Our most recent family adventure was an overnight at Pa Ngam Mountain Lodge in Prachinburi. My friend Mio had told me about this years ago, but I didn’t want to go while my daughter was still too small to participate in the many activities on offer. The adventure attractions are really best for those aged three and up – even then younger kids won’t be able to try everything. Still, Pa Ngam is in a lovely mountain setting with gardens and fresh air that everyone can enjoy, even if some in your group opt out of all the adventures.
This is not a luxury hotel. If that’s what you’re used to, you may want to stay somewhere else in Khao Yai and just visit for the day. Pa Ngam Mountain Lodge is a 3-star activity hotel offering basic comfortable accommodation ranging from tents to dorm rooms, cabins or larger suites at a reasonable price. Located on the top of a mountain, the bungalows have panoramic views of the forests of Kao Yai and Tap Lan. In the rainy season, there is apparently a lovely “sea of mist” over the mountains.
Because I went with some friends, one of whom was pregnant, we opted not to camp. The rooms were simple and comfortable with air con and hot water (but no TV or videos which we all decided was a good thing for our kids for one night). We enjoyed dinner in the restaurant, which has a lovely view of the mountains and karaoke when the sun goes down (my friend’s 2-year old was quite the hit dancing on stage). I only heard about this the morning after, since my kids and I retired early and were blissfully unaware of the music from our room. Breakfast (included in the room price) is a Thai-style buffet breakfast. I find I enjoy fried rice for breakfast, but my kids chose the toast and cereal.
The adventure options can be purchased individually or as part of a package which can include various combinations of attractions or all of them plus a BBQ dinner at the restaurant if you like. Packages go down in price the more packages you buy so if you go in a group you’ll get even bigger discounts (the lodge draws a lot of groups there for corporate or other group team-building).
The professional staff focus on safety first and make sure everyone has proper equipment before beginning any activity. Below are some of the activities on offer (prices are if you purchase them individually, not in a package).
Flying Fox (150 THB). Basically a zip line halfway down the mountain to a tower in the valley 100 meters below. Both my kids loved this. Even if they let go of the handles (which they didn’t), they would still be safely attached with the harness. The professional staff were great getting them situated (while I waited with the camera in the restaurant balcony to get photos) and others were there to meet them at the bottom and help them off.
Rock Climbing (250 THB). The 12-meter rock wall gets gradually harder as you approach the top. The older four kids in our group did this. Because kids are harnessed in, if they can’t get a grip and slip off, the staff holding their ropes will pull them up to the next level so they can make it all the way to the top to ring the bell. Our six and seven-year old boys were very proud of themselves when they made it to the top.
Sky Tour (500 THB per basket, which holds up to 2 adults and 1 child). Step into a metal box and be lifted about 10 meters straight into the air and then 550 meters across the valley for a spectacular view of the scenery.
Tarzan Tour (450 THB). A canopy adventure with 4 treetop bases. This attractions is only open from 2-3pm. Since we got there later in the afternoon, we just missed our window of opportunity, which was disappointing since it was the ride I had been most looking forward to. Young children can participate by being strapped to either a parent or staff.
Water Challenge (350 THB). Take a zip line into the river (lifejackets required) and complete a course of several floating bases. This looks like great fun and a good way to cool off at the end of the day. Because we went in December when the weather was cool, I was afraid the water might be too cold so we didn’t try this (though staff assured us the water temperature is comfortable year round). Next time I definitely want to do this one.
Flying Stunt Adventure (500 THB). It looks like training for a flying scene out of Peter Pan or Harry Potter. In fact you can spend extra to dress in the robes of your favorite Quidditch team and get a photo made. When we go back I may splurge on this one for my son so he can pretend to play for Gryffindor.
In addition there is white-water rafting, a ropes course, cliff abseiling (or rappelling as we say in America), a sky coaster (sort of a giant swing in the sky) and mountain bikes are available for rent.
Planning your visit
Be sure to book ahead as the resort can fill up with groups. Ideally, you should plan to get there around noon and then either purchase a package of activities or choose the various adventure activities you want to do. Note that some of the courses (Tarzan Tour and Water Challenge) are only available at set times in the afternoon, while others are open throughout the day. You can complete the whole circuit of activities in one full day (noon to noon), so just one overnight stay is sufficient. For example, we did the sky tour and rock-climbing in the late afternoon and then bought our kids some cheap gliders in the gift shop for them to play with in the garden before dinner; then we did the flying fox after breakfast before checking out mid-morning. Because the resort is isolated from town you’d likely be bored if you stayed longer.
Getting there
Some of the packages include transport to and from the resort. If you’re planning to get there under your own steam, it’s about a two and a half to three hour drive from Bangkok. You could also go there from nearby Khao Yai in probably about an hour. There is a map in Thai on the website (www.pangam.com), while another hotel website has useful English driving directions. We stayed here the night before our visit to Jim Thompson Farm which was another hour north towards Nakhon Ratchasima.
Booking
Pa Ngam’s website (www.pangam.com) is primarily in Thai, but has good pictures to give you a sense of the place. You can also book through several online hotel booking sites such as: www.siamhotel.net, www.atsiam.com, or www.hotelthailand.com.
This looks like so much fun! I’m definitely going to try this when my daughter gets bigger. What do you think is youngest age that they can do and enjoy these activities? Is your daughter still 4 like it says in your bio above?
Hi Jill,
My daughter was just a few weeks short of her 4th birthday when we went (she turned 4 in January). I think 3 is probably the youngest I would want to try it.
Thank you Laura for your article, which provides great details of the place. I didn’t know about it, and sounds like a wonderful way to spend a weekend. My children will be delighted to know about this place!