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chefamyk
Aug 12, 2006, 3:29 PM
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I am a 27 year old girl from Austin, Tx and I had made plans to go to Thailand with my boyfriend in December, well, we broke up and I still want to go. Is it safe for me to go to Thailand alone? Also is Thailand only for the best climbers, if I can only climb 11's does that mean all the climbs will be to hard for me? I'm trying to climb alot now so when I get there I will be a better climber but just wondering if its only for the big dogs!!
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ferret
Aug 12, 2006, 3:33 PM
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Hey there, I actually have a buddy that's been living over there for the past 9 months. He is not a terribly strong climber, prolly pulls down at 10-11 max, and i'm not sure if he's leading at that high. He has told me about some fantastic spots, next time I talk to him, I'll see where he reccomends. From what I've heard, tis not too bad out there, but I could be wrong. Hit me up with a pm, and when i talk to him i'll get the info to ya.
-ferret
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karlbaba
Aug 12, 2006, 4:32 PM
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You climb plenty hard enough and lots of women travel alone in Thailand with no issues.
There is some Thailand images, trip reports and links to resources on some pages on my website.
That said, like any country, do research and use common sense.
Enjoy
Karl
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csgambill
Aug 12, 2006, 4:44 PM
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Where in Thailand are you going? ...Let me guess, down south. I've only been to Bangkok and Chaing Mai, but wherever you go there will probably be lots of foreigners and you won't stick out too badly. It's very easy to get around in Thailand. It is by far the most westernized country in S.E. Asia. The people there were all pretty nice, I guess it's called the Land of Smiles for a good reason. Just exercise any normal precautions, use common sense and you should have a great time. I wish I could go back there with you.
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chefamyk
Aug 12, 2006, 4:52 PM
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Of course I'm going to Railey- for a month, then heading to Chang Mai to take some cooking classes. I've been looking for Hostels online but can't really find anything but hotels in that area. Got any info??
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imogen
Aug 12, 2006, 5:39 PM
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Yes its perfectly safe to travel there alone. I spent 6 glorious weeks on Tonsai climbing and I went there on my own. You will meet dozens of other climbers. If you decide to travel around to other "party" islands, just be aware of saftey issues if you are intoxicated. You need to be mindful of this anywhere though - you know. There have been some issues with tourists being targeted. If you plan to just stay on Tonsai/Railey then you will have no trouble - no hassle. Just heaps of relaxed fun in paradise!
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socialclimber
Aug 13, 2006, 11:23 AM
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www.railay.com This isn't a bad site, even has info on cooking classes.
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chefamyk
Aug 13, 2006, 3:23 PM
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Thanks alot for all the info!! Can't wait!! :-)
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blueeyedclimber
Aug 13, 2006, 3:57 PM
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Sorry about your breakup, but you will have a blast. My wife and I went there on our honeymoon and had a great time. At the time i was just starting to lead 11's, and I had no trouble finding climbs. The harder you climb, the more options you have, but you won't have much trouble. Just remember, the grades are a little soft over there.
As for a girl traveling alone? Just be cautious, especially in the city. It isn't any more dangerous in Thailand than anywhere else. On the contrary, in general, Thais are extremely friendly. Have fun!
BTW, when in Railay, do the route Groove Tube. I think it is rated 6a (which translates to 5.10a, I think). It's not even that hard, but is one of the coolest looking routes I have ever done.
Josh
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twisti
Aug 13, 2006, 4:04 PM
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As a girl traveling in Thailand alone and looking at doing some climbing I can assure you you will be fine. There are some great spots in Chiang Mai area and also Raliay down South ... if in doubt you could hire a guide or go with the group option.
Traveling alone can be a little scary if you haven't done it before, but there is no need to be scared of Thailand itself.
So go girl, buy your ticket and get on that plane!
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twisti
Aug 13, 2006, 4:06 PM
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http://www.railay.com/railay/climbing/climbing_intro.shtml
and here in Chiang Mai: http://www.thailandclimbing.com/
The biggest climbing wall in South East Asia is also located here:
http://www.thepeakadventure.com/Trip_E.aspx
And more tours and ideas: http://www.thepeakadventure.com/
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deschamps1000
Aug 13, 2006, 4:32 PM
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You'll be fine as a woman alone. Southeast Asian culture has a deeply rooted since of respect. Really, more so than here in the states. I wouldn't worry if I were you. Of course, use common sense as always.
Don't worry about youth hostels. There aren't many in that region. Everyone stays at "Guesthouses" which are basicallly the same thing. There will plenty everywhere you go. Don't make reservations, just figure it out when you get there.
