Nov
01
2013
Mar
01
2013
Nov
01
2014
Mar
01
2014
Nov
01
2015
Mar
01
2015
Nov
01
2016
Mar
01
2016
Experience Life in a Jungle Tree House with the Gibbon Experience, Laos
Published by Lynda Buwalda, Writer
Country: Lao People's Democratic Republic 
The Experience
Set deep in the Bokeo Nature Reserve in Northern Laos, The Gibbon Experience uses its funding to help protect the region's wildlife and jungle. What this means for participants is three days living with nature, trekking and zip-lining through the jungle, and two nights sleeping in a tree house at canopy-level, some 50 metres above ground.
On day one of the Gibbon Experience, seven of us packed into the back of a truck and were taken one hour north of the border city of Houei Xai. We then bounced around for another hour, along winding dirt roads deep into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve, before we began our trek in a small Laos village. After going further up the mountain and deeper into the jungle, we were fitted with our harnesses and ushered (zipped) into our tree house home. Our guides (two teenagers from the local village) gave us a quick tutorial and made it look so easy: just clip in, step off the platform... and soar!
My nerves were a mess as I stepped out for my takeoff, and I needed confirmation from the guides, many times, that I was indeed secured correctly. I received a quick nod of the head, and a "yup, good," which only slightly eased my insecurities. I had come this far, so there was no turning back. My heart was racing a mile a minute, but I forced myself to take the jump—wind in my hair and sweat on my palms—off I went through the sky and into the tree house.
Our tree house (one of six) was a truly extraordinary construction: three floors, running water, a full shower that allowed for a breathtaking view of the jungle, and a “squatter” toilet with a hole straight down to the jungle floor.
After a quick view of home, we set out with our guides who showed us around the immediate trails and zips. Each takeoff evoked some fear as zips were up to around 600 metres long and 200 metres above the ground. But each zip provided great thrills and stunning, breathtaking views of the Bokeo Nature Reserve. With luck on your side, the zips applied the brakes and allowed you to land directly on the platform—although, the chances were greater that you’d fall short and be left dangling hundreds of metres above the jungle floor, forced to pull yourself the remaining 10 feet or so until you hit a solid foundation.
Our guides were hilarious and very entertaining. They loved what they were doing, and had a vast knowledgeable of the sights and sounds of the jungle. They had a sixth sense for finding gibbons, and on our first day out on the Gibbon Experience, we did just that. Quietly, our group ventured deeper into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve and off the beaten track, following the keen senses of our guides. It was here that we witnessed about four gibbons, far in the distance, soaring through the trees. It was truly an amazing sight.
That night, dinner was zipped into us, and the sunset occurred shortly thereafter, bringing us into complete darkness. Candlelight afforded us a couple of hours of card playing before calling it a night on an exhilarating day.
Day two started at 5:45 a.m. and we awoke to the sound of the zip-line as our guides entered our tree house to begin another full day of exploring. The early morning zips were stunning—zipping through the fog, unsure of what lay ahead, while still witnessing more breathtaking views of the jungle. After breakfast, we took a long hike, which included exciting new zip-lines that led us to another tree house even deeper in the jungle. The trek was intense, but the outcome was rewarding, and each zip eased my nerves a little more.
On day three of the Gibbon Experience, after a few final zips, we said goodbye to our jungle lives and headed back into town. Three phenomenal days: intense heights, breathtaking views, gruelling hikes, thrilling zips, and an experience of a lifetime.
On day one of the Gibbon Experience, seven of us packed into the back of a truck and were taken one hour north of the border city of Houei Xai. We then bounced around for another hour, along winding dirt roads deep into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve, before we began our trek in a small Laos village. After going further up the mountain and deeper into the jungle, we were fitted with our harnesses and ushered (zipped) into our tree house home. Our guides (two teenagers from the local village) gave us a quick tutorial and made it look so easy: just clip in, step off the platform... and soar!
My nerves were a mess as I stepped out for my takeoff, and I needed confirmation from the guides, many times, that I was indeed secured correctly. I received a quick nod of the head, and a "yup, good," which only slightly eased my insecurities. I had come this far, so there was no turning back. My heart was racing a mile a minute, but I forced myself to take the jump—wind in my hair and sweat on my palms—off I went through the sky and into the tree house.
Our tree house (one of six) was a truly extraordinary construction: three floors, running water, a full shower that allowed for a breathtaking view of the jungle, and a “squatter” toilet with a hole straight down to the jungle floor.
After a quick view of home, we set out with our guides who showed us around the immediate trails and zips. Each takeoff evoked some fear as zips were up to around 600 metres long and 200 metres above the ground. But each zip provided great thrills and stunning, breathtaking views of the Bokeo Nature Reserve. With luck on your side, the zips applied the brakes and allowed you to land directly on the platform—although, the chances were greater that you’d fall short and be left dangling hundreds of metres above the jungle floor, forced to pull yourself the remaining 10 feet or so until you hit a solid foundation.
Our guides were hilarious and very entertaining. They loved what they were doing, and had a vast knowledgeable of the sights and sounds of the jungle. They had a sixth sense for finding gibbons, and on our first day out on the Gibbon Experience, we did just that. Quietly, our group ventured deeper into the jungle of the Bokeo Nature Reserve and off the beaten track, following the keen senses of our guides. It was here that we witnessed about four gibbons, far in the distance, soaring through the trees. It was truly an amazing sight.
That night, dinner was zipped into us, and the sunset occurred shortly thereafter, bringing us into complete darkness. Candlelight afforded us a couple of hours of card playing before calling it a night on an exhilarating day.
