1. CLIMBING, SAFETY & ACTIVITY

1.a Finding a climbing partner – how does it work?

1.b Do dangerous climbing accidents occur at GCH?

1.c Which types of bolts are being used at the GCH area?

1.d What shall I do when safety features of a certain route apparently are not in good condition?

1.e How do I respond if a certain grip within the route is unstable, or if loose rock interferes with climbing the route?

1.f What else, except climbing, can I undertake at GCH?

1.g Is climbing in the Thakhek area possible during the rainy season?

1.h Can any climbing equipment be lent out during the rainy season?

2. WATER & FOOD

2.a Where does GCH get drinking water from?

2.b Who provides GCH with foodstuff?

2.c Why don’t you produce your own groceries and meat?

2.d Why don’t you raise chicken and swine?

2.e Where originates your meat from?

2.f Which of your dishes are vegetarian?

2.g Do you offer vegan dishes as well?

2.h What shall I do if I suffer from a food allergy or food intolerance?

3. MONEY

3.a What expenses /day do I have plan for food and beverages?

3.b Which currencies are accepted at GCH?

3.c Where can I draw money?

3.d What do I have to do, if I lose my credit card?

4. SURROUNDINGS

4.a What about hiking in the vicinity of GCH?

4.b Are the karst mountains climbable?

4.c Are there any caves nearby, which are worth visiting?

4.d Which places, located nearby, are suitable for swimming?

5. MOBILITY

5.a How is bicycle rental organized at GCH?

5.b Can I make any reservations for public busses?

5.c Can motor cycles be rented at GCH?

5.d Where can I rent a motorcycle for the ‘Loop’?

5.e How do I get to town fast and cheaply?

5.f If take-off time of my flight at Nakhon Phanom (NP) is at such and such time, what bus must I take from Thakhek?

5.g How can I charter a private minibus and to what expenses?

6. THE GCH SYSTEM

6.a How far in advance should I make reservations for a climbing course?

6.b How does the book exchange system work?

6.c Can I get an interim bill?

6.d May I change my sleeping place from tent to dorm or vice versa?

6.e What is the check out procedure?

6.f What expenses am I asked to enter personally into my book?

6.g How long in advance do I have to inform you when I plan to leave the camp sooner than originally intended, or in case I want to go on the “Loop” for a couple of days?

6.h How far in advance do I have to inform the desk when I want to stay longer?

7. THE RESORT

7.a What makes the differences between GCH 1 and GCH 2?

7.b How far away is GCH 2 from GCH 1?

7.c For what reason are all GCH-buildings erected on poles?

7.d How many staff is employed at Green Climbers Home?

7.e Could I also be employed as an helper/assistant at  Green Climber Home?

7.f Do you provide internet/WIFI at Green Climbers Home?

7.g What purpose serves the douche-head besides the toilet?

7.h Our sewage tanks for the toilet waste water – how do they function?

7.i Where is smoking allowed at the Green Climbers Home?

7.j Why do you close down the GCH every year for 4 months?

7.k How is the resort maintained during the off-season?

8. TRAVELLING PREPARATIONS – THINGS WORTH KNOWING BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF FOR LAOS

8.a Visa

8.b Can I get my visa extended?

8.c What consequences does it have when I overdrew my visa?

8.d What is the best time of year to travel to Laos?

8.e How long does it take from Bangkok International airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the National Airport (Don Mueang) in Bangkok?

8.f Can I make it to GCH on the same day, if I arrive at Nakhon Phanom Airport with the plane scheduled for 4.25 p.m.?

8.g What can I do, if I miss the last bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek?

8.h Criminality

8.i Drugs

9. ANIMALS

9.a Are there any apes around?

9.b Are there any dangerous animals?

10. MEDICAL PROBLEMS & PRECAUTIONS

10.a Which medical problems might hit me and what are the precautions to be taken?

10.b Is Dengue fever a danger in Laos?

10.c Which pre-travel vaccinations must I get?

11. HISTORICAL FACTS

11.a How and when was the climbing area discovered?

11.b How and when did Tanja and Uli find out about this climbing paradise?

