Hin Changsi Bouldering Area
Thailand's First Official National Park Climbing Destination
Hin Changsi represents a historic milestone in Southeast Asian climbing—the first officially sanctioned climbing area within a Thai national park. Through a dedicated partnership between Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC) and the National Park Office, this groundbreaking access agreement has opened Thailand's first permanent climbing zone within a protected natural area.
World-Class Bouldering on Ancient Stone
The Meadow of Hin Changsi offers exceptional bouldering across 25+ distinct sandstone formations, featuring over 200 established problems spanning grades V0 through V13. This diverse terrain caters to every climbing style and skill level—from casual sessions with friends to serious projects that will test your limits.
The Rock: 150 Million Years in the Making
Our boulders are carved from the Phra Wihan Formation, ancient sandstone dating back 150-180 million years to the Jurassic period. This coarse to fine-grained rock, composed primarily of quartz grains bound by natural cementing materials, provides ideal climbing characteristics:
- Exceptional grip with natural texture perfect for friction and crimping
- Varied holds from positive edges to challenging slopers
- Diverse problems across multiple rock faces and overhangs
- Perfect friction that rewards technical footwork and body positioning
Something for Everyone
Whether you're taking your first steps into bouldering or pushing elite grades, Hin Changsi delivers:
- Beginner-friendly warm-ups and classic moderates
- Technical challenges requiring precise movement and problem-solving
- Powerful overhangs for strength training and dynamic moves
- Highball adventures for those seeking additional commitment
Experience world-class climbing while supporting sustainable access and conservation in one of Thailand's most beautiful natural settings.
From Discovery to Official Recognition
The Early Years: Discovery and Growth
The discovery and development of Nam Phong National Park's bouldering potential began with pioneering climbers Gavriel Jecan, Pierre Echaubard, and Matt Folley. Their exploration sparked a climbing revolution in Northeast Thailand, with the area's proximity to Khon Kaen city and exceptional accessibility drawing climbers from across the region.
Word spread quickly through the international climbing community. Elite athletes including Alex Johnson, Sasha DiGiulian, and Kati Hetrick, alongside Asian climbing stars such as Liting Xu from Singapore and Thailand's national team leader Puntarika Tunyavanich, visited to establish challenging new routes. This surge of development and attention culminated in the inaugural Khon Kaen Bouldering Festival in 2017, attracting over 100 participants and putting the area firmly on the global climbing map.
The Setback and Resilience
Despite years of successful collaboration with local park officers and growing international recognition, the National Park head office in Bangkok made the difficult decision to prohibit bouldering within the park. The climbing community, led by Khon Kaen Climbing Club (KKCC), adapted by relocating their base to Zoolander, which would eventually become one of Southeast Asia's premier climbing destinations.
Recognition and Renaissance
As climbing gained prominence through inclusion in the SEA Games and Olympics, and with outdoor tourism becoming increasingly valuable to Khon Kaen Province, perspectives began to shift. In 2024, a new generation of park leadership emerged under Mr. Thamrongrat Thanapakphonlachai, Chief of Nam Phong National Park, who pioneered sustainable eco-tourism education programs.
Working in partnership with Khon Kaen Geopark, this forward-thinking administration recognized climbing's potential contribution to responsible tourism development. The doors reopened for KKCC to return and redevelop the climbing areas within Nam Phong National Park.
Historic Partnership
Led by Associate Professor Panitan Jutaporn (Wan), KKCC collaborated with Nam Phong National Park to present a comprehensive proposal to Protected Areas Regional Office 8 (Khon Kaen). Their efforts secured approval for the Khon Kaen Bouldering Festival 2024 on December 14-15—marking the first officially sanctioned climbing event ever hosted within a Thai national park.
This groundbreaking event represents more than just a festival; it's a historic milestone demonstrating that governmental agencies can successfully partner with climbing communities to create legitimate, sustainable access.
A New Era Begins
Following the festival's success and years of intensive collaboration between KKCC, Nam Phong National Park, Protected Areas Regional Office 8, Khon Kaen Geopark, and local communities, Hin Changsi officially reopened for climbing on November 1, 2025.
The designated climbing season runs from November through April, ensuring optimal conditions while respecting the park's ecological cycles and conservation priorities.
This achievement stands as a testament to what's possible when climbers, conservationists, and government agencies work together toward shared goals of environmental stewardship and sustainable recreation access. Special thanks to KKCC's dedicated core members—Wan, Gavriel, May, Opor, Book, Neon, Tuang, San, Aoey, Disc, Meta, Nune, Joey, Tim, and Oh—whose tireless efforts, advocacy, and unwavering commitment made this historic partnership possible.
