Rock climbing at Green Climber’s Home in Laos is our favorite climbing destination in Asia. Situated in the beautiful countryside of Southern Laos, this sport climber’s paradise is a resort for rock climbers as food, accommodation, and non-climbing activities are provided. Most crags can be approached in 2-15 minutes from camp, making it the perfect place for those who want to enjoy climbing rather than suffering through a long hike. This climbing destination has a high concentration of 5.10-5.12 routes and is ideal for the beginner-intermediate climber. For the advanced climber, there are several routes for you too! Here is everything you need to know about climbing at Green Climbers Home.

Table of Contents

1. A Brief History of Green Climbers Home
2. What It’s Like to Climb at Green Climbers Home
   • Rock Climbing
   • Social Scene
   • Safety
   • Cows, Goats and Flying Squirrels
3. Our Favorite Crags
4. Best Time to Visit
5. Not A Climber? No Problem.
6. How Long To Stay Here
7. Budget
8. How To Get Here
9. Accommodation
10. Rest Day Activities
11. Yoga Classes
12. Food
13. Packing List
14. SIM Card
15. Visa for Laos
16. Guidebook
17. Payment
18. ATMs in Thakhek
19. Please Don’t Come Here If You Have Dengue

A Brief History of Green Climbers Home

The development of climbing near Thakhek began in 2010 by Volker and Isabelle Schöffl and their crew. During the first year of the climbing area’s opening, Tanja and Uli Weidner came to visit from Germany. While climbing in Laos, the Weidner’s’ decided they wanted to build a rock climber’s resort in the same climbing area. By 2011, in collaboration with Green Discovery Laos, the Weidner’s’ turned their ideas into an actual business and Green Climbers Home was born! 

Tragedy struck in 2013 (and a 2nd time later on) when Camp 1 burned down. Despite the financial hardships and tough times. Camp 1 was rebuilt and the Weidner’s’ and their team persevered on. When you’re here, it’s hard to imagine this place was once empty, then a beautiful jungle resort was built, burned to the ground, and resurrected, not once, but twice. Please take a moment to appreciate all the hard work that was put in place to create and re-create this paradise for rock climbers. 

A lovely morning at Camp 2.

Camp 2 opened for business in 2015 and was managed by Fia Weis and Flo Klemp.

In Spring 2019, the lovely German people who created Green Climbers Home decided to move back to Germany and continue their rock climbing business there. The current owners are Thomas Gasser from Switzerland, Fai Kanita from Thailand, Melissa Robertson from the USA, and Sam Pfeifer from the USA. Congratulations to the new owners of Green Climbers Home! 

Fun fact: This place is eco-friendly and caters to eco-tourism. This is the perfect place to visit for those who are eco-conscious. 

What It’s Like to Climb at Green Climbers Home

Your day’s schedule will be much like this: wake up, have an excellent breakfast at the restaurant, finding a climbing partner while you eat, packing up, be climbing within 15 minutes, walk back to the restaurant for lunch, go back out to climb, have a beer over dinner, mingle with other guests from all around the world, go to a bonfire party at the Roof, sleep, and repeat. This may sound like this place only exists in dreams, but this place is 100% real and you can make it your reality.

Having a great time hanging out at the Roof on “To Bobby” 6c. Climber: Julius from Germany.

Rock Climbing at Green Climbers Home

The rocks here are all high-quality limestone. Most routes are clean and well-bolted; however, it’s always a good idea to wear a helmet while belaying or hanging out at the crag. The routes range from 12 M – 40 M. Most routes can be climbed with a 60 M rope. The style of climbing is varied. You can find routes like this: roof, slab, overhanging, technical, face, tufa hugging, stalactite pinching, and powerful. The French grading is used here, a majority of the routes are within 5-7b (7b =5.12b). All the routes are marked with their names, making it really easy to find the route you want to climb. As of 2019, there are 43 crags and 396 routes to be climbed at Green Climbers Home. There are enough routes to keep you climbing here for months. With such a large climbing area, the crags rarely feel crowded as there is so much to climb.

Social Scene

It’s easy to make friends at Green Climbers Home as everyone gathers at the restaurant/bar for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The people who visit are generally very friendly and eager to make new friends. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself or ask if you can sit down with people. You’ll find people visiting from all around the world. English is the most common language spoken at Green Climbers Home. 