11.c For how long already does The GCH camp exist?

11.d What were the careers of Uli and Tanja, before they established GCH?

11.e What did really happen when the disastrous fire at GCH occurred?

11.f When and for what reason was the second camp set-up?

Quick FAQ…

Bicycle rental

Water

Internet

Laundry Service

Finding a climbing partner

Payment

Visa

1. CLIMBING

Finding a partner is easy during the climbing season ( 1 October –  15 to 30 May ). The camp is occupied almost exclusively by climbers, many of them travelling alone. So, just come to GCH and don’t be too shy to ask people to climb!

Definitely not! Only very few climbing minor accidents occurred in the camp and we hope, it will stay this way in the future. Bring in your own contribution to the good standing of GCH in this respect by operating cautiously and responsible throughout! Call the attention of those, who are about to make mistakes! A compilation of things “to do” and “to avoid” can be found under “Safety” in the Laos Climbing Guide and on our web-site: https://www.greenclimbershome.com/safety/

Most routes in the Thakhek region are fixed up with 10 mm expansion bolts in A4 quality of stainless steel, fitted with loops made from certified climbing rope. Different from climbing regions, located  in southern Thailand, bolts and hangers getting rusty are not a problem. If any rust is recognized, the item is being replaced within short time.

How should I react e.g. when. a bolt is loose, or a plate (or a nut) wobbles or in case a loop is broken? In such case (and other damage, noticed while climbing a route) try to imprint in your mind: What exactly is the problem and which dimensions does it have:
– Which route?
– At which height (which bolt?)
– What really is wrong?

In case, a nut/plate is loose, try to fix it temporarily by hand as good as possible. Get aware of your actual condition: Do I feel able to climb the route without endangering myself or others, or should I better break off. In any case, let us know about the problem as soon as possible, so we can take repair measures. If you want to climb the route again and feeling fit to solve the problem yourself, ask us for the proper repair tools.

 

If the rock is loose and can’t be extricated by hand you should mark it clearly with an “X”, using your chalk. This way others can stay clear of this grip. Please notify us as soon as possible so we can remove the wobbling rock, with a hammer or a breaking iron.

  • Swim in the cave behind GCH 1, the rivulet behind GCH 2, or even in the deeper river at the Tha Falang.
  • Try one of the many slacklines or brave the water line over the river at GCH 2.
  • Play some badminton, boules or beach volleyball.
  • Play one of the many board games, card games, darts or chess available at each camp.
  • Try out juggling or the kendama. 
  • Why not just relax or read a book at our ‘sand beach’ besides the cave.
  • Take a bicycle out and explore the nearby villages.
  • Go caving and explore some of the many caves on site or nearby.
  • Rent a bike and do the Thakek Loop. There are many blogs that provide more info.
  • Go on a tour with Green Discovery Laos for one or several days e.g. to the spectacular cave Kong Lor.

During the rainy period (June – September) many routes may be not climbable. Sometimes, the whole valley, where GCH is situated will be flooded, making access to the rock impossible. On the other side, you might be lucky and everything is more or less dry. Our advice: Pick-up the actual weather situation from the internet, before you make your decision.

The GCH camp will be shut down then, but you find accommodations at the Travel Lodge or at the Inthira Hotel in Thakhek. A moped brings you to the climbing grounds 15 km away from town. Camping at the climbing premises is not allowed!

No. We are completely closed-down during the rainy season from Mid-May/June until September.  There is no lodging, food, rental of equipment and or climbing courses to be offered.

2. WATER & FOOD

We obtain our water from a groundwater well on our premise. Tap water on the resort comes directly from this well and can be used without restriction e.g. for brushing teeth. Drinking water and the water used for cooking undergoes an additional filtering process.

Fresh food and victuals are bought daily from the market in Thakek.

Green Climbers Home is not an agricultural enterprise. We could not produce the necessary amounts of foodstuff for the camps.

Chicken meat is delivered deep-frozen from chicken raising enterprises in Thailand. Pork and beef comes from farms in the Thakhek area; we never heard about meat mass production in Laos. Thence, we assume that cattle are raised according to acceptable standards.

