The Gibbon Experience

The Gibbon Experience in Laos is an eco-tourism initiative that offers a unique and immersive adventure in the Bokeo Nature Reserve. It was one of my favourite activities during my Asia Backpack Trip. They build the world highest tree houses, where you can wake up surrounded by gibbons.

Community Involvement & Wildlife Conservation
How to book?
Best season
What to Bring

The Experience

When you join the Gibbon Experience, you will stay in treehouse accommodations suspended high in the trees of the Bokeo forest. These treehouses are connected by zip lines, creating a network that allows visitors to travel through the treetops.

One of the main highlights is the great network of zip lines that traverse the forest canopy. You can zip between treehouses, offering a thrilling and unique perspective of the jungle.

Different tours

The experience is typically guided by local experts who provide insights into the biodiversity of the forest, local customs, and the importance of conservation.

The Gibbon Experience offers different tours:

The Giant Loop

A beautiful journey through a network of extensive ziplines takes you from one mountain to another, leading you deep into the heart of the Nam Kan National Park. The ultimate destination is the Tree King, currently recognized as the largest tree in Laos. The treehouse where you’ll spend the night is situated close to this magnificent giant.

While the likelihood of spotting gibbons in this particular area is minimal, this zipline-packed “airborne” adventure is perfect for enthusiasts who relish the thrill of gliding through the canopies, surrounded by breathtaking views and captivating trees. It promises to be an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate the beauty of treetop adventures.

Conclusion: more ziplining, less chances of seeing the gibbons.

The Classic Tour

Opting for The Classic Tour is the ideal choice for spotting gibbons, offering a 3-day, 2-night experience. This tour is designed for those eager to witness or hear gibbons and is considered our most straightforward trek, involving one to two hours of moderately hilly access walk. It’s particularly suitable for trekkers aged 8 to 65 who are in good physical condition.

Conclusion: more spotting, less ziplining but an extra night in the amazing treehouses

Community Involvement & Wildlife Conservation

The primary focus of the Gibbon Experience is to promote conservation efforts, protect the forest, and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

The project involves local communities in the area, providing them with sustainable employment opportunities. Revenue generated from the Gibbon Experience contributes to community development projects, such as education and healthcare.

The Gibbon Experience focuses on the conservation of wildlife, particularly the black-crested gibbon. The forest is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and efforts are made to protect the habitat of these endangered primates.

How to book?

Usually you need to book the experience in advance through the official Gibbon Experience website. You can e-mail them to put you on a waiting list, If your preferred date is not available, but the chances are small. The best thing to do is book in advance.

Go to their website to book the experience!

The best season

In the rainy season, primarily from July to September, visitors should be in better physical condition due to more challenging trekking on muddy trails. Parts of some treehouses may occasionally get wet during this period. Additionally, the time spent in the canopy may be shorter than in the dry season, given longer walks.

What to bring?

head torch
walking shoes
mosquito repellent
binoculars (optional)
raincoat (: rainy season)

How to get there?

The office is in Huay Xai; you get here by slowboat from Luang Prabang or by van from northern Thailand. This is where you cross the border and can board the slowboat or arrive.