Aside from climbing, you will always find friends to do other activities with. You and your new friends can play board games, practice yoga, play volleyball, play Speedminton, have a game of pétanque, throw some darts, venture into town for ice cream, go cave exploring, gaze at the stars, swim by the river, or test yourselves on the slacklines. 

Climbers from all around the world, taking a break from climbing to play flunky ball at Camp 1.

Safety

In our opinion, the anchors are all thoughtfully placed. Bolts are relatively close together to keep you from decking. Some routes need maintenance; however, the people who run Green Climbers Home try to replace bolts and anchors as soon as they are reported. There is a sheet at the restaurant where you can chip in and report routes that need their attention.

Cows, Goats and Flying Squirrels

You’ll find friendly cows roaming around that won’t mind getting some affection from you. Some might lick you to see if you’re food. Some of the goats are friendly and enjoy being pet, but most would instead be left alone. Watch out for flying squirrels in holes on the wall, they may defend their home by nibbling on your fingers. If you’re lucky, you’ll see one “fly.”

At Green Climbers Home, you’ll get to interact with happy cows!

Our Favorite Crags

The Roof – If climbing upside down and climbing through holes is your thing, this is the place for you. There are permanent draws on most of the routes here.

Elephant – Great for beginner climbers who are looking to practice their sport climbing skills

Botanical Garden – Great for those who can climb in the 10b-11b range. You can do all the routes here in one morning.

Canyon – There is a canyon that you can climb in at Green Climbers Home. Most of the routes we tried here were spectacular. Some of the routes require an 80 meter rope, which can be rented at the resort.

Best Time to Visit

Green Climbers Home is open from October through May. The best time to visit is during December and January as the climbing temperature is mild during the day. If visiting during this time, be sure to book your accommodations in advance as the place does get packed. During the hotter months, the crags are still comfortable to climb as half of the crags are in shade during the morning and the other half is in shade during the afternoon. Climbing weather is still fine during the hotter months, but being at camp is really hot. I advise bringing a hammock or mat so that you can take a nap at a crag during the afternoon. 

Kevin playing on the wall at the Highland crag.

Not A Climber? No Problem.

If you’ve never climbed before but would like to go on a climbing adventure, this is the place to learn. You can hire a guide at Green Climbers Home to teach you how to sport climb and be safe. A beginner will find many routes to climb here. Once you have learned how to lead climb, linking up with knowledgeable climbers to help you polish up your skills will be beneficial. Just remember to buy them a beer or smoothie to thank them for taking the time to help you train. 

How Long To Stay Here

We recommend at least 2 weeks, but if you only have 1 week, you’ll get plenty of fun. We usually stay here for a month per visit as there are so many routes to climb and people to mingle with. If you have a flexible schedule, we recommend that you don’t have a flight booked. You might decide to stay longer or decide to go somewhere after Green Climbers Home with your new friends. Do cross-check your travel dates and travel prices with Asian holidays.

You can find beautiful jungle flowers around Green Climber Home.

Budget

Accommodation Budget

• 2 person dome tent during high season (70,000 Kip/$8 USD)
• 1 person dome tent during high season (50,000 Kip/$5.75 USD)
• 1 bed in the dorm (75,000 Kip/$8.62 USD)
• Bungalow in Camp 1, fits 1-3 people (230,000 Kip/$26 USD)

Prices are less during the low season. Check Green Climbers Home’s website for a complete list of their accommodation prices. 

Food budget

• Water refill (1,000 Kip/$0.11 USD)
• Beer (12,000 Kip/$1.38 USD)
• Smoothie (12,000 Kip/$1.38 USD)
• Omelet with bacon and baguette (21,000 Kip/$2.30 USD)
• Lunch Chicken Pad Thai (24,000 Kip/$2.76)
• Dinner special (35,000 Kip/$4.02 USD)

Total: 105,000 Kip/$12.07 USD/per day

This is just a sample. Your food budget can be less or more depending on what you order, how much food you eat, and will cost less if you’re vegetarian. Some days we spent less than $9 USD, other days we spent more because we had a few too many beers. Some travelers may think the food price is overpriced, however, know that by eating here, you help keep the business operating. Think about all the logistics and all the people that are involved in putting food on the table.

Warming-up at Swiss Oldies crag. Climber: Janice from the USA.

