‘Sawasdee Ka’ from Tonsai, a semi-isolated jungle and coastal community surrounded by crystal-blue seas, and towering cliffs of perfectly-formed, mostly overhanging limestone. It is the mecca of winter climbing destinations; world-class routes, hut living, delicious Thai food, and absolute peace.
Tonsai is mainly full of climbers, with some backpackers and a few families. Not being an official ‘village’, it has always felt quite makeshift, but on this trip it has really established itself with swankier accommodation and paved roads.
It was a little intimidating arriving in Tonsai as the climbing grades are pretty tough, and when I last came in 2014 with our lad Padlogdog, we were going pretty well. Moreover, Jem and I have been seriously dedicating our time to sampling all of the national dishes and beers on our journey, and with new enhanced waistlines, the prospect of notable success seems improbable.
The neighbouring town, Railay, accessed via short walk through the jungle, is connected to real life and is much more touristy and very busy. Luckily for us, there is easier climbing there!
Yesterday, we went for a Thai massage, where basically you get the crap pummelled out of you for an hour, and about 45 mins in, you are begging them for mercy. Jem cracked so much it was like listening to someone stand on a chicken carcass. Today, we feel like goddamn heroes and my tendonitis has vanished. Climbing is going well, and we are enjoying it so much.
In monkey news, here are our local genre of ape, who are always hiding around a corner and jumping up and down on our roof.
There are also weird slugs on the beach. A Black Sea Cucumber, apparently.
People eat these in Asia as a delicacy
The Thais are really lovely people. Everyone here is smiling and it is really infectious. We haven’t been approached once by anyone wanting business, and the climbing community is super friendly. A dream destination indeed.
is there poodle in my noodle 
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