Epic Adventure At Flight of the Gibbon (2024)
Flight of the Gibbon is an eco-adventure tour company that offers exciting zipline experiences in the tropical forests of Thailand. The company has two locations: one near Chiang Mai and the other near Pattaya. However, the primary location is in Mae Kampong Village, about one hour’s drive east of Chiang Mai City.
The zipline course consists of 5km (3.1 mi) of ziplines and sky bridges along the rainforest treetops in Chae Son National Park. The course includes an exciting abseiling experience, too, supervised by their trained staff, Sky Rangers. While you zipline through the treetops, you’ll see gibbons in their natural habitat and other critters like macaques and various birds.
The tour is available to people with differing fitness levels and ages. Safety equipment is supplied in the tour package, as well as a tasty Thai meal. So all you must do is wear practical clothes and shoes and prepare for an adventure!
Flight of the Gibbon is a fantastic way to see the natural beauty of northern Thailand while getting an adrenaline kick. In this handy guide, you will learn more about how to get to their main ziplining site, what to expect, and more about flora and fauna in the area – specifically gibbons. Additionally, we’ll look at nearby activities nearby to make the most of your holiday experience.
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The Zipline Experience
Flight of the Gibbon is one of Thailand’s most established adventure parks. When visiting this adventure park, you can enjoy ziplining, rappelling, walking on sky bridges, hiking, wildlife spotting, and learning about conservation. This said, ziplining is the main activity the adventure park has to offer.
The zipline course at their Mae Kampong location near Chiang Mai consists of the following:
- A total course of 5km (3.1 mi),
- 33 platforms,
- 2 hanging sky bridges,
- 2 rappelling descents, and
- A 300m (984 feet) long zipline, where you can reach a speed of up to 40km/h (24.85 mi/h).
All harnesses and safety gear are provided for the course. However, it is recommended that a person be taller than 1m (3.28 feet) for the harness to fit securely.
All along the course are trained staff, called Sky Rangers, who guide and assist the adventurers along the way, ensuring their safety.
Then, as you soar through the treetops, you can appreciate the beauty of the nature around you. You’ll see lush vegetation and animals in their natural habitat, all while you experience the thrill of ziplining at great heights and speeds.
The park opens daily between 7am and 5pm. The best time to enjoy the ziplining experience is as early as possible in the mornings before it gets too warm. It is in the cooler mornings that the wildlife is more active. Additionally, if you want to avoid crowds, it is better to visit the park on weekdays, as the weekends get jam-packed.
Gibbon Conservation and Education
Flight of the Gibbon is not only a place to enjoy an adventure, but you can learn more about their conservation efforts in the area. Their focus is the conservation of the endangered gibbon ape and rain forests.
More About Endangered Gibbon Apes
Thailand has two species of gibbons currently listed as endangered: the Lar Gibbon (also called the white-handed gibbon) and the Pileated Gibbon (also called the crowned gibbon).
The Lar gibbon is found in the forests of Southeast Asia, including Thailand. They are small, agile apes weighing no more than 6kg (13 lbs.) and measuring about 46cm (18 in.). They are known for their distinctive vocalizations, which are used to communicate with other group members.
The pileated gibbon can also be found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Thailand. They are larger than Lar gibbons, weighing about 5.5kg (12.13 lbs.) and measuring about 54cm (21.3 in.). Pileated male gibbons have black fur, while the females have white-gray coats with black faces and bellies. They are known for their acrobatic abilities.
Unfortunately, due to poaching and habitat loss, the Lar and pileated gibbon numbers have declined to dangerously low levels. As such, both species are currently classified as endangered.
Gibbon Rehabilitation And Conservation In Thailand
Conservation efforts are in place to protect these endangered gibbon species in Thailand. For example, the company has successfully rehabilitated a threatened species of gibbon into the forests near Chiang Mai. Another project working to protect gibbons is the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, based in Phuket.
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing gibbons rescued from the illegal pet trade. The project also has public education programs to teach the importance of conserving these beautiful and intelligent animals.
Reforestation Projects
Flight of the Gibbon helps to preserve local rainforests by hosting regular tree-planting events. Additionally, they focus on tree aftercare and maintenance to ensure their healthy growth. A similar project they support is called “Give Back to Nature,” which aims to plant millions of trees in their reforestation programs.
