Kingkong Smile Zipline Chiangmai

Kingkong Smile Zipline sends you across the forested slopes of Maetonluang village, on a course advertised as having Asia’s highest and longest zipline, including a 1,200-meter run. It is not just a ride from one platform to another: expect rope bridges, a glass bridge, a nature trail and a bit of climbing along the way.

I like the choice between 19 and 38 platforms, so you can match the outing to your appetite and stamina. I also like that the course uses twin cables and comes with professional guides and safety equipment. The trade-off is distance: the site is in the mountains, and the drive can take longer than you expect.

At a glance

• A 1,200-meter highlight: The longest ride is the big draw, with forest and valley views from above.
• Two course lengths: Choose 19 platforms for a shorter outing or 38 for more time on the course.
• More than ziplines: The listed course includes a glass bridge, sky bridge, iron bridges, spiral stairs, a nature trail and one abseil.
• Guides and gear included: English-speaking instructors, safety equipment, first aid and operator-provided insurance are included.
• Transport and lunch are package choices: Check the option you select. Some include round-trip transfers and a Thai buffet, while others do not.
• Plan for a physical day: You’ll climb between platforms, and there is an uphill walk near the end.

The mountain setting makes the ride

Kingkong Smile Zipline is at 89 M.4 Thep Sadet, Doi Saket, in Chiang Mai Province. The course sits above Maetonluang village, in a valley ringed by mountains. You trade the city’s cafes and temple lanes for forest, height and the sound of a harness rolling along a cable.

The headline ride is described as 1,200 meters long. The 19-platform package lists nine ziplines of 400, 500 and 700 meters, while the longer option adds more platforms and activities. The course description does not spell out every ride in sequence, so treat the 1,200-meter claim as the signature feature rather than a promise that every package has the same exact route.

The setting is part of the appeal. You’re not looking at a constructed amusement park from a queue; the lines cross mountain forest, with views down into the valley. Still, this is an adventure course, not a quiet nature walk. You’ll be focused on your harness, the next platform and the instructions in front of you.

From hotel pickup to the first platform

If you choose a package with transfers, the day starts with a pickup in Chiang Mai. Hotel transport makes sense here: the site is outside the city, and the route includes mountain roads. Allow more time than a simple city transfer. Some rides have taken close to two hours each way, depending on traffic and the winding approach, and return times can run later than an itinerary estimate.

The pickup is not always a one-stop trip. The driver may collect other people along the way, so a short wait at your hotel can be normal. If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider preparing for the mountain road before setting off. Bring water for the journey, too, though drinking water is included at the site.

On arrival, expect to handle the check-in and safety paperwork before gearing up. The operator supplies the necessary equipment, first aid and insurance. Guides explain how to use the gear and what to do on the course. You’ll need to listen closely, especially if this is your first zipline outing; jokes from the instructors may lighten the mood, but the safety instructions are the part to remember.

The operation is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. An early time slot can help you get started before later groups arrive, though the actual pace depends on the day and the size of your group. Leave breathing room in your Chiang Mai plans for the return drive rather than scheduling a tight appointment afterward.

Twin cables, guides and a steady dose of nerve

The course uses a twin-cable zipline system. Participants describe being secured with two safety connections, and staff check equipment before each ride. That can be reassuring if the first step off a platform is the part you’re dreading. It does not remove the height or the need to follow directions, but you’re not left to work out the system alone.

Instructors guide you through the platforms and rides, and the operation is presented as English-speaking. Staff members such as Tommy and David are associated with the team, and the instruction style can be playful as well as practical. If you’re nervous, tell your guide. Some instructors have accompanied participants on sections of the course and helped them stay oriented.

Expect the first few rides to feel like the hardest ones if you’re new to ziplining. Once you understand the harness and the rhythm of the platforms, you may settle into it and pay more attention to the view. The longest line is the marquee moment, but the course’s appeal is also in the changing sequence of rides and obstacles.

The staff may take casual photos during the activity, but a dedicated photographer is an optional extra. If you want photos and video throughout, ask about the price and what is included before you agree. Costs and value can vary by group size, and the quality of the finished images is a matter of personal preference.

Nineteen platforms or the full 38?

The 19-platform option is a sensible choice if you want a substantial zipline outing without making the whole day about the course. It includes nine lines and a mix of obstacles. For a first-timer who is unsure about heights or stamina, this shorter route may be enough to get a real taste of the activity.

The 38-platform option gives you a longer run through the course and is the pick for people who want to spend more time on the mountain. It can be a satisfying choice for active families and anyone keen to make the zipline the main event of the day. But more platforms mean more time moving between them, not simply more time soaring through open air.

There is a physical side to both options. The course includes stairs, bridges, a trail and climbing between platforms, and there is an uphill walk near the end. The 38-platform circuit may feel repetitive or tiring if your main goal is only to try one long zipline. If stamina is a concern, choose the shorter option rather than treating the bigger number as automatically better.

One practical wrinkle: a 19-platform participant may need to wait while others complete the longer route, depending on how the group and departure are organized. If your party is split between packages, ask how the return timing works before booking.

