Extream Zipline @ Kingkong Smile and Dip in Hot Spring

Kingkong Smile gives you a serious jungle adventure, not a short tourist zip across a small valley. The course reaches a listed height of 380 feet, includes a cable stretching 2,210 feet, and advertises speeds of up to 70 miles per hour.

I like the mix of many long zip lines and trained staff, plus the chance to slow down at Sankampaeng Hot Springs afterward. The main drawback is the pace: six hours includes transport, lunch, safety preparation, and two very different activities, so the hot spring stop is more of a short soak than a full spa visit.

Key points to know before you book

• Large-scale zipline course: Expect 36 platforms, 14 double cables, and a mix of long, fast runs and shorter sections.
• Big jungle views: The highest lines reach about 380 feet, with one cable listed at 2,210 feet long.
• Private group format: Only your group participates, with private transportation included.
• Hot spring contrast: After the zipline, spend about 45 minutes in a private mineral-water tub or soak your feet in the hot stream.
• Local-style lunch included: The price covers a local lunch, vehicle, activity fees, and taxes.
• Good weather matters: The operator may move or cancel the outing if conditions are poor, with a new date or full refund offered.

Flying across the jungle at Kingkong Smile

The zipline is the reason to choose this outing. Kingkong Smile is presented as one of the largest and most extreme zipline courses in the Chiang Mai area, with a route spread through a mountain forest setting.

The scale matters. A course with 36 platforms and 14 double cables gives you repeated runs rather than one quick thrill followed by a long wait. You move from platform to platform, taking on cables of different lengths and heights. Some are listed at 2,210 feet long and 380 feet high, while smaller lines measure about 110 feet and 40 feet high.

That range is useful. Long cables provide the big rush and broad views. Shorter runs give you a chance to adjust your body position, listen to instructions, and get comfortable with the height before the next major crossing.

The stated top speed is 70 miles per hour. Treat that as an advertised maximum, not a promise that every run reaches it. Speed depends on the cable, your position, conditions, and other factors. Still, the course clearly aims at people who want a strong adrenaline hit rather than a gentle family ride.

One review describes 38 zip lines, while the course information lists 36 platforms and 14 double cables. The numbers may refer to different parts of the route, but the practical point is clear: this is a long, varied course with many separate runs. If the exact line count matters to you, ask GoWithJoe to clarify before booking.

What the 8:30 a.m. start means

Pickup begins at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel. The drive to Kingkong Smile takes about one hour, so you should expect the morning to include a useful stretch of road time before the activity begins.

That private, air-conditioned vehicle is a real advantage. You are not arranging separate transport to a mountain location, and you can leave the driving to someone else after an active day. Since only your group joins the outing, the format should feel more flexible than a large coach excursion, although the exact pickup area and timing should be confirmed when you book.

The early start also makes sense for a zipline day. It gives you time to reach the course, complete preparations, and enjoy both stops without turning the return into a late-night outing. The total duration is about six hours, so this is a half-day plan rather than a full-day mountain expedition.

Bring a practical attitude about timing. Your day includes the drive, safety briefing, equipment preparation, zipline course, lunch, another transfer, and the hot spring visit. The six-hour estimate is useful for planning, but it is not six hours suspended above the trees.

Safety, equipment, and the level of adventure

The experience is designed for people who enjoy heights and more intense outdoor activities. The staff are described as fully trained, and safety support is part of the operation. You should expect instructions before using the cables and guidance as you move through the course.

Still, a trained team does not make this a low-intensity attraction. Heights reach several hundred feet, and the advertised speed is high. If you are nervous around exposed platforms, the first few lines may feel demanding. The course does include shorter lines, but you should book only if you are comfortable with the basic idea of being high above the ground.

The information says most people can participate, but it does not provide specific weight, age, health, or clothing rules. Ask the operator about those points if they affect you. The same applies to medical concerns, recent injuries, or a strong fear of heights.

Wear clothes that let you move easily. The supplied details do not give a required dress code, so I would confirm footwear and clothing requirements with GoWithJoe before departure. You should also expect to spend time outdoors in a mountain setting and to follow staff instructions closely.

Why the long cables make this course different

Short zip lines can be fun, but they often feel over before you have settled into the motion. The long Kingkong Smile lines change that. One run is listed at nearly half a mile, and an account of the outing highlights several lines lasting roughly 45 to 60 seconds.

That duration gives you time to look around instead of simply reacting to the launch and landing. You can take in the mountain views, feel the change in speed, and enjoy the unusual sensation of traveling through the forest canopy.

The double cables are another practical detail. They indicate a substantial course design, though the supplied information does not explain exactly how every cable is used. Follow the staff’s instructions about body position and braking rather than trying to copy another person.

The views are a major part of the appeal. At the highest points, the setting is not just a backdrop for the activity. It is the activity. You are moving above a broad jungle and mountain area, with the height creating the best vantage point of the day.

Lunch and the change of pace

A local lunch is included in the price. That is helpful because you do not need to arrange a separate meal between the zipline and hot spring stops.

The description does not specify the menu, so do not book this expecting a particular dish or a restaurant tasting. Think of it as practical fuel during a busy half-day. If you have dietary restrictions, ask GoWithJoe in advance rather than assuming the meal can be changed.

The lunch break also gives you a physical pause. Ziplining involves more effort than it may appear, especially when you are walking between platforms, climbing stairs or ladders where required, and repeatedly preparing for the next run. A meal and rest period help keep the second half of the outing comfortable.