We have loads of vegetarian and vegan options to choose from on the menu! All meat dishes can be made with tofu and we always provide a vegetarian option for the daily special. Many dishes are already or can be altered to be vegan (symbols on the menu can help you find the vegan dishes and the staff are all aware of what constitutes vegan food). We even offer a vegan protein shakes with soy protein powder.

At the end of the menu you’ll find special menu variants which should help cater to any allergies. If you are unsure about something please ask the staff and they’ll be happy to help you out.

3. MONEY

3.a What expenses /day do I have plan for food and beverages?

You have to earmark – depending on your demands – between 12 US$ (e.g.  3 main dishes + water + 1 beer )and 25 US$ (three main dishes + dessert + shakes + water + Cola + 2 beer).

3.b Which currencies are accepted at GCH?

We now accept credit cards but there is a 6.9% fee, also we prefer cash. You can either pay with: Laotian Kip (LAK), Thai Baht (THB), American Dollars (USD) or Euros (EUR). Be sure of having enough cash with you, when you check out.

3.c Where can I draw money?

In Thakhek, at every red ATM of the BCE-Bank (and many other banks as well) Lao Kip can be withdrawn with a VISA-Card. Sometimes a Master Card also works, not however a Maestro- or EC-Bankcard. ATM’s are located
– At the BCEL Bank
– Across the street close to the Inthira Hotel
– At the post office
– At many other places in town

ATM’s are sometimes empty – especially so on Sunday evenings and Monday mornings – and do, not spit-out any money then. In order to draw cash reliably, do it on other days. ATM’s often deliver a maximum of 2.500.000 Kip, but you can repeat the drawing procedure as often as you want (at least theoretically). This way, you can get as much money as needed. Presenting traveller checks or a Visa-Card at the local banks, you can get  Thai Baht, US$ or any other (common) currency.

3.d What do I have to do, if I lose my credit card?

Notify your bank and arrange for freezing it. A new credit card can be sent to our postal address, which is listed under “Contact” on our web- site. Inform the GCH management that you expect such mail
If you are in urgent need of money, your friends/relatives can transfer money to you easily and rapidly by Western Union (Thakhek office). However, this procedure is quite expensive.

4. SURROUNDINGS

4.a What about hiking in the vicinity of GCH?

Of course, it is possible to go hiking in the surroundings of the Green Climbers Home. You must be aware though that there are no marked trails. As an alternative, you may join guided tours which can be booked at the “Green Discovery of Laos” office in Thakhek. Additional information is laid down in their file, displayed at the GCH-bar; helpful might be their Website, too. 

4.b Are the karst mountains climbable?

Principally this may be possible, but we strongly advise, not to do so! There are no marked trails directing you. The rock up there is brittle, crumbly and sharp-cornered. Furthermore, many trees are not solidly anchored in the ground. Hence, a mountain tour might turn out to be very dangerous.

4.c Are there any caves nearby, which are worth visiting?

A short description of all caves located close to the Green Climbers Home including a map, can be found under “Rest Days” in the Laos Climbing Guide (together with other recommended rest-day activities for leisure days).

4.d Which places, located nearby, are suitable for swimming?

There are 2 sites. The first one is located just within walking distance behind the camping site. At that place you can bath/swim inside and out of ‘our’ cave. The second place is at Tha Falang, about 1.5 km distant from the GCH. Under the heading “Rest days” a map of this site and how to get there is included in the Laos Climbing Guide.

5. MOBILITY

5.a Where to rent a bicycle?

Bicycle rental is located before Camp 2, just after the highway turnoff. You will see a few bikes in front of the small shop. 

5.b Can I make any reservations for public busses?

No! The busses to GCH, pulling-out from Thakhek or Nakhom Phanom can’t be booked in advance. The same holds true for the long-distance and overnight busses. Tickets can only be bought for the present day at the bus stations. So, if your connection is on narrow schedule or your journey is urgent for some reason, then better take an earlier bus. During the main season, i.e. from December until February, on occasion busses may be overcrowded.

5.c Can motor cycles be rented at GCH?

