If you don’t live in the Chanegwattana area, making the trip out to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani may seem like a chore. However, as a huge convention centre and performance venue, it’s likely that you’ll venture out there at one point or another to attend events like the Big Bad Wolf Book Fair, Disney on Ice, National Science Fair, Motor Show, Pet Expo, concerts by international artists, etc.
What you may not know is that IMPACT has developed an entire dining and entertainment complex set on Muang Thong Thani’s waterfront called IMPACT Lakeside, which encompasses IMPACT Speed Park, an adrenalin-fueled go-karting experience for kids and adults, as well a number of casual family-friendly cafes and eateries.
Indulge Your Need for Speed
Open from 4pm on week days and 10am on weekends, IMPACT Speed Park comprises a 800-metre purpose-built outdoor kart track with a fleet of 30 electric karts. This includes the battery-powered Sodi ‘RTX’, which is fast, safe, fun and easy to use; there are single and double-rider options. The kart also has zero emissions and provides a thrilling driving experience for any skill level or ability. This is a great activity for the whole family; however, kids should be at least 120 centimeters tall and aged 7 and up to participate.
We visited on a week day evening, and were promptly greeted, registered, and briefed on the safety features for drivers. IMPACT Speed Park’s philosophy is ‘safety first’ and the karts come with international safety specifications and equipment, including helmets. The karts sport patented ‘Proslide’ all round protection, roll hoop and one piece bodywork to cover all structural components. Also, they can be self modified for any driver who meets the height requirement, with fully adjustable pedals, seats and steering wheel.
Once you’re ready, it’s time to tear around the race circuit, feeling the rush of adrenaline in each 8-minute session. The track has been designed to suit all drivers – it’s fast and challenging but totally manageable, even for our relatively small 8-year old. Safety features include a special track surface to improve grip, international standard TECPRO safety barriers and a dedicated track management team. The latter sets speed limits for kids and are able to stop their karts remotely, should that be necessary. In addition, the track configuration changes every couple of months so you can experience different routes on subsequent visits.
Parents or friends watching from the sidelines can monitor the lap-by-lap action on digital screens or watch the drivers from a second floor viewing balcony. The winner’s name will be displayed on the screens at the end of the session, along with their driving stats.
An on-site cafe offers light bites, drinks and coin-op arcade games; private rooms are also available for birthday parties and other events. Other facilities include changing rooms, showers, toilets and a Pro Shop. For more info on location, rates, promotions and more, please visit IMPACT Speed Park’s website.
Relax on the Waterfront
The waterfront also houses several venues where the family can have some downtime. Breeze Café & Bar serves fusion, Thai, and international dishes like BBQ pork ribs, pasta, pizza and pad thai as well as an array of coffee drinks and desserts. It has both indoor and open air zones; the latter includes bean bag seating and a small kids’ playground.
Meanwhile, Isan Jim Joom offers Northeastern Thai food, including the namesake Jim Joom hot pot, where you cook various fresh ingredients, from veggies to meats and seafood, in a soup broth. For those who’d like Japanese cuisine, Uwajima presents an array of creative sushi, sashimi and grilled seafood selections. Additionally, families can enjoy a ride around the lake on a waterbike.
So the next time you’re looking to spice up a visit to IMPACT Muang Thong Thani (or simply take a break from the convention hall crowds), drop by IMPACT Lakeside and check out its family-friendly options.
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