Soaking at Sankampaeng Hot Springs

Sankampaeng Hot Springs provides a sharp contrast to Kingkong Smile. Instead of speed and height, you get hot mineral water and a slower stop popular with local Thai residents looking for a quick soak.

The package includes about 45 minutes in a private bathtub filled with hot mineral water. That private tub is valuable if you want a calm break without sharing a crowded bathing space. The stop also gives you another option: you can soak your feet in a hot section of the flowing stream.

You can boil eggs in the mineral-water stream, too. It is a small activity, but it connects the visit to the natural heat of the spring and gives the stop a local character beyond simply sitting in warm water.

There is one limitation. Forty-five minutes is enough for a taste of Sankampaeng, but not enough for a long, unhurried hot spring day. If the spring is your main reason for booking, this outing may feel too brief. If you want a relaxing finish after the zipline, the timing works well.

Pay attention to the water temperature and follow local instructions. The information describes the water as hot and identifies separate areas for bathing and foot soaking, but it does not give a precise temperature or detailed bathing rules. If you have health concerns related to hot water, check with the provider before booking.

What the $119.39 price includes

At $119.39 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend a morning in Chiang Mai. The value depends on how many parts of the package you would otherwise need to arrange yourself.

The price includes hotel pickup, private transportation, an air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, all listed activity fees, and taxes. It also combines a major zipline course with a hot spring visit. For a private group, that can be worthwhile, especially if you value a simple door-to-door plan.

The private format is important when comparing costs. You are not paying only for a ride to a zipline park. You are also paying for transportation to a mountain area, the course experience, a meal, a second stop, and a return transfer arranged around your group.

The value is weaker if you want only ziplining. In that case, part of your time and price goes toward the hot spring visit. It is also less suitable if you prefer a very slow day, since the schedule fits two activities into about six hours.

Group discounts may improve the price for larger parties. Since the tour is private, it makes particular sense for friends or families who want to share the vehicle and schedule. Check the final group rate before booking, as the per-person cost can change with party size.

Who should book this Chiang Mai outing

I would choose this experience if you want a high-energy activity but do not want to spend the entire day on one attraction. The zipline supplies the excitement, while Sankampaeng gives you a quiet finish and a different view of northern Thailand.

It suits confident first-time zipliners who want a major course, as well as experienced zipliners looking for long cables. The varied line lengths are useful for both groups. Beginners get shorter sections, while experienced participants can focus on the longest and fastest runs.

It also suits couples, families with eligible participants, and small groups who value private transport. The private format means your day is built around your own party rather than a large mixed group.

I would hesitate if you dislike heights, want a luxury spa experience, or expect the hot spring to take up most of the day. I would also check participation requirements carefully if anyone in your group has a medical condition, mobility concern, or uncertainty about the physical demands.

Weather, cancellations, and practical planning

Good weather is required for this experience. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can be offered another date or a full refund. That is useful for a mountain activity, where rain and wind can affect both safety and enjoyment.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that period are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off uses local Thai time.

Confirmation arrives when you book, and mobile tickets are supported. Pickup begins at 8:30 a.m., but you should confirm the exact hotel pickup details with GoWithJoe. The information says pickup is offered, but it does not list a universal meeting point for every hotel.

The package includes all listed fees and taxes, so you should not need to budget for entrance charges connected with the scheduled activities. Personal expenses are not included. The description does not specify photo packages, snacks, drinks, or optional purchases, so carry a little money if you want extras.

The main strengths and tradeoffs

The strongest feature is the zipline course itself. Long runs, high platforms, multiple cable sections, and mountain views create a more substantial experience than a basic introductory zipline.

The second strength is the pairing with Sankampaeng. The hot spring stop is not simply filler. It changes the mood, lets you rest, and adds a local activity that requires no extra planning.

The private setup is another plus. With only your group participating, you avoid joining a large public tour, and the included vehicle makes the remote location easier to reach.

The tradeoff is time. You are fitting a large course, lunch, transport, and a hot spring visit into six hours. The schedule should feel efficient, but it will not give you a leisurely look at every part of the hot spring grounds or a full day at the zipline park.

Should you book Kingkong Smile and Sankampaeng?

Book it if you want serious ziplining with a relaxing second stop. The long cables, high route, private transport, lunch, and 45-minute mineral-water soak make a strong package for an active Chiang Mai half-day.

Skip it if you are seeking a gentle sightseeing tour or a long spa session. Before paying, confirm the participation rules, pickup details, exact cable count, and any clothing requirements. If the $119.39 price fits your group and you value convenience, this is a well-rounded adventure with more substance than a quick zipline outing.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup starts at 8:30 a.m. from your hotel.

How long does the experience last?

The total duration is approximately six hours.

How long is the drive to Kingkong Smile?

The drive from Chiang Mai to Kingkong Smile takes about one hour.

How many zipline platforms and cables are included?

The course information lists 36 platforms and 14 double cables. One description refers to 38 zip lines, so ask the provider to clarify the exact count if that detail matters to you.

How high and how long are the largest zipline sections?

The longest listed cable is 2,210 feet, and the highest point is about 380 feet. The advertised top speed is 70 miles per hour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A local lunch is included, along with the air-conditioned vehicle, private transportation, activity fees, and taxes.

How long do you spend at Sankampaeng Hot Springs?

The program includes about 45 minutes in a private bathtub filled with hot mineral water. You can also soak your feet in a hot section of the flowing stream and boil eggs in the mineral water.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather may also result in a new date or a full refund.