I lived in Cambodia for some time, and did occasional trips to Thailand to climb. It is PARADISE. Feel free to PM me with any questions you have.
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marshallq
Aug 13, 2006, 5:07 PM
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In reply to: http://www.railay.com/railay/climbing/climbing_intro.shtml
omg, that place looks amazing, wish i had the cash to go and visit it :cry:
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austinclmbr
Aug 14, 2006, 8:10 PM
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Amy I like the part where you leave out the fact that you would beat the shit out of half the guys we climb with.
Just keep a big Hex handy and find out where the locals eat, you will be fine. Oh, and wash the SHIT out of your gear as soon as you get back!!
Call me bitch!
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dsqrd
Aug 14, 2006, 10:43 PM
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We met a few single women in Railay last August who were travelling by themselves - and who had NO lack of men offering to be belay slaves / partners / ropeguns / whatever.
In additiona to ALL of the above info ... here's another link from Outside about the same question...
http://outside.away.com/outside/destinations/adventure-adviser/20060809.html
Have fun, be safe, climb hard.
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mink
Aug 15, 2006, 2:19 AM
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I traveled to Railey by myself and had no issues. I did take certain precautions that may have been unnecessary (in terms of cost) such as hotel transfer from airport to hotel (paying at least twice what you get if you negotiate the fee with taxi / long tail drivers), pre-booking hotel reservations, etc.
I did make arrangements to meet up with climbing partners prior to the trip, but it was really easy to meet up with both male and female climbing partners there. Go to Viking Bar on the Tonsai side - most of the climbers chill there in the evening / night. Probably the easiest place to meet up with climbing partners.
Feel free to PM with questions.
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jookyhead
Aug 15, 2006, 2:29 AM
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I'll be there this December as well. Hellza stoked. Word.
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cosmiccragsman
Aug 15, 2006, 2:58 AM
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Hi Chefamyk;
Don't pay any attention to Meh.
In his own words Meh wrote:
In reply to: Random fact... I'm a masquerading asshat.
Quite true. Read some of his posts, and you will see, that he knows
what he is.
Thank goodness there is only a handful like him on this site.
Cosmiccragsman
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olive
Aug 15, 2006, 3:48 AM
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People already said this so I dont know if I need to repeat but maybe you might like to hear it from yet another woman: I traveled in Thailand (and in Laos, and in Malaysia....) alone and had no problem whatsoever. If you are generally careful and smart, you will be fine, as you would be in many other places. Thailand is very tourist friendly, people are helpful and nice. It is super easy to travel there.
When I traveled I did not book any place in advance - and never ended up not finding a place, there are lots of guesthouses...
enjoy it, I so much wish I could go again...
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chefamyk
Aug 15, 2006, 6:13 AM
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Thanks, that site was very informative.. Names of places to meet climbers and everything.. Big Help!!! :-) After getting everyones input, I think it will be a better experience going alone. after all!! Thanks everyone..
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phaedrus
Aug 15, 2006, 6:35 PM
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phaedrus moved this thread from General to Regional Discussions.
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brianinslc
Aug 15, 2006, 7:06 PM
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In reply to: After getting everyones input, I think it will be a better experience going alone.
Sound great, I'd do it.
One of the thing I kinda judge when I'm on foreign travel is whether or not I see single women travelling especially in what appears to be sketchy areas (ie, late at night, dark alleys, etc). It tells me something about the relative safety of an area, I suppose.
I'd recall in Thailand I ran into a bunch of single women travelling. Most all were very saavy world travelers, though, and had it down pretty pat.
Only thing I'd caution against would be the same whether your a man or woman: when you're alone, you might be a bigger target for a scam. The, "oh did you drop this" kinda stuff.
Have a great time!
-Brian in SLC
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rickeden
Aug 29, 2006, 6:29 AM
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check out the many climbing site for Thailand http://www.simonfoley.com/climbing/
Also I'm in Bnagkok so if you want to climb around Bangkok give me a shout
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porcelainsunset
Aug 29, 2006, 6:59 AM
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Once again, you will be fine. My best friend is over there right now, and she will be their until about May or something. She is teaching English in a village as part of her education for her linguistics major. She lives in Chain Mai when she is not out in the bush. She climbs, and is looking for some female partners. PM me if you think you might want to try and meet up with her.
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thors_thunder_boots
Sep 3, 2006, 3:07 AM
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hey!
i'm going to be travelling to thailand from mid jan. thru april. i'm travelling solo as well so i'd love to meet up with someone when i get there who already knows their way around. i climb in the 11's too (hopefully break into the 12's while there) and welcome any beta that actually gets me to the top of a climb. anyways let me know if ur interested.
James
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