If you want to visit the town, you can either inscribe on the Tuk-Tuk- list or you rent a bike. Motor cycles though can be rented in Thakhek or at the small shop located before Camp 2 by the highway.

5.d Where can I rent a motorcycle for the ‘Loop’?

Thakhek has several agencies where motorcycles may be rented. Those rental-shops are mostly located near the Inthira hotel, and at the Travel lodge. Please check the map on our info-board or in the Lao Climbing Guide. We recommend “Mad Monkey” left-hand from Inthira Hotel or the motorbike rental besides the Travel Lodge. “Mad Monkey” offers not only heavy-type scooters, but also enduro-type motor cycles and quads.

5.e How do I get to town fast and cheaply?

1.) By Tuk-Tuk. The fare is 250.000 Kip divided by the number of participating people. For 4 or more people the price is 300.000 Kip. It takes about 25 min. to get to the bus terminal and, approx. 30 min. to Inthira Hotel. (This is our rate from our partner tuk-tuk drivers. Expect to pay 300.000-400.00 Kip to get back from town).
2.) By Bicycle. The rental fee/day at Mr. Leng´s Bicycle rental (100m from Camp 2) is 100.000 Kip. Depending on the actual whether conditions, it takes you about 1 hr. to arrive in Thakhek.
3.) Hitch-Hike.  You could offer some money to the driver (in the range of 10.000 to 20.000 Kip). Our experiences with hitch-hiking are somewhat unpredictable. You may luckily be picked up within a short time, or you wait and wait and wait. Not all Laotians understand the principle of hitch-hiking and some drivers plainly ask for money after arrival. It is important to know that in Asia the typical hitch-hiking gesture is a stretched-out arm and hand (palm down) which is moved up and down.

5.f If take-off time of my flight at Nakhon Phanom (NP) is at such and such time, what bus must I take from Thakhek?

The first bus to the airport leaves Thakhek at 8:30 a.m. It takes approx. 1.5 hrs. to get to the airport. A taxi makes it within about 30 min. So you can get to NP airport not much earlier than about 10:00 a.m. As a consequence, if your plane is scheduled for earlier than 10:30 a.m., you must either travel to Thailand the evening before or you must charter a minibus.

5.g How can I charter an airport shuttle and to what expenses?

You can order airport shuttles with the staff at Camp 1 or Camp 2. A shuttle for 1-4 is 80 USD. A shuttle for 3-8 people is 100 USD. These can be reserved from the Nakhon Phanom airport to GCH or from GCH to Nakhon Phanom airport.

Advantages:
You will be picked up directly at GCH
You can choose your departure time
You do not face a waiting line at customs clearance
You will be dropped directly at the airport (or elsewhere, if you want)
The trip from GCH to the airport takes only one hour.
Even in case of early flights you can spend your last night at the GCH instead of being forced to depart already the day before take-off.

Reservations: For a minibus, reservations can be made at our reception. We care for everything.
Payment: You pay the driver directly. He will accept Lao Kip, Thai Baht and US $.

5.f What are the prices at Mr. Leng’s Shop? And how to I call a taxi/shuttle?
Please see this table for Mr. Leng’s prices. To call a taxi or shuttle, talk to the staff at Camp 1 or Camp 2 and they will be happy to arrange it for you. Be sure to arrange airport shuttles well in advance to ensure availability.

6. THE GCH SYSTEM

6.a How far in advance should I make reservations for a climbing course?

We urge you to convey your wishes with regard to climbing-courses to us as soon as possible. We cannot promise, though, that at very short notice a course for you can be arranged but we always try our best.

6.b How does the ‘book exchange system work?

At any time you can borrow a book, provided it is returned in the same condition as before when you leave the camp. Alternatively, you may exchange this book by another one, which, however, has to be in the same or a better shape. However, this is impossible with books bearing the “GCH-no exchange” marking. In case, the book shelf spills over from books, single books can be taken without replacement, but then you have to notify us.

6.c Can I get an interim bill?

You can request an interim bill at any time. We try to satisfy you as soon as possible, but you might have to wait until next morning.

6.d May I change my sleeping place from tent to dorm or vice versa?

