting point.

Kosa Hotel is located in the middle of Khon Kaen city. Many other hotels are nearby within walking distance, including B2 Premier Hotel, Glacier Hotel, Pullman Hotel, Chanda Veranda Hotel, Ad Lib Khon Kaen, Charoen Thani Hotel, Phanthipha Residence, etc. You can also explore more options on platforms like Agoda, Booking.com, or Hotels.com.

Rock Ranch Eco Camp is owned by Gavriel Jecan, the founder of KKCC. The camp is only an 8-minute drive to the National Park entrance. There are a couple of bungalows with running water and electricity. It’s a convenient spot to stay for the festival. Please contact Gavriel (091-056-4201) for more information.

To book a camping spot at Nam Phong National Park during the festival, please reach out directly to the park through their official Facebook page. KKCC is not responsible for booking accommodations.

Important Notes:

  • Registered participants are responsible for arriving at the Kosa Hotel by 7:15 AM on December 14-15, 2024, or making their way to Nam Phong National Park to join the festival.
  • If you need assistance reserving a private van, feel free to contact us for more information.

6. WAIVER and model release form

All participants are  to complete a waiver form and a model release form during registration. For participants under 15 years of age, the form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Your safety is our top priority. To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, we ask that you refrain from attempting highball problems that could pose a risk to yourself or your spotters. Serious injuries could jeopardize access to climbing areas in Thailand, and we want to keep the festival injury-free.

A first-aid team and a doctor will be available on-site; however, please remember that climbing involves inherent risks, and you are responsible for your own safety.

We can’t wait to climb with you at the festival! If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us.

Khon Kaen Climbing Club Team (Gavriel, Wan, Bon, Opor, May, Sun, Aoey, Brad, Puinune, Meta, Mark, Tim, Joey, Book, Neon, Tuang)

Contact us: Facebook khonkaenclimbingclub
Email: kkclimbingclub@gmail.com
Tel: +66 62-167-8688 (Wan) / +66 81-974-1453 (Book) / +66 91-056-4201(Gavriel)
We look forward to meeting and climbing with you