Vietnam in top 5 most beautiful climbing spots in Southeast Asia

According to The Straits Times magazine, Vietnam has many impressive rock climbing spots, notably Ha Long Bay, Huu Lung and Cat Ba in the North and Suoi Da in the South.

Huu Lung ( Lang Son ) is one of the famous rock climbing spots in Vietnam. Photo: Massimo Cappuccio.

The climbing movement has grown significantly over the past decade, especially after the sport was included in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.

Sharing about her first time climbing Batu Caves (Malaysia), Lydia Yang, a reporter for The Straits Times recalled feeling his hands shaking with fear of heights and his legs aching after reaching the top. However, that feeling was quickly overcome by amazement as he looked around at the surrounding scenery.

Lydia Yang recommends the 5 best places in Southeast Asia to experience this sport.

Suoi Da, Ba Ria - Vung Tau , Vietnam

Located 2 hours away from Ho Chi Minh City, Suoi Da (Ba Ria - Vung Tau) is home to some of the most exciting bouldering activities in Southern Vietnam.

Bouldering is the activity of climbing small boulders up to 6 m high without ropes or safety harnesses, with the aid of a safety mat called a crash pad to provide a hard landing.

Rock climbing without ropes and safety locks at Suoi Da. Photo: Thai Nguyen Le Minh.

Unlike famous climbing spots such as Ha Long Bay, Huu Lung, Cat Ba, Suoi Da is an ideal choice for those in the South. This is a suitable place for hiking, swimming in the rainy season (from May to September) and climbing all year round.

The granite boulders here offer a variety of upright boulders and slates - rocks that lean back at 30-75 degree angles, requiring players to have good balancing skills to conquer.

Players must use multiple muscle groups to safely scale cliffs. Photo: Joshua Suson.

The climbing trails at Suoi Da are suitable for both beginners and professional climbers, it only takes 20 minutes to walk from the parking area to the starting point.

In Ho Chi Minh City, there are currently a number of companies organizing day climbing tours for beginners and multi-day camping trips. Tour prices start from 40 USD /person, including transportation, climbing equipment, food and drinks.

Kampong Trach, Cambodia

Located in the southwest of Kampot province, Kampong Trach is famous for its majestic limestone mountains. This place attracts mountaineers not only because of its cool, shaded paths but also because of its caves with cool water.

International tourists rock climbing in Kampong Trach. Photo: Visit Local Travel.

Kampong Trach is suitable for climbers of all levels, from gentle inclines to challenging vertical cliffs. Climbers must use a combination of arms, back and abdominal muscles to overcome vertical cliffs. Players can book long-term tours at various levels with costs from 45 USD /person/day.

In addition, visitors can combine visiting nearby Khmer cultural sites such as the Lok Yeay Mao monument,...

Thakhek, Laos

Thakhek, a town in central Laos bordering Thailand, is famous for its more than 600 diverse climbing routes. The area features mountains with unique terrain including large tufa boulders – rib-like rock formations – and steep rock slopes with deep handholds called “jugs”. The routes are tucked into a valley, with some campsites just a 10-20 minute walk away.

Lydia Yang once spent 2 weeks conquering some climbing routes here, while some international climbers spent up to 3 months exploring and challenging themselves with hundreds of climbing points in Thakhek.

Visitors can stay in hotels and homestays in town, then use motorbikes or rent tuk-tuks to travel to the cliffs. There are day climbing tours (with guides) with prices from 124 USD , not including accommodation and other services.

Batu Caves, Malaysia

A 30-minute drive north of central Kuala Lumpur, Batu Caves is one of Malaysia's most popular climbing spots, particularly popular with climbers from Singapore.

With dramatic limestone cliffs and extensive cave systems, Batu Caves offers climbing routes suitable for all levels.

Batu Caves - one of Malaysia's most popular climbing destinations. Photo: Kai Reuber.

The most popular climbing area here is Gua Damai, which offers both challenging sport climbing and traditional climbing routes. There are also skate parks, caving tours, and even skydiving.

While climbing here, visitors can see the majestic 42m tall statue of Hindu god Murugan guarding the caves and the beautiful view of the surrounding rainforest. A guided hike (lasting 3 hours) here costs RM350/person.

Lopburi, Thailand

Located a few hours drive north of Bangkok, Lopburi is an ideal choice for those looking for a quiet and relaxing climbing experience with a variety of terrain.

The best time to climb mountains in Lopburi is from November to February of the following year. Photo: Chiang Qing Xin.

Trekking routes take visitors to the summit of Khao Chin Lae, one of the most prominent mountains in the area, where stunning natural views can be enjoyed.

Visitors can visit ancient temples such as Phra Prang Sam Yod, a 13th-century Angkorian temple famous for its monkey population.

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