Extream Zipline @ Kingkong Smile and Dip in Hot Spring

High above the jungle near Chiang Mai, Kingkong Smile strings together ziplines across a mountain setting, including a reported 2,210-foot cable and speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. The course has 36 platforms and 14 double cables, so this is a substantial outing, not a quick ride tacked onto a sightseeing day.

I like two things in particular: the scale and views of the zipline course, with several long rides that can last 45 to 60 seconds, and the stop at Sankampaeng Hot Springs, where you can soak in a private tub or sit by the warm stream with local families. The included lunch and private transport also make the day easier to manage.

The main consideration is that the adventure depends on your comfort with heights and on the weather. The drive takes about an hour each way, and the tour’s six-hour estimate leaves limited time for lingering at either stop.

Key points to know

• A high-flying course: 36 platforms and 14 double cables, with a listed maximum height of 380 feet.
• Long rides, not just short hops: One cable is listed at 2,210 feet, and some runs are described as lasting 45 to 60 seconds.
• A relaxed second stop: Sankampaeng Hot Springs offers a private mineral-water tub for about 45 minutes, plus a flowing stream where you can soak your feet.
• Lunch and transport are included: Expect private, air-conditioned transportation and a local lunch.
• Your group travels privately: The tour is private, though the zipline and hot spring facilities themselves are not described as exclusive.
• Plan ahead: The experience averages 56 days between booking and departure, and poor weather can lead to a rescheduled date or refund.

From Chiang Mai to the mountain course

Pickup is scheduled for 8:30 am, followed by about an hour on the road to Kingkong Smile. The drive is part of the day’s cost and convenience: you do not need to arrange your own transport to a mountain activity site, and the air-conditioned vehicle offers a comfortable contrast to the open-air course.

The tour is private, so the transport and outing are for your group rather than a mixed party. That can make the morning feel less hurried, especially if your group needs a little time to get ready for the harnesses and heights. The schedule still has a fixed shape, though: the whole experience lasts about six hours, so do not count on turning the hot spring stop into a long afternoon visit.

The course is described as being in a deep jungle mountain area, with views over the surrounding terrain. You are here for the canopy experience, not a guided nature walk, and the information provided does not promise a nature interpretation or a particular route between platforms. Keep your expectations focused on the ziplines, the scenery, and the hot spring stop that follows.

What the Kingkong Smile course is like

Kingkong Smile’s course is built around 36 platforms and 14 double cables. Those numbers suggest a sequence of rides and transitions rather than one dramatic launch followed by a quick return to the ground. The longest cable is listed at 2,210 feet, while the highest reaches 380 feet; shorter lines are also part of the setup.

Speeds of up to 70 miles per hour are listed, so this is aimed at people who want a genuine adrenaline hit. The actual sensation will depend on the line and conditions, but the figures give you a useful sense of scale. If you are uneasy with heights, even the shorter cables may feel like a lot. If you already enjoy ziplines, the longer runs and mountain views are the chief reasons to consider this course.

Several rides are described as lasting roughly 45 to 60 seconds. That is long enough to take in the view, rather than simply register a brief burst of speed and arrive at the next platform. I would still expect the experience to be active and structured: you move through a series of platforms and cables, following the staff’s instructions.

Trained staff are part of the operation, and the course is presented as an extreme adventure with safety in mind. That is reassuring, but it does not remove the need to listen closely, follow directions, and decide honestly whether the height and speed suit you. The supplied details do not list specific age, weight, or health limits, so ask the operator before booking if any of those may affect your participation.

The views are a major part of the ride

The strongest appeal is not speed alone. The course runs above a mountain setting, and the long cables give you time to look outward as you travel. One account of the experience singled out the views and the several longer rides as its favorite parts, calling the course a personal favorite among zipline outings.

That praise helps set a useful expectation: choose this for the combination of height, length, and scenery, not only for a checklist of activities. A 2,210-foot line sounds impressive on paper, but what matters on the day is how comfortable you feel suspended above the ground and whether you can enjoy the view instead of focusing only on the landing platform.

