The sea cliffs of Koh Kudu near Koh Yao Noi are currently one of the two best places in Thailand for novices to go deep water soloing.
The images included on this page are of advanced deep water soloing, as they are more interesting to look at.
There are also very easy routes suitable for beginners who have never climbed anything before, who can top out on a 12 foot-high or a 20 foot-high ledge. There are enough routes for climbers of all abilities.
There follows an example itinerary which must be modified according to the time of high tide on the day the trip runs.
The water is deep enough to climb the Koh Kudu sea cliffs during low tide, but we don't do this - when the climber stands up on the front of the kayak and grabs the rock-face prior to ascending, we want him or her to be able to reach above the sharp, barnacle-encrusted base of the cliff.
In addition to a great day's deep water soloing, the itinerary includes relaxation on the beach inside Koh Kudu's lagoon. This pretty beach is a shady and quiet spot in which to soak up a few rays.
Also included is an exploration of the lagoon at Koh Roi, which usually takes place after we eat lunch on Koh Roi's beach. A window from the sea gives access to the inside of the lagoon. Access is by kayak at high tide and on foot at low tide. Inside the lagoon sheer walls rise over a hundred metres straight up, surrounding a mangrove lagoon.
This secluded little world is only accessible via the window in the rock-face. It has not yet been discovered by the big Phuket tour companies, so is always deserted. This is a new tour which we have so far, as of June 2009, run only 5 times - on none of these trips have we encountered a single soul inside the lagoon at Koh Roi.
There are more advanced DWS routes available near Koh Roi, which we will also deep water solo, but only if the party includes only advanced climbers.
Sample Itinerary
09.30am
Hotel pickup
10.00 am
Longtail boat pick-up from Tackao Pier
10.30 am
Arrive Koh Kadu, sunbathe and relax on the beach for an hour
11.00 am
Get on kayaks, paddle all the way around Koh Kudu, with deep water soloing en route.
14.00 pm
Lunch on the beach at Koh Roi
15.00 pm
Explore Koh Roi lagoon
16.30 pm
Hotel dropoff
The above is a sample itinerary. The actual itinerary will often be varied to take into account the time of high tide, but will always include all the above activities.
Prices for Pickup on Koh Yao Noi
The price for this private trip is a flat fee of THB 3,000, plus THB 1,500 per adult, plus THB 700 per child.
Price
Flat Fee (Private Boat)
THB 3,000
plus fee per Adult +
THB 1,400
plus fee per Child (3 to 12yo inclusive)
THB 700
Minimum 2 adults.
Prices for Pickup on Phuket
The price for this private trip is a flat fee of THB 3,000, plus THB 1,500 per adult, plus THB 900 per child. Pickup on Phuket (anywhere) is at 7am, drop off is at 7pm.
Price
Flat Fee +
THB 5,000
Per Adult +
THB 1,800
Per Child (3 to 12yo inclusive)
THB 900
Minimum 2 adults.
Included
Note that this is a private trip, nobody else will be sharing the boat with you.
Lunch
Fruit
Water
Kayak - maximum 3 guests per kayak
Experienced English-speaking guide who knows exactly where you can and can not jump in the water.
Longtail boat to act as 'mother-ship' - maximum 6 guests per boat.