Not having made in time a reservation for this you should contact us with such a wish as soon as possible. We do our best to help you, but this may just not be possible within short time, especially during peak season when the GCH is crowded.

6.e What is the check-out-procedure?

At departure-day you must pay your final bill between 6:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. At 11:00 a.m. the bungalow must be cleared and the key given back at the reception. Likewise, dorm-beds or tents must be vacated. Make arrangements with the staff if you want to stow away your luggage for some hours or  days (cost is 20.000 per day).

6.f What expenses am I asked to enter personally into my book?

Just those items which you take personally must be noted by yourself in the billing-book. Everything you order at the bar or from the waiters is being recorded in the book by staff members. You yourself can take things from the two refrigerators, furthermore drinking water from the two fountains, hot water from the water boiler, and tea bags and coffee powder. If you want milk for your tea or coffee, please use the 
‘powdered milk’, placed on the tables or ask for fresh milk at the bar. In the latter case you have to enter “coffee (tea) with milk” in your book.

6.g How long in advance do I have to inform you when I plan to leave the camp sooner than originally intended, or in case I want to go on the ‘Loop’ for a couple of days.

Please do so as early as possible but 5 days in advance at the latest – during peak season even earlier. If unexpectedly you have to depart earlier, or in case you decide this way on a sudden, we have to bill you for the ‘given-up’ days. This applies also, when you want to go on the ‘Loop’ during peak season without making pre-arrangements. Important: In any case, notify us as early as possible, 

6.h How far in advance do I have to inform the desk when I want to stay any longer?

Do so as early as possible. During December until February, our resort is extremely frequented and possibly booked-out.

7. THE RESORT

7.a What makes the differences between GCH 1 and GCH 2?

All of the bungalows in GCH 1 have bathrooms of their own and are somewhat larger. GCH 2 have 6 bungalows with shared bathrooms and 6 with private bathrooms. Camp 1 has a 12 person dorm. Camp 2 has 2, 4 person dorms. Camp 1 does not have any cell reception. Camp 2 has some cell reception. The “mode of operation”, the menus, the services offered, and – of course – the climbing facilities are identical in both camps.

7.b How far away is GCH 2 from GCH 1?

The distance between both camps is approx. 500m; approaching the camps from Highway no. 12, GCH 2 is reached first. Following the gravel road further, you get to GCH 1. 
For what reason are all GCH-buildings erected on poles?
Between June and September, that is, during the monsoon period, heavy rain may cause the small river, adjacent to the camp, to flood the campsites for days and sometimes even weeks. The houses withstand this flooding, because they rest on concrete poles, founded deep in the ground.

7.c How many staff is employed at Green Climbers Home?

Each resort (GCH 1+2) occupies about 13 local people: waiters, cooks, room waitresses and 2 persons in charge of buying food und related stuff. In addition we have under contract ‘assistants/helpers’ from western counties.

7.d Could I also be employed as a helper/assistant at  Green Climber Home?

We always need helpers, who – in the first place – assist with the execution of climbing courses, but may be engaged also at the reception, and in restaurant service. If you have worked in gastronomy and also have some experience as a climbing guide, you are a candidate for such a job. Being a sympathetic person, willing to give a good performance as a team worker, please contact Fai & Tom or Melissa & Sam directly or send an email to: Fai (fai@greenclimbershome.com) or Melissa (melissa@greenclimbershome.com).

7.e Do you provide internet/WIFI at Green Climbers Home?

We do not offer WiFi at GCH, but you can get internet with your own modem / I-Phone / Smartphone. We sell SIM-cards and top-ups in both Resorts.

GCH 1: there is no signal in the area. You will have to go out a little through the gate. After another 30 m you can get access at the “Nerd corner”.

GCH 2: Here the access is good but variable. Sometimes, video calls are quite possible and good. Other times, the reception is a bit spottier.

Instructions for the usage of this SIM-card are posted on our info-boards.

Furthermore there are several restaurants and bars in Thakhek which offer WIFI for their guests, e.g. the Inthira Hotel, the ice-cream parlour ‘Snow’ and the restaurant ‘Travel Lodge’ (see map in the Laos Climbing Guide)

7.f What purpose serves the douche-head besides the toilet?

