GIBBON EXPERIENCE LAOS

During our 4 months in Southeast Asia, the Gibbon Experience Laos was by far the highlight of our trip. Nestled on the border of Thailand and Laos, this adventure is unlike anything else. A short bus ride from Chiang Rai brings you to Huay Xai, a tiny town in Laos with a handful of guesthouses, hostels, and restaurants. It’s also home to the Gibbon Experience office.

This one-of-a-kind adventure is incredibly popular, with only 8 spots available per day for the classic 3-day, 2-night tour. Booking in advance is essential. While the cost is around $340 (£270), it’s worth every penny for such a unique and thrilling experience. If you are a couple and don't want to be with anyone for the whole trip you can book the Honeymoon treehouse, but we enjoyed getting to know our other campmates and enjoyed being in a group.

The Gibbon Experience is all about immersing yourself in nature—zipping through the jungle canopy, sleeping in treehouses, and maybe even spotting gibbons in their natural habitat.

Packing smart is essential for making the most of your Gibbon Experience. Here’s what you’ll need:

Headtorch: Treehouses get pitch black at night, so a headtorch is a must. Some hostels in Huay Xai rent them if you don’t have one.
Insect repellent: The jungle is full of mosquitos, so bring plenty.
Clothing: Wear long trousers (not leggings, as mosquitos can bite through them) and t-shirts to minimize bites. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best.
Snacks: Meals are provided, but portions can be small. Bringing snacks like cookies for the evening is a good idea.
Binoculars: While they provide a pair, having your own will enhance your chances of spotting gibbons up close.
Light packing: Leave your larger bag or suitcase at the office. You’ll only need a small backpack for trekking essentials

The Classic Tour is a three-day, two-night adventure deep in the Laos jungle. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect:

Day 1: Start at the office in Huay Xai to drop off large bags, watch safety videos, and meet your group of eight. After a couple hour minibus ride, you will then cross a river by foot and then hop in a 4×4 for an hour drive deep into the jungle until you reach a remote village. Enjoy a quick meal, meet your guides, and begin trekking and ziplining to your treehouse. It will take a couple of hours to reach to treehouse, but is exciting walking and ziplining through the jungle. The treehouse, perched high in the jungle, offers breathtaking views and a cozy spot to spend the next couple of night.
Day 2: After breakfast, you’ll spend the day trekking, ziplining, and visiting other treehouses while searching for gibbons. Some of the ziplines are long and incredibly high, offering amazing views. We were lucky to have an incredible gibbon encounter where multiple gibbons appeared right by the tree house. Lunch is back at your treehouse before heading out again for more adventure. The day ends with dinner, hot chocolate, and rest under mosquito nets.
Day 3: After breakfast, enjoy your final few ziplines before trekking back to the village. The journey takes a couple of hours, passing through lush scenery. Back in the village, you’ll have lunch before heading out by 4×4 and minibus, returning to Huay Xai by early evening.

It’s a thrilling, once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with adventure, stunning scenery, and a chance to see gibbons in their natural habitat.

Contact me today if you need any help planning routes or need any travel advice