KKBF 2027

Overview

Join us for KKBF 2027 at Nam Phong National Park. With a limited number of crash pads and a team that wants every participant to have a pleasant climbing experience, participation is limited to 120 climbers, plus registered observers who may watch the competition.

KKBF 2027 is the second climbing event authorised by the National Park Service of Thailand.

Khon Kaen International Bouldering Festival 2027 (#KKBF2027) is organised by Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC) in partnership with Issan Smile. We are local and international climbers united by a passion for climbing and its development in Khon Kaen. Proceeds from ticket sales and fundraising support the Khon Kaen climbing fund and local communities.

This year, the festival takes place in Magic Forest, the upper area of Nam Phong National Park in Khon Kaen Province, Northeastern Thailand. Along with its conservation value, the park has hundreds of sandstone boulders with the potential for more than a thousand climbing lines. The park was closed for climbing in 2016; through the work of KKCC and supporting organisations, the area welcomes climbers again for KKBF 2027. We hope it grows into an international climbing destination while supporting local businesses around the park.

KKBF 2027 brings two days of climbing, new boulder problems, adventure, friendship and learning. Our goal is to develop Nam Phong as a climbing destination in Southeast Asia and a place to meet, share climbing experience and enjoy outdoor activities.

A Return to Nam Phong

Those who joined KKBF between 2019 and 2025 may know Zoolander. Climbers who visited Khon Kaen between 2012 and 2016 also know that Nam Phong National Park was a climbing destination long before Zoolander became popular.

With the support of local authorities and the community, KKCC is excited to revive the outdoor-climbing spirit at Nam Phong National Park and bring back those original vibes.

Festival Schedule

Registration Details

KKCC will provide some crash pads for participants to share. Crash-pad reservations can be made during registration.

Payment is accepted in Thai baht only, by direct transfer to KKCC’s Siam Commercial Bank account in Thailand, PromptPay or PayPal. All proceeds support the KKCC climbing-development fund and outdoor activities in Khon Kaen.

Pre-registered participants receive a personalised ticket that acts as a two-day pass for Nam Phong National Park, with no additional fee at the gate. There is no on-site registration. KKBF tickets can sell out quickly because crash pads are limited, so early registration is essential.

Transportation

KKCC round-trip transport from Kosa Hotel to Nam Phong National Park is available for THB 400 for January 16–17, 2027. You may book both days if you are staying in the city.

Nam Phong National Park is about a 45-minute drive from central Khon Kaen. A private van with driver, excluding fuel, costs around THB 1,800–2,000 per day, depending on negotiation. Car rental costs around THB 1,000–1,400 per day and is available from Khon Kaen Airport.

To drive to the festival, search “Hin Chang Si View Point, Nam Phong National Park” (จุดชมวิวหินช้างสี อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำพอง) on Google Maps. Personal vehicles must park at the upper parking area; parking at the trailhead is limited.

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included in the festival fee. Camping is available at the lower entrance of Nam Phong National Park and at the upper parking area, but reservations must be made directly with the national park. Staying in Khon Kaen City is also recommended because of its wide range of accommodation; Kosa Hotel is convenient and close to the meeting point.

Kosa Hotel is in the middle of Khon Kaen City. Nearby options include B2 Premier Hotel, Glacier Hotel, Pullman Hotel, Chada Veranda Hotel, Ad Lib Khon Kaen, Charoen Thani Hotel and Phanthipha Residence. More options are available through Agoda, Booking.com and Hotels.com.

Rock Ranch Eco Camp, run by Mallika and Gavriel Jecan of KKCC, is about an eight-minute drive from the park entrance. It has bungalows with running water, a kitchen and washing machine, plus a camping area with communal bathrooms and showers. For reservations, contact Mallika or Gavriel at 08855-24524, or visit www.kkadventuresports.com.

To reserve a campsite at Nam Phong National Park during the festival, contact the park through its official Facebook page. KKCC does not handle accommodation bookings.

Important: Participants are responsible for reaching Kosa Hotel by 7:00 AM on January 16–17, or for arranging their own journey to Nam Phong National Park. Contact KKCC if you need help reserving a private van.

Waiver and Model Release

All participants are required to complete a waiver and model-release form during registration. Participants under 15 must have the form signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Your safety is our priority. Do not attempt highball problems that could put you or your spotters at risk. Serious injuries can jeopardise climbing access in Thailand, and we want to keep the festival injury-free.

A first-aid team and a doctor will be on site. Climbing involves inherent risks, and every participant remains responsible for their own safety.

Khon Kaen Climbing Club Team