Climbs 1200
Rocktype Sandstone (hard)
Altitude 324m a.s.l
Faces all
Mark working a new problem in the Power station sector, Zoolander, Khon Kaen, NE Thailand. © dogfish
Crag features
Sandstone bouldering in a forest setting on a hill in North East Thailand.
An unusual setting for a quality bouldering area. Zoolander is situated on a forested hillside that is part of the land for Kao suan kwang zoo, [khon kaen]. Yes thats right, bouldering in a zoo. The bouldering areas that have been developed are in the forest away from the zoo attractions. An entrance fee to the zoo is paid at the gate and this enables you to use all the zoos facilities as well as the water park for a post climb swim or float around the lazy river. There is accommodation inside and very near to the zoo for those wishing to stay close to the boulders. There is a campground onsite and tents can be hired if you dont have your own .Food is available at certain locations at the zoo and waterpark. There are a few good local eateries in Kao suan kwang serving excellent Thai food .Best visited from late November to Early March the cool dry season. Dec-Jan best chance of some cooler temperatures, this is not the same climate as Krabi . Not as humid and cooler.
Contact Khon Kaen Climbing Club through their Facebook page.
May 2020. After two and a half years of development and so much fun we now have over a thousand established boulder problems,many featured in a Topo on 27Crags.
All kinds of problems and some real gems, grade range from VB to V11, good sandstone, helpful local crew. Probably the best bouldering in South East Asia.
Approach notes
Zooland is a new bouldering area in North East Thailand. Google Khon Kaen Zoo (coordinate 16.84507, 102.89714). It’s about 50 min drive north from KK city on Mitraphap road, then turn right into Kao Suan Kwang road. In fact, you can also take a train and get out at Kao Suan Kwang station, then take a Sam-Lor (tricycle) for 2 km to the zoo. But the zoo staff does not recommend Sam-Lor because they will try to rip you off! This is a sad thing about Thailand. The price of Sam-Lor to the zoo and back might get you a car rental from KK city. We also recommend you to have your own vehicle because the boulder road is far from the front entrance and up the hill. The loop road is 7.29 miles (11.73 km) long. It's a long walk. If you have your own transport then no walk in is more than ten minutes . Please contact KKCC for information.
Access Advice
Land is part of area leased by Khonkaen zoo.
We have been working closely with the zoo director, and we are authorized to develop and climb boulders in the zoo. The zoo is open daily from 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM. The only thing is that you are required to pay an entry fee of THB 100 for Thais and THB 150 for foreigners. This fee includes other awesome amenities in the zoo area like clean restrooms, restaurants and shops, animals viewing, and access to the Water Park! So you can jump in the water after the climbing.
We avoid climbing in general tourist area, because some non-climber tourists might have a wrong idea about bouldering and try to jump on. We don’t want kids to break their legs…then we lose access to climb.
The nearest hospital is Kao Suan Kwang Hospital, locating at 198 Mittraphap Road Tambon Kham Muang, Amphoe Khao Suan Kwang, Chang Wat Khon Kaen 40280, Tel +66 - 43 326 473. 12 min drive from the zoo.
The zoo staff who is in charge of the area is Mr. Ton, Tel +66 82 191 7251. Zoo admin, Tel +66 86-4556341
Leave No Trace
· Dispose of waste properly. Pack it in, pack it out.
· Use chalk when necessary, brush it off after.
· Avoid aggressive cleaning on fragile surface.
Keep small impact to the environment
· Park in the designated area and follow established trails only.
· Remove as little vegetation as possible and remove only weed, not big tree.
· Aware that climbing on wet sandstone may destroy routes.
· Carpool to minimize overcrowding and parking along the road.
Respect Wildlife
· Keep alert for animals protecting their home and change or abandon your route to leave them space.
· Be careful where you place your hands and feet so you do not accidentally destroy a nest or get bit by hidden wildlife.
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Climbs at this crag
| Name | Grade | Stars | Type | Logs | Partner Ascents |
|---|
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.
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