Weekly Budget

If you’re staying in a 2 person dome tent by yourself during high season, using your own gear, and you spend $12 USD/day on food, the average you’ll spend per week here is 1,044,000 Kip/$120 USD. For a full month, you’ll spend 4,176,000 Kip/$480 USD. You’ll spend less on accommodation if you visit during the low season. Your budget will increase when you add in the items detailed below.

Gear Rental Budget

• Rope 60 m (50,000 Kip/$5.75 USD)
• 12 quickdraws (30,000 Kip/$3.45 USD)
• Harness + chalk bag (30,000 Kip/$3.45 USD)
• Sling + 2 carabiners (3,000 Kip/$0.34 USD)
• Shoes (40,000 Kip/$4.60 USD)
• Belay device (10,000 Kip/$1.15 USD)

Total: 163,000 Kip/$18.75 per day

If you’re traveling long term and do not plan on climbing for much of your adventure, renting gear can be ideal so that you don’t have to carry around your climbing gear and pay for extra baggage fees at the airports. If you’re only climbing during your trip, you’ll save money by bringing your own gear. Check out Green Climbers Home’s website for a full menu of their gear rentals.

Permadraws can be found on many of the routes on the Roof. Climber: Nicky from the UK.

Climbing Course Budget

Climbing courses range from 400,000 kip/$46 USD to 1,350,0000 Kip/$155 USD for those who are looking to enroll in classes on their own. If you’re visiting with a group, the price will be lower per person. You can check Green Climbers Home website for a comprehensive menu of their climbing courses.

Village fee 

Upon arrival, you will be asked to pay 20,000 Kip/$2.30 USD. This one-time contribution goes towards the welfare of the nearby Laotian people. This money will help the temples and schools.

Other Costs To Consider

• The camp charges a 3% exchange fee for USD and Euros. Laotian Kip and Thai Baht will not be charged an exchange fee.
• Taxi to and from the bus station
• Extra cash for days exploring the town of Thakhek

A lone goat looks for his/her friends at Camp 2.

How To Get Here

There are several ways to get to Green Climbers Home. We will detail out two ways that we have taken.

From Bangkok, Thailand

• Fly into Don Mueang Airport (DMK) in Bangkok, Thailand. If your international flight arrives in Bangkok to Bangkok Suvarnabhumi (BKK) airport, you’ll need to take a shuttle/taxi to DMK (30 mins – 1 ½ hour). 
• From DMK, fly to Nakhon Phanom (KOP) (1 hr 25 mins). Your flight must arrive in Nakhon Phanom before 3:45 PM to catch the 5 PM bus to Thakhek. 
• From KOP airport, you will board a shuttle bus to the bus station for 100 Thai Baht/ $3.25 USD (20 minutes)
• At the Nakhon Phanom bus station, board a bus going to Thakhek for 75 Thai Baht/$2.50 USD (2 hours). During this bus ride, you will cross through the Thailand-Laos border.
• From the Thakhek bus station, take a tuk-tuk/taxi to Green Climbers Home. Most drivers will know where you want to go. Price can range from 100,000 Kip to 200,000 Kip/$12-$23 USD. Drivers seem to be charging in the higher range nowadays (2019) as tourism booms in Laos. We have never been able to haggle down to 100,000 Kip as other bloggers have in the past. The trip duration is 20 minutes.

Tips:

• Book flights to Nakhon Phanom (KOP) through Air Asia.
• If you miss the bus to Thakhek, you can have Green Climbers Home arrange a private shuttle service for you for 700,000 Kip/$80 USD. 
• You will most likely meet other Green Climbers Home visitors on the bus to Laos. You can ask them to split a tuk-tuk/taxi with you. We do this every time.
• Tuk-tuk drivers in Laos accept Thai Baht as payment.

Find your way around GCH by following the helpful signs.

