Extream Zipline @ Kingkong Smile and Dip in Hot Spring

Kingkong Smile is not a quick glide across a small patch of trees. Its course reaches 2,210 feet in length and 380 feet above the ground, with reported speeds up to 70 miles per hour. I like the mix of long, thrilling cables and shorter lines that keep the course varied. I also like that the day ends at Sankampaeng Hot Springs, where you can soak in a private tub or simply warm your feet in the flowing mineral water.

The main drawback is the travel time. You leave Chiang Mai at 8:30 a.m., drive about an hour each way, and spend roughly six hours on the full outing. The hot spring stop is also more local and simple than a polished spa, so book this for outdoor fun, not luxury pampering.

Key points at a glance

• Long mountain cables: The longest zip line stretches about 2,210 feet, with the course reaching roughly 380 feet high.
• A full canopy course: Kingkong Smile lists 36 platforms and 14 double cables, while one detailed account describes 38 lines in total.
• A practical private outing: Your group participates on its own, with hotel pickup, private transport, lunch, and activity fees included.
• A 45-minute mineral soak: At Sankampaeng, you can use a private tub or soak your feet in a hot section of the stream.
• A distinctly local extra: You can boil eggs in the hot mineral water, a small but memorable part of the stop.
• Weather matters: Ziplining depends on good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Why the Kingkong Smile course feels genuinely extreme

The big attraction here is scale. Kingkong Smile is set in the mountain jungle outside Chiang Mai, and its zipline course uses a wide range of heights and distances. One cable runs for about 2,210 feet, while another is only around 110 feet. The highest point is listed at about 380 feet, with lower sections around 40 feet.

That range matters. You are not simply repeating the same short ride over and over. The longer cables give you time to look out over the mountain setting, while the shorter runs keep the course moving between platforms. A detailed account of the experience praised the several 45 to 60 second lines and counted 38 lines, although the supplied course details list 36 platforms and 14 double cables. Either way, expect a substantial circuit rather than a single novelty ride.

Speeds can reach about 70 miles per hour. That figure will depend on the cable, your position, and the conditions, but it tells you what sort of day this is. I would not choose Kingkong Smile if you want a gentle introduction to heights. I would choose it if the thought of long, fast rides through a mountain canopy sounds like the main reason to book.

The staff are described as fully trained, and safety is a central part of the operation. Still, you should be comfortable with heights and with an active outdoor setting. The available information says most people can participate, but it does not provide a detailed list of weight, age, or health limits. If any of those points matter to you, ask GoWithJoe before paying.

The 8:30 a.m. pickup and ride into the mountains

The day begins with hotel pickup at 8:30 a.m. The drive to Kingkong Smile takes about one hour. That transfer is included in the price, along with an air-conditioned vehicle and private transportation.

I see this as a useful part of the package, especially if you do not want to arrange your own ride into the mountain area. You can leave the driving to someone else and arrive ready for the activity. The tradeoff is that a six-hour tour includes a fair amount of road time, so this is not a compact city excursion.

The tour is private, meaning only your group takes part in the activity. That gives the day a more personal shape than a large shared bus outing. It does not necessarily mean you will move through every platform at your own pace, since the course has its own operating rhythm, but your transport and booking are organized for your party alone.

Bring a practical attitude to the morning. The information provided does not promise a specific hotel pickup zone, exact return time, or detailed meal menu. What is clear is the start time, the one-hour drive, and the inclusion of local lunch, transport, taxes, and listed activities.

Moving through 36 platforms and 14 double cables

At Kingkong Smile, the course is built around 36 platforms and 14 double cables. The phrase double cables suggests that some sections are designed for paired riders, though the supplied details do not explain the rules for every line. One account also refers to 38 lines, so the exact count may vary depending on how platforms or short crossings are counted.

The useful point is that this is a large course. You will move through multiple stages rather than arrive, take one ride, and leave. The longest cables are the reason to come, but the shorter lines help create a longer sequence of activities.

I like that the course includes such different lengths. A 110-foot cable at around 40 feet high will feel very different from a 2,210-foot run high over the mountain setting. If you enjoy ziplining, the repeated launch points and changing distances are likely to be more satisfying than a basic park course.

The tradeoff is physical and mental. You need to handle repeated platforms, harness time, and height. The description says most people can participate, but it does not specify how much walking or stair climbing is involved between platforms. If you are unsure about your fitness, contact the operator before booking rather than guessing.

The views are a major part of the appeal. The course is described as being in a truly deep jungle mountain area, with impressive mountain views. On the longest lines, you may have enough time to take in the surroundings instead of rushing through a very short ride. The speed also means you should not count on taking photographs while moving. Keep your attention on the activity and follow the staff’s instructions.

Local lunch keeps the day simple

A local lunch is included. That is useful because the tour runs through the middle of the day and the course is outside Chiang Mai. You do not need to budget separately for a meal or search for a restaurant between the zipline and hot spring.

The description does not name the dishes or promise a special dining venue, so I would treat lunch as practical fuel rather than a stand-alone food experience. If you have strict dietary needs, ask GoWithJoe in advance. The available details only identify it as local lunch.