Additional Activities and Amenities
When you have finished your ziplining and rappelling, you can explore and enjoy their other activities and amenities, like their souvenir shop or onsite restaurant. The other activities on offer, aside from ziplining and rappelling, include:
Hiking
There are hiking trails throughout the park that allow you to explore the rainforest at ground level. An experienced nature guide will point out various plants and animals along the way. You can also opt to trek to the local waterfall and nearby river if you wish.
Wildlife Spotting
It goes without saying that the forest is full of fantastic wildlife of all kinds. If you are fortunate enough to spot an endangered gibbon in its natural habitat, you can consider yourself lucky. However, you will undoubtedly see other creatures, including birds, mammals, amphibians, and many bugs.
Things To Know Before Visiting The Park
Before you head off to Flight of the Gibbon, there are a few practical tips to help you prepare for your experience. They are listed next:
- To enjoy the ziplining experience, you need to measure more than 1m (3.28 feet) and weigh no more than 125kg (275.5 lbs.). You must meet these requirements to be allowed to participate in the ziplining or rappelling activities.
- Pregnant ladies and medically unfit people will not be allowed to partake in ziplining or rappelling activities. However, they are most welcome to come to the park and enjoy the other amenities and activities.
- Even though the staff are well-trained to help you with your safety gear, you should always double-check it between each zipline. In addition, it is best to ask them to adjust the harnesses if necessary.
- Always pay attention to the Sky Rangers’ advice and safety warnings.
- Wait to jump off a platform until the zipline ahead of you has been cleared of people. This is to avoid collisions.
- To avoid bruising, wear appropriate clothing like pants and long-sleeve tops. Shoes should fasten securely to your feet to prevent them from falling off. Therefore, slip-on shoes and flip-flops are not suitable for ziplining.
- Ensure your pockets are empty and free of valuables or items that could litter the forest below. Additionally, it is better to not wear hanging jewelry such as necklaces or dangly earrings, as they can hook in the safety gear or fall off during flight.
- Wearing sunblock and insect repellent is recommended to avoid sunburn and being bitten by mosquitoes and other bugs.
- The rainy season in the area is from April and October. Thus, if you visit the park during this season, it is advisable to bring a raincoat or waterproof jacket.
Getting To Flight Of The Gibbon
Flight of the Gibbon is in Mae Kampong Village, about 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive from Chiang Mai. Below are a few options for getting there from Chiang Mai:
Catch a Minivan
The cheapest way to get to Flight of the Gibbon from Chiang Mai is to catch a minivan taxi. Be sure to have a Thai SIM card on your mobile so you can arrange transport back to Chiang Mai. However, the minivans frequently travel between these two destinations.
Join A Tour
Many of the tour operators in Chiang Mai offer day trips to Flight of the Gibbon, including the company itself. Most tours include transport to and from the adventure center, a guided tour of the park, and a Thai lunch. To find a suitable tour, search online or visit any travel agency in Chiang Mai.
Hire A Car Or Taxi
If you have more flexibility in your schedule, it is a great idea to hire a private car or taxi. Additionally, if you’ll be able to negotiate a reasonable fare with your taxi driver. You can ask your hotel or accommodation to help you arrange transportation.
Catch A Bus
If you have a more flexible schedule, consider catching a bus to Flight of the Gibbon. There is a direct bus route that departs from Talat Warorot and arrives at Ban Mae Kampong. The buses run four times daily, and the trip is about 1.5 hours each way.
Practical Information
Chiang Mai is known for its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and delicious cuisine. Here are some traveler’s tips for visiting Chiang Mai and its surrounding areas:
Currency
The currency in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB), and one Baht is divided into 100 Satang. The banknote denominations are 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 Baht. Coins are available in 1-, 2-, 5-, and 10-Baht denominations, as well as 25 and 50 Satang. Should you need to draw cash, ATMs are widely available in Thailand in major centers.
The larger establishments in Thailand accept most major credit cards. However, it’s always wise to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases, taxi fares, and in case of emergencies.
Languages Spoken In Thailand
Thai is the native language spoken in Thailand, but the locals in larger centers and tourist spots speak some English. However, in the outskirts of larger centers and rural villages, you may find it more challenging to communicate in English.