From Vientiane, Laos

• Fly into Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Laos (VTE)
• Take the airport shuttle into Central Bus Station for around 15,000 Kip/$1.75 USD. Trip duration 20-30 minutes. Another option is to take a taxi directly to South Bus Station (click for map).
• From Central Bus Station, board another bus to South Bus Station for 5,000 kip/$0.59 USD). Trip duration: 20-30 minutes.
• From South Bus Station in Vientiane, board a bus to Thakhek for 80,000 kip/$9.22 USD. The trip duration is 5-6 hours.
• From the Thakhek bus station, hire a tuk-tuk/taxi to Green Climbers Home. Most drivers will know where you want to go. Price can range from 100,000 Kip to 200,000 Kip/$12-$23 USD. Drivers seem to be charging in the higher range nowadays (2019) and can change as tourism booms in Laos. We have never been able to haggle down to 100,000 Kip. The trip duration is 20 minutes.

If you’re looking to travel from other places, Green Climbers Home’s website has more routes for you.

A quiet morning at Camp 1.

Accommodation

There are two camps for you to stay during your climbing adventure. You have the option to stay in a tent, bungalow, dorm, or bring a hammock. If you bring a hammock, you’ll be required to pay a daily fee as this is on private land. Each camp is equipped with fully functional hot showers, toilets, a restaurant, and slacklines. One camp is not better than the other, but they do have different pros and cons. If you do not wish to stay at Green Climbers Home, there is an option to stay in the nearby town, Thakhek. Keep in mind that you are free to use the facilities at both Camp 1 & 2 during your visit.

Camp 1:

If waking up to beauty is what you’re seeking, this is the camp to stay at as it is situated in the middle of the mountains. A volleyball court is here to keep you entertained on rest days. There are less communal showers and toilets here; however, I never felt like there was a line to use both. The bungalows here are equipped with their own spacious shower and toilet. The balcony of the bungalows are large and are great for having people over after dinner. You will not be able to access the internet through your phone as the signal does not reach this camp. This can be remedied by walking towards Camp 2. 

Camp 2 gets mobile signal because it is closer to the road.

Camp 2:

There is an outdoor gym at this camp, which is perfect for training and acro yoga. There are twice as many communal showers and toilets here than at Camp 1. There is cellular service in Camp 2, which is perfect for those who need to stay in touch with friends or with work.

New to 2019/2020:

• Some bungalows will be equipped with their own shower and toilet
• Dorms have been added to Camp 2 and will have showers and toilets

We have stayed at both camps and we always had a great time regardless of the camp.

Staying in Thakhek:

You can stay in hotels in Thakhek; however, you will need to hire a tuk-tuk (taxi) to drive you back and forth every day or rent a scooter. This can be a good option if the camps are full or if you rather not live in the jungle. If you go through this option, be sure to support Green Climbers Home by eating at their restaurant. 

The Roof is Green Climbers Home’s premier crag. It’s a must-visit for everyone. Climber: Graham from Canada. 

Rest Day Activities

• Drive a scooter on the Thakhek Loop
• Rent a scooter and visit Kong Lor Cave for 1-2 days
• Eat pizza @ Patali
• Have bingsu ice cream @ Wanpak
• Eat lava cake @ DD Bistro
• Have a massage in town. We are not sure if you can get a happy ending here.
• Drink beer by the Mekong River in Thakhek
• Swim at Tha Falang
• Go swimming in the Cave
• Explore the nearby caves
• Slackline
• Volleyball
• Read a book
• Rent a scooter in town and make a day trip to explore the area

Swim in the cave on your rest days. Cave explorer: Stacy from the USA.

Yoga Classes

For those who like to practice yoga, classes are held in the morning at the yoga studio. If you’re a yoga teacher, you can email Green Climbers Home to ask about teaching here. For those who cannot attend class, you can practice yoga here by yourself. The studio is in an open space and you get a spectacular view of the mountains while going through your flow. 

Food

In my opinion, the food is quite good for being in a remote destination with limited resources. Don’t expect high-quality food that can be found in cities. Green Climbers Home serves up typical Southern Asian cuisine like sticky rice, curries, soup noodles, fried rice, and stir-fry noodles. Western food is also available such as smoothies, muesli, and salads. There is a different dinner special every night. There are vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. Those allergic to peanuts should be careful as there are peanuts in the kitchen and all of Southeast Asia.

New friends from all around the world, socializing at the restaurant.