Instead of toilet paper, in Asia a douche positioned besides the toilet serves for cleaning your intimate zones. When handled properly, the douche-water drains off through the toilet bowel instead of inundating the whole facility! For sure, this procedure is very hygienic and avoids unnecessary consumption of (expensive) toilet paper.

7.g Our sewage tanks for the toilet waste water – how do they function?

Green Climbers Home is not connected to the Thakhek sewage system. Instead, we are operating a multi-step filter system in order to clarify our waste water. In a first step, microorganisms break up and degrade the coarse material. In the second tank the sewage is forced through layers of charcoal and sand. The last unit is a drainage tank, which finally releases the reconditioned water into the ground. Spoilage of our clear-water resources does not take place since the GCH is provided with water from 30 m below ground level. Furthermore the camp is closed down for four months every year (during the rain-season), thus being “rinsed-through” thoroughly. Hence, in all probability fresh waste and waste water certainly do not interfere.

7.h Where is smoking allowed at the Green Climbers Home?

Outside of all buildings you may smoke but collect your cigarette stubs and dispose them into waste bins. Make sure, they won’t glow. Especially during the dry season avoid any bushfire caused by scattering around your ashes.

7.i Why do you close down the GCH every year for 4 months?

During the rain season, i.e. from June until September our resort is closed down. In this period, rain storms are heavy enough to flood the climbing area partially or even completely. Even when this is not the case, the gravel road to GCH, departing from Highway no. 12 is so slushy and soaked with water that it hardly can be passed. Consequently, e.g. food couldn’t be brought to the camp. Moreover most climbing routes are so wet and slippery that they couldn’t be climbed.

7.j How is the camp maintained during the off-season?

Some of our Laotian employees live in the camp permanently and watch-out. Others get there regularly in order to keep the bungalows clean.

8. TRAVELLING PREPARATIONS – THINGS WORTH KNOWING BEFORE YOU TAKE OFF FOR LAOS

8.a Visa

At the Laos border you must applicate for a 30-day-visa “upon arrival”. Depending on your nationality you will be charged 30 US$– 45 US$. Swiss and Luxembourg people can choose between a 15 day visa (free of charge) and a 30-day visa (35 US$).
Alternatively, you can apply for a visa in advance.
Note: Your passport must be valid at the time of entering Laos for another 6 months. In addition you need to 2 passport-photos. German citizens get additional information under “Auswärtiges Amt

8.b Can I get my visa extended?

Yes. There are 2 possibilities to get this dones.
1.) You make a short trip across the Thai border and re-enter right away (“visa-run”). This means, you just pass through the visa procedure a second time, and get again a “residence permit”, valid for another 30 days.
2.) You prolong your visa at the Visa-prolongation-office (see map in the Laos Climbing Guide on page 5). Doing it this way, every day of prolongation costs US$1. So, this alternative makes sense only up to 15 days. For a longer extension period, only a “visa run” makes sense financially.

8.c What consequences does it have when I overdrew my visa?

On leaving the country you will be charged with 10 US$ for each day of overdrawing your visa.

8.d What is the best time of year to travel to Laos?

This depends on what you want:

You don’t like to have too many people around you: Then we recommend the months October, November, April and May. It may then be pretty warm but in any case you can climb those walls which are positioned in the shade.

You don’t like it too hot: Then you should visit Green Climbers Home during December until February. January is the coldest month, temperatures dropping to about 15 Celsius. Yet, during daytimes it warms up to approx. 30 Celsius.

You prefer a nicely green: Then October and November will be perfect. After the previous rain season the natural environment is still green and lush. This also means that there is more wildlife around to see.

Note: Climbing is well possible all the time from October until May. The valley offers great shade all day (depending on crag).

8.e How long does it take from Bangkok International airport (Suvarnabhumi) to the National Airport (Don Mueang) in Bangkok?

