Learn how to start Traditional Lead Climbing on Koh Tao

Rock 5: Traditional Lead Climbing

Take your climbing skills to the next level with our Rock 5 course focused on traditional lead climbing. Learn how to place gear, build anchors, and gain the confidence to become a fully independent climber. Perfect for those wanting to learn how to start trad climbing and advance to level 5 climbing.

Level

Advanced

Course

Duration

2

Days

Cost

฿6,800

Thai Baht

The Learning Experience

On this traditional lead climbing course, you’ll spend plenty of time on the rocks, gaining practical experience with real-world climbing scenarios. You’ll learn how to start trad climbing by leading climbs, placing your gear, and building anchors. With a hands-on approach, you’ll gain confidence in trad climbing, and learn to handle gear placement, safety, and communication. By the end of the course, you’ll be equipped with the skills to independently tackle trad climbs and move forward with your level 5 climbing journey.

Ready to start your adventure?

What’s included

What to bring

Prerequisites

Itinerary

Morning (09:00-12:00)

  • Ground School: Introduction to traditional lead climbing, equipment overview, and gear placement basics. Discussion on protection types, run-outs, and climbing areas.

Lunch Break (12:30-13:00)

Afternoon (13:00-17:00)

 

  • On the Rocks: Practice gear placement, building anchors, and discussing first-piece placement. Lead climb and clean a route, followed by anchor building and top belaying practice.

Morning (09:00-12:00)

  • On the Rocks: Trad climbing and anchor building on Meks wall. You will lead climbs with top belays and practice creating anchors.

Lunch Break (12:00-13:00)

Afternoon (13:00-17:00)

  • On the Rocks: Multi pitch trad climbing at Lang Khai Bay, setting mid-route anchors and practising descent without leaving equipment behind.

Rock 5: Traditional Lead Climbing

A very practical course with lots of time on the rocks building your confidence and techniques. Heavy emphasis is on gear placement, anchors and coordination. Trad climbing leads on to mountaineering and is the only way to be fully independent when climbing.

All activities start the day after arrival on the island.

฿6,800

Reviews

4.9
Based on 1,709 Reviews
Mark van Beek
28 April 2026

Great place to book multiple activities. We only did the rock climbing with them ourselves. It's great for a first introduction, but there is plenty to try here for advanced climbers as well. Afterwards, we ordered some food and a drink at the cafe. Everything was delicious and delivered quickly. And apparently, awesome drum & bass parties and artists come by here.

Matthew Piscopo
28 April 2026

I was very happy with my 4-night stay in the dorm here. The room was clean, climate controlled, very affordable, and was outfitted with a refrigerator and free bath towel. Bart and Charlie are great hosts and set me up with all the information I needed to climb the many granite rocks scattered across the island.

Divya Joseph
26 April 2026

If you are a novice like me, this is an excellent place to try one day sessions for scuba diving and rock climbing. Chris was my instructor for scuba diving, and Danny was for rock climbing. Both are really good, experienced teachers. Highly recommend goodtime for a good time !

B O
18 April 2026

Did a Try Dive with my tour group, White Rock is world class! Loved it so much came back for my Advanced Open Water course 2 days later, had an absolute blast. Very professional and fun scuba school, and gorgeous dive sites on this Island! Lydia and Chris were so great, and Liv and Anna were very friendly too. Thanks for giving me my new obsession!

Jomar Garcia
17 April 2026

Had an amazing dive with the fellas at Goodtime. Ryan, Martin and Mira did a wonderful job, 1000+ recommended. Plus: a couple of days before the dive I rented some climbing gear from them, if ever in Ko Tao def try that, amazing routes and sights.

Kim Alford
6 April 2026

My first time climbing on rock and I had the perfect guide in Myo. Patient, detailed, and fun to hang with. He knows the routes well. I immediately signed up for two more days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Browse through our FAQs for quick answers to your most pressing rock climbing questions. You’ll find information about our courses, equipment, safety measures, and more. Whether you’re new to climbing or an experienced climber, you’ll find helpful information to guide you through your climbing journey.

Starting with a rock climbing adventure is easier than you might think! Begin with a beginner-friendly course, such as the beginner top rope course or abseiling on Koh Tao, where instructors teach the basics in a safe environment. Many first-timers find that outdoor rock climbing on Koh Tao is a great way to experience the sport for the first time.

For outdoor rock climbing, essential gear includes climbing shoes, a harness, a helmet, and chalk for grip. Depending on the type of climbing (sport, traditional, or top roping), additional gear like ropes, belay devices, quickdraws, and cams may be necessary. We provide all the equipment needed during our rock climbing courses (we love Petzl brand) and we have gear for rent when you’re going out for a guided outdoor rock climbing session.

A sport climbing course focuses on climbing routes that are equipped with fixed anchors, making it ideal for those who want to advance their climbing with more security. By contrast, a traditional lead climbing course teaches you how to place your own protection as you climb, which is essential for climbing on routes without any fixed anchors.

Absolutely! Our guided outdoor rock climbing sessions are tailored for all skill levels, including beginners. Our guides will assess your experience and choose routes that match your ability, ensuring a fun and rewarding climbing experience on Koh Tao. If you’re travelling without your climbing gear, don’t worry. We have gear for rent, and if you hire one of our guides we’ll rent you the gear at 50% off.

Rock climbing is an excellent full-body workout that builds strength, improves flexibility, and enhances cardiovascular endurance. It’s also a great mental exercise, improving problem-solving skills, reducing stress, and boosting confidence through achieving goals. To top it all of you also get access to the best views of Koh Tao – what’s not to love?

Here on Koh Tao we use the French grading system. Our beautiful granite rocks on Koh Tao have climbs ranging from 4 to 7c perfect for every climbing adventure from beginner to advanced!

Further Adventures

Dive deeper into Rock Climbing