This small inclusion also helps the price make more sense. At $119.39 per person, you are paying for private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, the activity fees, lunch, taxes, and both major stops. The value is strongest if you would otherwise need to arrange a private ride to the mountains and pay separately for the zipline and hot spring.

If you are traveling alone and mainly want a low-cost zipline, the price may feel high. For a private group that wants transport and a full half-day plan, the package is easier to justify. Group discounts are available, which may improve the value for families or friends booking together.

Sankampaeng Hot Springs offers a very different finish

After the mountain course and lunch, the outing continues to Sankampaeng Hot Springs. This is a popular place for local Thai people looking for a quick, easy soak. The setting and atmosphere are different from a resort spa: the appeal is the natural hot mineral water and the simple way people use it.

You receive about 45 minutes in a private bathtub filled with hot mineral water. That is a welcome change after the zipline, especially if you want to sit quietly before returning to Chiang Mai. The word private is important here. You are not simply standing beside a crowded public pool, although the broader hot spring area is also used by local people.

You can also soak your feet in a hot section of the flowing stream. This gives you a less committed option if a full tub feels too warm or you would rather spend the time outside. The information does not give the water temperature for the private tub, so test it carefully and follow any local guidance.

One of the most unusual activities is boiling eggs in a mineral hot-water stream. It is a small detail, but it gives the stop a local, hands-on character. You are not only looking at a hot spring. You get a simple way to interact with it.

Do not expect the hot spring to match a luxury wellness center. The attraction is popular, straightforward, and used for short visits. If you want massage treatments, elegant facilities, or a long spa session, this will not be that kind of stop. If you like ordinary local places with a practical purpose, it adds character to the day.

What the $119.39 price includes

At $119.39 per person, this is a midrange private day out rather than a bargain activity. The price includes:

• Hotel pickup
• Private transportation
• An air-conditioned vehicle
• Local lunch
• All fees and taxes
• The listed zipline and hot spring activities

That list matters. You are not paying just for a zipline ticket. You are also buying the transfer from Chiang Mai, the return transport, a meal, and a second activity that fills out the afternoon.

The value depends on your group. A private tour becomes more attractive when several people share the experience, especially since group discounts are offered. The price is less compelling if you are interested only in the longest cable and would be happy to arrange a cheaper shared transfer.

I also like the clear cancellation protection. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Since the zipline requires good weather, a cancellation caused by poor conditions comes with the choice of another date or a full refund.

Who should book this Chiang Mai outing

I would point this tour toward several kinds of people:

• You want a serious zipline course rather than a short amusement-park ride.
• You like combining an active morning with a calm afternoon.
• You are staying in Chiang Mai and prefer hotel pickup.
• You are traveling with friends or family and can use the private format or group discount.
• You want a simple local hot spring experience rather than a resort spa.
• You are comfortable with heights and fast movement.

I would be more cautious if you dislike heights, need a quiet sightseeing day, or have limited mobility that could make a large canopy course difficult. The information says most people can participate, but it does not spell out the physical demands in enough detail for me to make a stronger promise.

I would also think twice if your schedule is tight. The tour lasts about six hours, begins at 8:30 a.m., and includes roughly an hour of driving to the course. It is a focused half-day outing, not a quick activity squeezed between temple visits.

Practical details before you reserve

The experience is offered by GoWithJoe, and confirmation is provided when you book. Mobile tickets are available, and hotel pickup is offered. The tour is private, so only your group participates.

Plan around the weather. The zipline may not operate in poor conditions, and the activity can be moved to another date or fully refunded if the operator cancels for that reason. It is wise to avoid arranging an important same-day appointment immediately afterward, since the stated six-hour length is approximate.

The course includes high and fast sections, so I would wear sensible clothing and secure anything that could come loose. The supplied information does not give a formal packing list, so I would ask the operator about footwear, bags, and camera rules before departure rather than assume.

Should you book Kingkong Smile and Sankampaeng?

Book it if your priority is a substantial zipline course with genuinely long cables, mountain views, private transport, and a hot spring stop that feels more local than polished. The strongest feature is the range of the course, from very long, fast runs to shorter sections, followed by an easy 45-minute mineral soak.

Skip it if you want luxury, a short transfer, or a gentle introduction to heights. At $119.39, the tour earns its price through the private vehicle, lunch, fees, and two-part program. For a group that wants an active Chiang Mai day with a memorable finish, it is a solid choice. For a solo visitor focused only on low-cost sightseeing, it may be more tour than you need.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup begins at 8:30 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The full experience lasts approximately six hours.

How far is Kingkong Smile from Chiang Mai?

The drive from the pickup area to Kingkong Smile takes about one hour.

How many platforms and cables does the zipline course have?

The course is described as having 36 platforms and 14 double cables. A detailed account also refers to 38 lines, so the exact count may depend on how the operator counts each section.

What is the longest zipline?

The longest listed cable is about 2,210 feet long. The course reaches approximately 380 feet in height, and speeds are listed at up to 70 miles per hour.

Is the hot spring visit included?

Yes. The program includes a visit to Sankampaeng Hot Springs, with about 45 minutes in a private bathtub for hot mineral water. You can also soak your feet in the flowing stream and boil eggs in the mineral water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.