You should calculate 4 hours to get from the Suvarnabhumi- to the Don Mueang-Airport:
1 hr,  for passport control
30 min. for picking-up your luggage
15 min. to find the free transfer bus
1 hr. for transfer to the other airport
30 min for check-in at Don-Mueang Airport
the residual time is spared for unpredictable delays

8.f Can I make it to GCH on the same day, if I arrive at Nakhon Phanom Airport with the plane scheduled for 4.25 p.m.?

1st possibility:
The last bus to Thakhek departs from Nakhon Phanom at 4:30 pm and is hard to catch, as it takes about 20 minutes to drive from the airport to the Nakhon Phanom bus station.
Therefore, you should take a taxi at the airport directly to the Thai border. After the baggage claim, you will be directed to the taxi / limousine stand where the taxi will be ordered and paid in advance.

Once you are at the border …
– You can board the 4:30 pm bus, which may arrive at the same time as you.
– If there is no bus: hitch-hike over the 800m long ‘Friendship Bridge’ to the border of Laos. (It is forbidden to cross the bridge as a pedestrian).
– Pass the Laotian border. You must have your passport (valid for at least 6 months) and US $ 30-40 (depending on your citizenship) + passport photos at hand.
– You can probably get on a bus behind the border.
– If there is no bus: get a tuk tuk called by the officers to bring you to the Green Climbers Home.
– Here’s the phone number of the tuk-tuk driver Mr. Noy: +856 (0) 20 52978936. The trip costs 150,000 kip.

2nd possibility:
We can arrange a private pick up service from the airport directly to Green Climbers Home (via Green Discovery Laos).
Price: $80 to $100 USD per trip.

8.g What can I do, if I miss the last bus from Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek?

see above

8.h Criminality

According to information from the German “Foreign Office” the situation in Laos, regarding criminality, is as follows (Citation) “low-level criminal activities in Laos presently are on the rise. Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vien – those towns which are most frequently visited by tourists – feature an increasing number of hold-ups, bag and moped thefts, part of it attended with violence. A strong connection to seen to increasing drug abuse in Laos”. For German speakers, please find further information  here >>

8.i Drugs

About drug misuse the German „Foreign office” communicates about Laos: The number of fatal incidents resulting from drug abuse increases. With regard to consummation of drug-spoiled food and beverages heavy medical problems may have to be anticipated. The acquisition, possession, distribution and import or export of drugs is heavily sanctioned. Travellers are urgently recommended to avoid every contact with drugs.

Of course, this is our policy, too at the Green Climbers Home resort!

9. ANIMALS

9.a Are there any apes around?

No. Wild apes do not live anymore in this part of Laos; people nearly have extinguished the ape populations.

9.b Are there any dangerous animals?

Yes. There are snakes, scorpions and centipedes.

The most dangerous snake is the bamboo viper. Our advice:  keep away from all snakes.

Scorpions can be found in different sizes and colours; all of them are poisonous. Their attack is painful but not really dangerous. Remember: The smaller their claws are, the stronger is their poison.

Centipede bites are very painful, however not fatal. Consult a hospital immediately. 
None of the animals listed above, is thoroughly vicious or attacks you ‘just for fun’. This happens only if the animals get panicky, feel hampered or are attacked by you. In each case, a peaceful coexistence between man and animal is possible, provided you don’t chase and avoid stepping on them. Most of the little ‘beasts’ flee before you can stumble over them.
Further information can be found in the Laos Climbing Guide.

10. MEDICAL PROBLEMS & PRECAUTIONS

10.a Which medical problems might I encounter and what are the precautions to be taken?

It is recommended to bring any medicine for upset intestine and stomach. In Asia, it is almost inevitable that you sometimes get in trouble, and then it´s better to have the drugs directly at hand. In addition, of course, a small emergency medical kit for injuries. If someone needs special medicine – bring your own.

The common drugs can be bought in the city of Thakhek. There are countless pharmacies here. The drugs are very cheap, and you get antibiotics without prescription. The difficulty is rather to make the pharmacist understood what disease you have exactly.

10.b Is Malaria a danger in Laos?

Laos is not considered a high risk area for malaria. The main danger of infection lies during and shortly after the rainy season, when there are more mosquitoes, ie in the months of May to October. In the months of November to March we have few to no mosquitoes, so that the risk of catching malaria is less. However, if mosquitoes are present, try everything you can to not get stung: mosquito coils (available here), mosquito spray (available here) and long clothes. Malaria mosquitoes are active only from dusk and at night.