The listed 36 platforms and 14 double cables are not the same measure as a count of individual rides, so I would avoid relying on a single number to predict exactly how many times you will zip. The practical point is that the course has numerous stages and a range of cable lengths. That variety can keep the experience engaging, while also making it more involved than a short introductory course.

Lunch and the change of pace at Sankampaeng

A local lunch is included before or during the day’s activities, though the exact serving time and menu are not specified. That is useful on a six-hour outing, since it means you are not expected to organize a separate meal stop yourself. If you have dietary needs, check with the operator in advance rather than assuming the meal can be adjusted.

The later stop at Sankampaeng Hot Springs shifts the mood from high-speed rides to a slower soak. The springs are popular with local Thai visitors looking for an easy few hours in warm water. That local use gives the stop a more everyday feel than a resort-style spa, though you should not expect a secluded wilderness bath.

You can spend about 45 minutes in a private tub of hot mineral water. That is the clearest feature for anyone hoping to relax after the zipline course, but the visit is brief by hot-spring standards. Treat it as a restorative pause, not a long bathing session.

There is another simple option: soak your feet in a hot section of the flowing stream. You can also boil eggs in the mineral-water stream, a small, memorable activity that makes the stop feel tied to the springs themselves. The details do not specify whether eggs are supplied or whether any extra charge applies, so ask on site if you want to try it.

Is $119.39 good value?

At $119.39 per person, this is more than a single zipline ticket, but the price covers a full half-day outing with private transport, air conditioning, a local lunch, listed activities, fees, and taxes. The private format matters: your group is not combined with other tour customers in the vehicle or tour party. That can be worth paying for if you value a day built around your own group.

The value is strongest if you plan to do both activities. You get a substantial mountain zipline course and a hot spring visit in one outing, without arranging separate transport or figuring out how to connect the stops. If you only want to zipline, compare the total cost with a course-only option before booking. If the hot spring is a welcome bonus, the combined plan is more compelling.

Group discounts are available, but the exact savings are not provided. The tour is also booked, on average, 56 days ahead, which suggests it is sensible to plan early if you have firm dates. That is an average, not a guarantee that every date sells out or that last-minute spaces will be unavailable.

Timing, weather, and practical details

The start time is 8:30 am, and the tour lasts about six hours. With an hour’s drive to the zipline area, expect a compact day rather than a slow-paced excursion. The return journey is not separately timed in the details, so avoid scheduling a tight commitment immediately afterward.

Weather matters because the experience requires suitable conditions for the outdoor activity. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and most people can participate, according to the tour information. That is not a substitute for checking personal restrictions. If you have concerns about heights, mobility, or whether the zipline course is appropriate for you, contact GoWithJoe before paying.

Who will get the most from this outing?

This suits you best if you enjoy heights, want more than a one-line zipline ride, and like pairing an active morning with a quiet soak. It also works well for a group that wants to keep transport simple and travel together. The private format and included meal reduce the number of decisions you have to make on the day.

It is less suitable if you dislike heights, want a slow day with long stops, or mainly want a spa experience. The hot spring visit is a short part of the outing, while the zipline course is clearly the main event. A cautious first-timer may want to ask the operator about the course’s requirements before booking, since the listed height and speed figures are substantial.

Should you book it?

Book this if you are keen on a serious zipline course and like the idea of finishing with a mineral-water soak. The long cable, mountain views, trained staff, private transport, and included lunch make the $119.39 price easier to justify than a standalone ride.

Skip it if the heights are likely to spoil the day or if you want to spend several hours at the hot springs. For the right group, this is a well-shaped mix of adrenaline and recovery: first the soaring cables, then warm water and boiled eggs by the stream.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

Pickup is scheduled for 8:30 am.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts about six hours, including transport and the stops.

How long is the drive to Kingkong Smile?

The drive from Chiang Mai to the zipline area takes about one hour.

What is included in the price?

The price includes private, air-conditioned transportation, a local lunch, fees and taxes, and the activities listed in the program.

How long is the hot spring visit?

The private bathtub session is about 45 minutes. You can also soak your feet in a hot section of the flowing stream.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather leads to cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.