Asia’s best places to go rock climbing

Asia offers myriad diverse and spectacular ways to experience the ultimate adrenaline hit of rock climbing. From accessible adventures within teeming metropolises, to bird’s-eye views of limestone karst wonderlands and dramatic ranges of forested peaks, tick these six stellar sites off your bucket list quick.

1. Hong Kong SAR

The high-rise cityscape of Hong Kong conceals a high-rise countryside: ranks of green hills, many of them harbouring climbable crags of granitic or volcanic rock.

Start your exploration with a visit to Hong Kong Climbing , an authoritative portal offering advice and details of just about every rock climbing or bouldering route in Hong Kong. You’ll soon discover that many climbing areas lie just a short hike from the city’s excellent public transport system. Equip yourself with an Octopus card and you’re set – it even works on the weekend ferries to Tung Lung Island, a popular climbing venue rimmed with sea cliffs at the eastern mouth of Victoria Harbour.     

Two must-visit spots are Central Crag on the slopes of Hong Kong Island’s Victoria Peak, where you can climb with Central district’s skyscrapers right at your back; and Lion Rock, a dramatic outcrop above Kowloon, named for its appearance from certain vantages.

2. Yangshuo, Guangxi, the Chinese Mainland

This bustling little town on the banks of the Li River has long been a favourite with tourists lured by its classic South China landscape of mist-wreathed limestone karst outcrops. Once a quiet hideaway, Yangshuo is now an adventure hub by day, while by night, the centre throbs with music blasting from scores of bars. 

The closest climbing spot is within walking distance of the town’s streets and countless more outcrops lie just a short bike or scooter ride away – in all, more than 850 climbing routes to choose from.

Arrive from the transport hub of Guilin, just over 70km away. For gear hire, check one of the many guiding companies: Karst Climber and Terratribes are two of the more known names. If you end up staying a while, grab a copy of the Yangshuo Rock – A China Climbing Guide , which includes access to a dedicated app.

3. Bukhansan, Seoul, Korea

On the edge of Seoul, this collection of jutting granite peaks boasts a considerable cultural and natural charm that draws millions of hikers a year – so avoid weekends and holidays if possible. 

Many of the summits are accessible to hikers, but rock climbers will prefer to work a little harder and test themselves on the multipitch slab and crack routes up the impressive faces. 

Access is simple, with Seoul’s subway and buses getting you within easy walking distance from the park’s entrances. Each approach is lined with shops offering last-minute chances to pick up supplies, outdoor kit and apparel.

4. Okawayama and Mount Mizugaki, Yamanashi, Japan

Welcome to the spiritual home of rock climbing in Japan. Sitting close to the border with Nagano prefecture, this pair of 2,000-metre-tall, forested granite peaks should satisfy any climber with hundreds of multi-pitch, mostly unbolted routes – and hundreds more boulders, all with a remote, big mountain vibe.

That said, access requires renting a car, so speaking a little Japanese is a decided advantage. Although the peaks are just kilometres apart in Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park, they are approached from different directions: head to the Mizugakiyama Natural Park campsite for Mizugaki; and look for the Mawarimedaira Camping Ground for Okawayama. Expect a drive of two hours or more from Tokyo.

5. Huu Lung, Vietnam

Much of the thrill of climbing in Asia comes from discovering places well beyond the regular tourist haunts. This is certainly true of Huu Lung, a rural area of northeast Vietnam, around 120km from Hanoi.

Here, you stay with local families in rustic homestays that see more climbers than any other tourists, moving between karst outcrops that offer well over 100 bolted routes, the longest of which is 105 metres.

Getting there is best accomplished by hiring a car, as public transport is scarce. Once in the area, a rented motorbike makes more sense to access farm tracks and trails to the crags. Alternatively, book an all-in trip with VietClimb , a Hanoi bouldering gym.

6. Railay Beach, Krabi, Thailand

Deep in tourist country, this is an ideal spot for novice climbers. You can learn on limestone cliffs that rear straight off the beach and promise incredible views out over the bay to the Koh Yao Yai islands and the Phuket peninsula beyond. Once you’ve had enough, there’s always the sand and sea to enjoy. 

With more than 1,000 bolted routes, there’s plenty to practise on – though experienced climbers wanting to go it alone may find it hard to shake off guides trying to drum up trade.

Hot Rock Climbing School , King Climbers and Krabi Rock Climbing are three of the biggest guiding outfits. Each offers packages of a half-day and longer, with most including transfers, lunch and insurance as well as all gear.