Basecamp Tonsai

Basecamp Tonsai is a climbing shop and school on Tonsai Beach, the climbers' beach next to Railay on Krabi's Pra-nang peninsula. It was established in 1996, says it works to German safety standards, and is open all year. Tonsai has no road access, so you arrive by longtail boat from Ao Nang. The shop is about a 10-minute walk from Tonsai bungalows and 25 minutes from Railay.

Half-day guided top-rope climbing starts every day at 9.15am and costs ฿1,200 for beginners (฿1,500 if you've climbed before). There's no need to book; just turn up before 9.15am. Courses include a full-day Leading Skills course (฿3,500), a three-day Basic Climbing Skills course (฿7,500), bouldering technique and multi-pitch skills. Private and multi-pitch guiding, deep-water solo boat trips in high season, guidebooks and rental gear are also available.

It suits travelling climbers based in Tonsai, from first-timers to people learning to lead on Thai limestone.