Krabi, 11 April, 2014 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is working in cooperation with the Krabi Provincial Administration, Railay Rock Climbing Club, Krabi Tourism Association and various local tourism operators to jointly arrange and host the “6th Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest” from 21 to 23 April, 2014, at Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay, Mueang district.
Mr. Thawatchai Arunyik, TAT Governor said, “This event is the biggest rock climbing competition in Thailand. It takes place annually at the stunning Railay Beach, which is world-renowned as one of the most amazing locations for warm weather climbers and has recently been named by TripAdvisor as one of Asia’s top-ten beautiful beaches. Once again, this event looks set to bring in local and international rock climbers, enthusiasts and tourists to enjoy what is always a life-enhancing experience.”
Railay Beach
Krabi, the lovely Southern Thai province which stretches out into the Andaman Sea is now nearly as well-known as neighbouring Phuket, though noticeably less developed. Among its most popular islands are Ko Phi Phi, Ko Lanta, Ao Nang and Railay Beach, all of which attract increasing numbers of international and regional tourists to this charming and peaceful province.
Krabi also boasts some of the best rock climbing in the world thanks to its tall and challenging limestone peaks. At Railay Beach alone, there are more than 600 rock climbs, most of which are world-class. Once climbers have scaled the heights, they can enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the deep blue Andaman Sea and the ever lovely coastline. The fact that climbers can start at the beach and scale the peaks in warm sunshine means that more and more thrill-seekers are coming to Krabi to take the challenge.
For this year’s “Rock and Fire International Contest”, TAT is expecting more than 30 teams of adventurous tourists from the world over to join the climbing. As usual, the competition offers three types of climbing event: Lead Climbing Mountain and Deep Water Soloing and the Freestyle Fire Contest. All of the events take place at the famous Railay Beach.
Rock Clmbing at Rai Le Beach
And for visitors, there is not just the climbing to enjoy. The fun continues into the night with many parties being hosted. There will be a range of musical performances as well as dining opportunities that includes booths offering the local seafood delights, many prepared by some of the big-name hotels in the area, on Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay.
The TAT Governor said, “The Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest has become increasingly popular over recent years and helps to promote Krabi as a fun destination for thrill seekers as well as beach lovers. Rock climbers love it here as the climbs up the limestone peaks are not only diverse and challenging, but also offer some the most beautiful scenery in the world to enjoy, once they have scaled the heights.”
Krabi is easily reached and travellers can get there by air, road or sea. Krabi International Airport now serves more than 20 domestic flights daily as well as around 15-20 scheduled and chartered flights per day.
Press Conference of the 6th Krabi Rock and Fire International Contest
Krabi currently has more than 18,000 hotel rooms; with 1,280 rooms at Railay Beach and Tonsai Bay and another 6,000 rooms located at Ao Nang Beach. The rest of the province accounts for the other rooms with 2,300 on Ko Phi Phi, 3,000 rooms on Ko Lanta, and a further 1,350 rooms at Khlong Muang Beach.
With Krabi becoming increasingly popular, it is expected that in 2014, Krabi will record 3.1 million tourist arrivals, generating 48.743 billion Baht, ranking the province fifth in Thailand in terms of tourism revenue.