Bridges, stairs and the walk out

The zipline is the star, but the obstacles add variety. The listed course has a glass bridge, a sky bridge, two iron bridges, two spiral staircases, a nature trail walkway, a staircase and one abseil. These sections break up the flying and give you a chance to look around, though they also mean you’ll be on your feet.

The combination can suit people who want more than repeated cable rides. It also makes the activity less ideal for anyone with limited mobility or difficulty climbing stairs. The operator advises against taking part if you have impaired physical mobility, are pregnant or have certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure or epilepsy.

After the course, allow for a walk to the road and a ride down the mountain. That final walk includes uphill and downhill ground, which can be a surprise if you’ve been imagining a harness-on, harness-off outing. Wear shoes with a secure grip and save a little energy for the exit.

Lunch, transport and what the price buys

Prices start at US$44.89 for the 19-platform course without transport or buffet. The 19-platform option with round-trip transport and a Thai buffet starts at US$56.85. For 38 platforms, the listed starting prices are US$62.85 without those extras and US$74.79 with them.

The lower price is not necessarily the better value if you would otherwise need to arrange transport to a remote mountain site. The transfer-and-lunch package costs more, but it bundles the drive and meal into the day. Compare the exact package details before paying, since transport and buffet are not included in every option.

The buffet is practical fuel after climbing and riding, rather than a reason to book on its own. Food quality can vary, and the meal may be simple. If you have dietary needs or are particular about lunch, do not assume the buffet will be a highlight. There is also an entry ticket with lunch for 500 baht per person for someone who wants to accompany the group but not take part in the zipline.

Tips and personal expenses are not included. Optional photography is an additional cost, too. The safest approach is to decide in advance whether you want professional images, then confirm the fee on site instead of letting the extra catch you by surprise.

What to wear and who should go

Wear light, comfortable clothing that lets you move freely. The operator recommends quick-drying fabric, long pants, long sleeves and sport shoes. Long clothing helps cover skin from insects, while sunscreen and insect repellent are worth packing for time outdoors. A light layer may be useful in cooler conditions, especially if you feel chilly in the mountains.

Participants must be at least 10 years old and at least 110 centimeters tall. The maximum weight is 110 kilograms, and participants must be under 65. Children 110 centimeters and taller are charged the adult rate. Check that everyone in your group meets the limits before booking.

This outing is best for people who enjoy heights, can manage stairs and uneven paths, and are happy to give a good part of the day to an activity outside Chiang Mai. It can work for families with eligible children, but the course is not a passive ride: kids need to follow instructions and manage the physical sections. Solo participants can join, too, as the activity is guided.

If you’re pregnant, have limited mobility or have a medical condition such as high blood pressure or epilepsy, the operator does not recommend taking part. When in doubt, speak with a medical professional and the activity provider before you book.

Should you book Kingkong Smile Zipline?

Book it if you want a high-energy day in the forest, enjoy the idea of long cable rides and don’t mind a drive and some climbing. The twin-cable setup, guides and variety of obstacles make it more than a single thrill ride, while the 19-platform option keeps the commitment manageable.

Choose 38 platforms if you’re keen to spend longer on the course and have the stamina for the stairs and trails. Choose 19 if you want the highlights without turning the activity into an endurance test. Add transport if you value a simpler journey to the mountain, and treat lunch as convenient rather than gourmet.

Skip it if you need a relaxed, short outing or have mobility or health concerns that make a ropes course unsuitable. For everyone else, this is a lively way to see Chiang Mai’s mountain forest from an unusual angle, with enough practical detail to choose the right version for your day.

FAQ

Where is Kingkong Smile Zipline?

It is at 89 M.4 Thep Sadet, Doi Saket, Chiang Mai, in the Maetonluang village area.

How much does the zipline cost?

Prices start at US$44.89 for 19 platforms without transport or buffet. Packages with 19 or 38 platforms, transport and a Thai buffet start at US$56.85 and US$74.79 respectively.

What is the difference between the 19- and 38-platform options?

The 19-platform option is the shorter course. The 38-platform option includes more platforms and a longer activity. The course description lists nine ziplines and several obstacles for the 19-platform package.

Are round-trip transfers included?

Transfers are included only with packages that specifically list transport. Check the package name and details before booking.

Is lunch included?

A Thai buffet is included with packages that specifically list it. There is also an entry ticket with lunch for 500 baht per person for someone who does not want to zipline.

What is the minimum age and height?

Participants must be at least 10 years old and 110 centimeters tall. Children who are 110 centimeters or taller are charged the adult rate.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Participants must not weigh more than 110 kilograms.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear light, comfortable clothing, preferably quick-drying, with long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and sport shoes. Bring sunscreen and insect repellent.

Is the activity suitable for everyone?

No. It is not recommended for pregnant women, people with impaired mobility or people with certain medical conditions, including high blood pressure and epilepsy. Participants must also be under 65.

What are the opening hours?

Kingkong Smile Zipline is open Monday through Sunday, from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.