Packing List

• Chalk, lots of the good stuff
• 60 or 70 meter rope (you can rent an 80-meter rope)
• 14 quickdraws (more can be rented or borrowed)
• Belay device
• Large water bottle
• Headlamp/head torch + extra batteries
• Helmet
• Backpack
• Harness
• Rock climbing shoes
• Carabiner
• Chalk bag
• Personal anchor system
• Approach shoes or sneakers
• Sandals
• Quick-dry towel
• Hammock (for hanging out/napping at the crag)
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Sunglasses
• Jacket (it can get cold at night)
• Shampoo
• Toothpaste
• Antiperspirant/deodorant
• Baby wipes
• Songs downloaded to your phone to play at the restaurant
• Movies on your laptop/harddrive to have movie night parties
• Books to read on rest days
• Speaker for Roof parties
• Board games to play at night. You can leave the games behind as a gift to other climbers.
• Yummy snacks from home
• ATM/Bankcard
• Passport
• Mobile phone charger
• Kip, Euros, Thai Baht, USD (your bill must be paid with cash)

Smokers, Bring Your Own Rolling Paper

We don’t smoke but we met lots of people who were into rolling their own cigarettes. If that’s your thing, be sure to bring plenty of rolling papers as the nearest town does not sell them. This may change as tourism booms. Yes, this was such a big problem for people that we are dedicating a whole section about it, haha. We are not sure if you can obtain tobacco in town. You can undoubtedly buy plenty of affordable cigarettes in town. 

At Green Climbers Home, you’ll meet people from all around the world! This is Kona from South Korea.

SIM Card

No WiFi is available at Green Climbers Home but you can purchase a SIM card. The no WiFi is cool because it forces everyone to mingle face-to-face rather than bury themselves into their phones. This place is truly a nice break from the hustle and bustle of a city.

Visa for Laos

As of 2019, the cost for a Laos visa is $35 for USA citizens. Check through Google if the country where you reside requires a visa for Laos. Visas can be obtained on arrival. Must be paid in Laos Kip, Thai Baht, or US Dollars. Be sure to bring exact change as they may not have change for you. Bring a passport photo just in case they ask for one. You will need one full blank page in your passport as the visa will take up an entire page. Visas can be extended for 30 days without having to exit Laos. Visas can be extended in Thakhek. Visas can be extended for around $2/day. You will be required to exit/return to Laos if you want to stay longer than 2 months. Your passport must be valid for 6 months in order to enter.

Some routes require an 80 meter rope. Climber: Neil from UK.

Guidebook

The guidebook can be bought at Green Climbers Home. You can also check out some of the routes on Mountain Project; however, we recommend getting the guidebook as a souvenir!

Payment

All payments to Green Climbers Home must be paid in cash. Be sure to arrive with enough cash or go into town for the ATM.

ATMs in Thakhek

You can go to the ATM in the square. If that one doesn’t work, there is a whole row of ATMs here.

A hand-built bridge connects the campground to Camp 2.

Please Don’t Come Here If You Have Dengue

Hey, we love this place, if you picked up Dengue in Tonsai/Railay, Thailand, please stay in Thailand until you have recovered. The same mosquitoes which can transmit the disease can be found in Green Climbers Home. Dengue is transmitted by the mosquito biting an infected person and then biting other people. Dengue is not contagious through the air or human-to-human contact. Don’t be that person who destroys Green Climbers Home by bringing Dengue over. There have been some people who have been inconsiderate in the past and visited GCH even though they were sick with Dengue. To be frank, other guests were not happy with the Dengue people. Don’t be those people. Also, Green Climbers Home is not a great place to be if you’re sick as the accommodations are basic and the nearest best hospital is in Thailand. You’re better off staying at a nice hotel with an air conditioner or hospital in Thailand until you have recovered. If you decide to come while infected, you better cover every inch of your body with DEET, wear loose-fitting clothes, and sit under the fan to deter the daytime mosquitoes from biting you.

View of the valley from Laos For Beginners crag.

Other Climbing Destinations To Visit

If you’re traveling for an extended period of time, some other Southeast Asia climbing destinations to consider visiting before and after Green Climbers Home are: Tonsai/Railay in Thailand, Cat Ba/Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Huu Lung in Vietnam, Nam Pha Pa Ya near Bangkok, and Crazy Horse Buttress in Chiang Mai. If you’re looking to travel outside of Southeast Asia, climbing in Yangshuo, China is epic.

If you have any other questions or we missed anything, email us and we can help you find the information. Please email us if you have any updates to add to this article. Your participation in keeping this blog up-to-date is much appreciated!