Dear Mr.KIA: About two weeks ago I went to Kanchanaburi. While enjoying the beautiful landscape of Pha Khao Hin Poon, I saw a few dots crawling along the side of a cliff. When I realized those were actual people, I couldn’t believe my eyes. I just need to try! Do I need to take some basic courses on an artificial climbing wall first, or can I just go out there on my own? Do I need a guide? If you know of any places to get training for my big adventure, or of any experienced guides to watch my back, please tell me. I really need a break from climbing BTS escalators—Long Live Spiderman

Dear LLS: Rock climbing allows you to enjoy breath-taking vistas, push your limits, and get one hell of a workout. I’m thrilled by your choice. But please don’t go all Spidey on us because jumping off the first building or cliff you see will just get you very dead. Before hitting a real hill, do try an artificial climbing wall first—if only for a few short
courses (many programs last but a few days). Despite the popularity of Thailand as a rock-climbing haven, there aren’t that many places to do the artificial variety in Bangkok. Still, Mr. KIA has sniffed them out. Once you feel ready, make sure you secure a real guide before setting out for the real thing.

Out Side charges B150 for one-time use of its gym and B100 for members (membership is B600 per year.) For a three-day training course on the 7-meter-high climbing wall, shell out B2,500. Trips to other provinces are occasionally
organized as well.

Hyperventure (08-1566-2399, 08-6576-5158, www.hyperventure.com) is a group of adventure crazies that turned their hobbies into a job. Located in Saraburi, their gym is not that far from Bangkok. It has a basic climbing course that will teach you all the ropes of rock climbing. B4,700 covers the 4-day course with transportation, meals, accommodations at Saraburi Inn and gear.

Gravity Five (133/1 Sudbantad Rd., Muang, Saraburi, 036-214-113. www.gravityfive.com) offers a 4-day beginner course (2hours/day) that includes basic theory and practice at the G5 climbing center (B3,500, equipment and accommodation at its gym included).