In case of suspected illness (high fever) you should consult a doctor directly. A test in the hospital is made quickly and gives certainty. The doctors are well versed in the tropical disease and suitable medicines are also available there.

It is not recommended to take a prophylaxis against malaria. To take a standby means of travel, e.g. Malarone, can not hurt.

Further information on the page “Travel Tips for Laos”: https://www.laos-reise.info/malaria-laos/

10.c Is Dengue fever a danger in Laos?

Laos is considered a risk area for dengue fever. The main source of contagion is during and shortly after the rainy season, in the months of May to October, when there are more mosquitoes. From November to March we have few to no mosquitoes, so the risk of catching dengue fever is low. But if there are mosquitoes you should try everything not to be stung: mosquito coils (available here), mosquito spray (available here) and long clothes to help. The dengue mosquito is mainly found in cities and is active all day.

In case of suspected illness (high fever with severe muscle and joint pain) you should consult a doctor directly. There is no prophylaxis against dengue.

Alternatively, since there has been no case of Dengue at our camp, please do not come to our camp if you suspect any case of Dengue. 

10.d Which pre-travel vaccinations must I get?

Ask your doctor which vaccinations you should have before traveling to South East Asia. 

11. HISTORICAL FACTS

11.a How and when was the climbing area discovered?

The climbing area Pho Tham Kham which surrounds the Green Climbers Home was found by Volker and Isabelle Schöffl. As soon as the government authorities had forwarded permission the first 50 routes were established. This was accomplished by a group of seventeen, headed by Volker Schöffl. Further information on this subject can be found under “Short History of Rock climbing in Thahkek in our Laos Climbing Guide.

11.b How and when did Tanja and Uli find out about this climbing paradise?

Tanja and Uli  Weidner got to know about this area after reading a report, written by Volker Schöffl in the German  journal “Klettern” (“Climbing”).

For how long already does The GCH camp exist?
Construction of Green Climbers Home started in April 2011. We welcomed our first guests in December 2011. In May 2012 the construction-stage was finished. Further information are included in the under “Short History of Rock climbing in Thakhek” in our Laos Climbing guide.

11.d What did really happen when the disastrous fire at GCH occurred?

Due to a terrible misunderstanding we launched some fireworks on New Years Eve in “012/13. One of the rockets, we thought of to be loaded just with confetti, made a landing on the roof of the restaurant which at that time was made from of bamboo leaves. Within five minutes the restaurant was fully inflamed and burned down. Subsequently this also occurred in a chain reaction to all but three of the bungalows.  

11.e When and for what reason was the second camp set-up?

As a consequence of the immense demand from climbers all over the world, which want to order a stay at the GCH, it was logical to extent the capacity of the camp. Thus, in April 2015 we started to build a second, separate climbing resort nearby. Camp 2 opened December 2016.

BICYCLE RENTAL (at Mr Leng's Shop)

40.000 – 60.000 KIP per day

WATER

Bring your own bottle and please use the water refill at the Green Climbers Home. 

2.000 Kip per 1.5 liter bottle

INTERNET

M-Phone simcard: 20.000 kip
top-ups: 10.000 and 50.000 kip
More information available at desk

LAUNDRY SERVICE

In beneath 1 or 2 days we can clean your laundry!

30.000 KIP per kilo

FIND A CLIMBING PARTNER

Are you travelling alone? Are you searching for a climbing partner somewhere in South East Asia?

From experience, the most easy is: Just come! As long as we are open there are always other climbers traveling alone!

PAYMENT

Payment: we do not take any deposit. Payment is at the end of your stay (for a long stay you can also pay weekly)

VISA

It´s not necessary to ask for a Visa in advance. At most borders you can apply for Visa on arrival. The tourist visa is valid for 30 days and costs, depending of your nationality in between 20 and 40 US DollarThe amount is purely payable in US Dollar or Thai Baht. A passport photo is needed! You can extend your visa at the Thakhek Visa Office.