Thai people are polite to English tourists, and most try to accommodate or help where possible. However, if you know how to speak Thai but do not speak to locals in their language, they consider it rude.
Safety Tips For Travelers In Thailand
Thailand is considered the safest country in Southeast Asia. While the country has a history of unrest, it is rare for tourists to be victims of major crimes. However, petty crimes such as pickpocketing are prevalent in crowded areas, so keeping your belongings enclosed in a bag is advisable. Also, do not keep belongings in your back pockets or sling your purse over one shoulder.
Climate In Thailand
Chiang Mai has a tropical savanna climate characterized by distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season typically lasts from November to March, while the rainy season lasts from April to October.
During the dry season, temperatures are generally warm to hot. The average high temperatures range from 28 to 35°C (82 to 95°F), while the low temperatures range from 13 to 22°C (55 to 72°F). The humidity levels tend to be lower during this time, making it a popular time to visit. However, in the months before the rainy season, farmers burn their agricultural land, causing air pollution.
The temperatures are slightly cooler during the rainy season. The average high temperatures range from 27 to 30°C (81 to 86°F), while the low temperatures range from 19 to 23°C (66 to 73°F). Rainfall is heaviest in September and October, sometimes causing occasional flooding in some parts of Chiang Mai.
Transport Options Around Chiang Mai
There are several transportation options for getting around Chiang Mai:
- GRAB: GRAB is a ride-sharing app like Uber in Chiang Mai. It can be a convenient and affordable option for getting around the city.
- Rent a motorbikes or scooters: These can be rented from various shops around the city and are a popular and inexpensive means of transport.
- Songthaews: Songthaews are red pickup trucks that follow fixed routes in and around Chiang Mai.
- Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are small, three-wheeled vehicles that can carry up to three passengers. They are a popular form of transport for short distances, and fares are negotiable.
- Taxis: Metered taxis are more expensive than other forms of transport. It’s best to negotiate your taxi fare before getting in to avoid surprises.
- Bus: There are a few bus routes between major centers in Thailand. You can view the timetables here. Or you can hop onto an RTC City Bus, a smaller bus with more routes in and around Chiang Mai.
Summary
Flight of the Gibbon offers an exhilarating and educational adventure tour package that includes ziplining, rappelling, hiking, and wildlife watching. You can also learn more about conservation efforts in the area that focus on rehabilitating endangered gibbon species and their natural habitat, rainforests.
For additional assistance in planning your trip to the park, you can speak to a local travel agent, book online in advance, and read reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.
FAQ
The Flight of Gibbon is a blast all year round, but the cooler months from November to February might be the most comfortable.
Safety is top-notch at the Flight of Gibbon! They’ve got dual safety cables, top-tier equipment, and a comprehensive safety briefing before you hit the trees.
On average, you’re looking at about 3 hours of pure, adrenaline-fueled fun.
Yep, there are. Participants should be at least 1 meter tall, and not more than 100 kg.
Not at all! Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro, you’re sure to have a great time.
Keep your eyes peeled for gibbons, of course! But you might also spot a variety of birds and other forest critters.
Comfort is key! Wear loose, comfy clothing, and closed-toe shoes. Don’t forget sunscreen and insect repellent!
Indeed, kids need to be at least 5 years old to join in the fun.
The name is inspired by the way gibbons swing through the trees – that’s exactly the kind of adventure you’re in for!
While it’s tough to snap pics while zipping through the trees, there are professional photographers on-site to capture your adventure.
Definitely! They offer special rates for groups, so it’s worth checking out their FB Page or giving them a call by number +66(053)01-06-60 or +66(089)970-55-11
It’s highly recommended to book in advance. Spots fill up quickly, especially during peak season.
Discover a variety of pricing options for renting automatic scooters, maxi-scooters, semi-automatic motorbikes, and manual-gear motorcycles in Chiang Mai by browsing our Bike Rental Rates page. Find out more about our scooter rental in Chiang Mai.
If you prefer to travel by car, be sure to read our guide on how to save up to 50% on rental car expenses in Chiang Mai.
For an extensive compilation of our travel advice, explore our Northern Thailand Routes and Travel Notes section.
If you encounter any inaccuracies in the text or have valuable information to share with our readers, please feel free to contact us.
Cat Motors Team
- Author: Cat Motors Team
- Posted:
- Updated: January 25, 2024
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