Koh Yao Noi, Thailand

Koh Yao Noi Town and Camp

I was a bit worried that the island was going to put a dent in my pocket when compared to Tonsai.  I turned out to be totally wrong.  This island was a highlight of my Thailand trip and I would absolutely recommend it to any climber trying to escape the crowds and have a breath of fresh air after the Tonsai experience.  

Around the island, gas is bought from these visible gas pumps.  The gas is first pumped into the glass bulb where it is measured before being dispensed.

Long tail boats are super common in Thailand.  I've posted smaller ones in previous photos, but this one is huge!

Nam Tok Bungalows

The housing was a fraction of the price of Tonsai and twice the quality.  Nice clean bungalows, with proper bathrooms, a great location and even better hosts.  The whole place has a great vibe and relaxing atmosphere.

The outside view of the bungalow I split with Yashin for 300 Baht ($8.50) a night.  These bungalows put the ones in Tonsai to shame.

View looking out from the front porch.

It doesn't get much nicer than this!

Big Tree Wall

We had a crazy first day in Ko Yao Noi! We managed our way to the crag after a mental approach through a jungle that involved slightly smashing my scooter on a heinous back road, scaring Yashin and getting turned around on more than one occasion. In the end, everything was great! 

We still managed to pull off 6 pitches, including a 120 meter multi-pitch, on some of the best rock in South East Asia. Easily the most serene secluded climbing I've ever done. We even got to see some sweet jungle animals including a 6 foot long Monitor Lizard stomping about! 

A slightly wonky ankle, a little bit of dehydration and some type 2 fun definitely made for a day to remember!

Dan heading up a chossy fixed rope while looking for the crag.

The four pitches of Sea Gypsy 6b+.  The nicest multi-pitch sport route I have ever done.

2nd to last pitch!  Thanks Raul for one of the best pictures ever taken of me.

120 meters down!

On the rough approach I ended up smashing my motorbike with Yashin on the back.  Going up a steep dirt road with a ton of weight on the back of the bike was not a good idea.  Halfway up the hill we did a wheelie and flipped the bike right over.  The crash resulted in a cracked motor housing/oil pan and a variety of broken mirrors and lights.  In the end the damages did not cost much and nobody was hurt!

Grateful Wall

After the rough approach the first day we decided it was worth it to take a boat directly to the crag. Definitely an all around better idea.  In a quarter of the time we made it to Grateful Wall where every route is named after a Grateful Dead tune!  Not only was the crag named after one of my favorite bands, it was also the best easy/moderate single pitch climbing that I have ever done.  Amazing crag.

Heading to the crag in the morning.

Yashin!

Jim working his way up.

Hey look! It's Jojo!