Day two started at 5:45 a.m. and we awoke to the sound of the zip-line as our guides entered our tree house to begin another full day of exploring. The early morning zips were stunning—zipping through the fog, unsure of what lay ahead, while still witnessing more breathtaking views of the jungle. After breakfast, we took a long hike, which included exciting new zip-lines that led us to another tree house even deeper in the jungle. The trek was intense, but the outcome was rewarding, and each zip eased my nerves a little more.
On day three of the Gibbon Experience, after a few final zips, we said goodbye to our jungle lives and headed back into town. Three phenomenal days: intense heights, breathtaking views, gruelling hikes, thrilling zips, and an experience of a lifetime.
When to Go to Gibbon Experience Laos
The Gibbon Experience is the opportunity to live among nature and experience jungle life while supporting an important cause. You can visit the Bokeo Nature Reserve throughout the year.
The Laos wet season runs from May to October, and August has heavy rainfall for most of the month. The tree houses are very robust and waterproof constructions that will keep you dry in the rain. During the night, be prepared for hikes that could take longer than expected. The cool dry season runs from November to February, and the hot dry season runs from March to April. The jungle provides shade from the sun even during the hottest months.
The Laos wet season runs from May to October, and August has heavy rainfall for most of the month. The tree houses are very robust and waterproof constructions that will keep you dry in the rain. During the night, be prepared for hikes that could take longer than expected. The cool dry season runs from November to February, and the hot dry season runs from March to April. The jungle provides shade from the sun even during the hottest months.
Odds n' Ends
There are two types of experiences available: "classic" and "waterfall".
I took part in the classic experience, which offers more freedom to decide how you want to spend your days. Don’t rule it out as an option if you’re looking for something adventurous. The guides are available to you, and they will willingly take you on hikes. You can make this experience as intense or relaxing as you wish.
The waterfall experience has tree houses deeper into the jungle, and is far more demanding, which requires at least a couple of hours of hiking per day. There is a waterfall and swimming hole near a couple of the tree houses as well; but only in certain seasons.
What to bring: Pack lightly into a small bag. You’ll keep your luggage at the office in Houei Xai. Bring along a flashlight and a camera, and see if you can rig something up to keep your camera attached to you during zips. This will allow you to take photos and videos on the zip-line without fear of losing your camera. Also bring bug spray, a refillable water bottle, a long-sleeved shirt (for chilly nights), and comfortable shoes for hiking.
The tree houses come equipped with blankets and bug nets.
I took part in the classic experience, which offers more freedom to decide how you want to spend your days. Don’t rule it out as an option if you’re looking for something adventurous. The guides are available to you, and they will willingly take you on hikes. You can make this experience as intense or relaxing as you wish.
The waterfall experience has tree houses deeper into the jungle, and is far more demanding, which requires at least a couple of hours of hiking per day. There is a waterfall and swimming hole near a couple of the tree houses as well; but only in certain seasons.
What to bring: Pack lightly into a small bag. You’ll keep your luggage at the office in Houei Xai. Bring along a flashlight and a camera, and see if you can rig something up to keep your camera attached to you during zips. This will allow you to take photos and videos on the zip-line without fear of losing your camera. Also bring bug spray, a refillable water bottle, a long-sleeved shirt (for chilly nights), and comfortable shoes for hiking.
The tree houses come equipped with blankets and bug nets.
Places to Stay Nearby
Search over 900,000 global hotel deals from over 30 merchants. Book via Expedia, Travelocity, Hotels.com, Booking.com, Priceline and the websites of popular hotel chains.
Located in Chiang Rai, Greater Mekong Lodge is well-placed such that guests could visit the top attractions of the city such as Mae Kok River, ... 24 miles away
$1050 THB+
Surrounded by the natural beauty of Northern Thailand's rugged hill country, Anantara's Golden Triangle resort is a luxury nature retreat set amidst 160 acres of ... 24 miles away
$5745 THB+
+ 23 others. Show all.
More Experiences Nearby
- Trek Back in Time to a Hmong Village in Lao
- The lush mountains of Laos are home to the Hmong people, who migrated from China during the eighteenth century due to political unrest. The Hmong people live simply off the land, preserving their ancient culture and way of life. A trek from Luang Prabang into the surrounding mountains allows a glimpse into the lives of the Hmong villagers, who are kind enough to share their way of life with visitors. Setting out bright and early from Luang Prabang, we drove into the hills, towards Ban Long Lao, home of Lao’s villagers. The early morning air was dewy and fresh, with ...8 miles away.
While You're There - Tours and Trips Nearby
Drive on to the Golden Triangle area, where the borders of Thailand, Burma, and Laos convene, Visit the Opium Museum. Continue to the old city ...27.19 miles away via Chiang Rai.
$54+
The many hilltribes who inhabit the area have long trudged the mountain passes between Northern Thailand and their home villages in Burma and China. Each ...27.19 miles away via Chiang Rai.
$70+
+ 3 others. Show all.
Video
Video Wall
You are now being transfered to our Video Wall
Books and DVDs
Elsewhere on the Web
Travel Insurance. Simple & Flexible.
Language Guides
Lao 
,
Mandarin
,
Vietnamese
are some of the languages spoken in Lao People's Democratic Republic. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!
Discussion
Experienced this and have something to share? Experienced something like this somewhere else? Looking for advise or travel companions? Use this space to leave your mark. Our writers and editors are more than happy to help answer your questions.
Recent Tweets
Listed below are the most recent comments made on Twitter for "gibbon experience laos":
