Gibbon Experience – Sleep in Treehouses & Zipline Like Tarzan!

Surely most of us have dreamed of becoming Tarzan, soaring through the forests, living in trees, and being close to primates, right? But is there a place on Earth where you can make that dream a reality? The answer is yes! Let’s travel halfway around the world to Laos, where the Gibbon Experience awaits you!

Written by Oliver PHUNG (Local expert)Updated on 25-03-2025

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Have You Heard of the Gibbon Experience?

Set in Bokeo Province, in the northern part of Laos and near the Thai frontier, the Gibbon Experience is far more than a jungle adventure; it's a pioneering conservation project with real impact.

Its mission since 1996 has been to safeguard Nam Kan National Park, a treasure house of rainforests under threat, by training and empowering communities for guardianship. The project established jobs by training locals to be guides, cooks, builders, and stewards of the jungle, while preserving more than 123,000 hectares of pristine jungle instead of shutting off the forest.

Really, the main highlight for travelers is that you can fly over the treetops on a zipline, sleep in treehouses as high as 40 meters, and wake up to the haunting calls of the black-crested gibbon, among the rarest primates in the world.

Is the Gibbon Experience Worth It?

The Gibbon Experience’s value largely depends on your interests, budget, and fitness level. This eco-tourism adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore the rainforest of northern Laos through activities like ziplining and staying in treehouses. However, it is a luxury experience, which means it may not be affordable for everyone.

The tour requires physical exertion, such as trekking and ziplining, so it's important to be fit and comfortable with heights. If you're seeking thrilling views and want to support conservation efforts, the Gibbon Experience could be a great fit. Just ensure that it aligns with both your budget and physical abilities before committing.

How to Get There? 

The Gibbon Experience starts in Huay Xai, a quiet town in northern Laos, just across the river from Thailand. Getting there is part of the adventure, as the area is remote and not accessible by plane or train.

The easiest and cheapest option is by bus. From Chiang Rai, it’s about 3 hours to the Thai–Lao border at Chiang Khong, then a short crossing to Huay Xai. From Chiang Mai, the journey takes around 7 hours.

If you're already in Laos, the drive from Luang Namtha to Bokeo takes about 5 hours. For the scenic route, some travelers opt for a two-day slow boat from Luang Prabang down the Mekong.

📍🗺️ Tip: Arrive in Huay Xai the day before your tour — it starts early from the Gibbon Experience office.

Arrival in the Jungle and First Impressions

To reach Namkan National Park, we underwent two stages of arrangements by the Gibbon Experience team in Huay Xai. The first was a 90-minute minivan trip to the edge of the park. This was where the fun started. We boarded a 4x4 jeep that bounced and skidded upon muddy roads while crossing shallow streams, just 15 kilometers, but it took us another one and a half hours.

Finally, we arrived at the village of Toup, an isolated ethnic community, found near the edge of the jungle. That was where the feeling of loneliness and rough beauty came over us. The air thickened and grew earthy, resonating with the sounds of wild things. We met and trained with our local guides 👣, had a quick meal, and let ourselves be carried away by the surroundings to begin our trek into the heart of the jungle on foot and zipline.

My 3-Day Experience with the Gibbon Experience

There’s no signal, no Wi-Fi. Only solar-powered lights and the sounds of the jungle fill the space. You sleep in treehouses high above the forest, shower in cold water, and share simple, home-cooked Lao meals by candlelight. The air is thick and alive, with insects singing through the night and gibbons calling at dawn.

Days are spent hiking narrow jungle trails and soaring through the treetops on ziplines. It’s challenging at times, but the reward is a sense of freedom and connection, with nature, with others, and with yourself. And in the midst of it all, you’re helping protect one of the world’s rarest creatures, the black gibbon.

Trekking and Zip Lining through the Jungle like Tarzan 🧗‍♂️

Unforgettable memories were formed within three days of trekking into the Bokeo Nature Reserve and flying through the canopy like Tarzan. Every day brought a stage to the journey, with trekking distances measured at about 7 kilometres, 8 kilometres, and 10 kilometres.

The paths took us deep into forests, winding along narrow trails, up and down some steep hills at times. The ground was dry soil or slippery mud, depending on the weather, necessitating trusty hiking shoes. Streams were crossed, and roots, mossy rocks, and unspoiled corners of the jungle, which felt truly wild, were passed through.

What distinguishes this trekking through the jungle is the inclusion of ziplining in between. Instead of hiking around the hills or going down steep and slippery slopes, people fly over the tops of trees, crossing from ridge to ridge, using the zipline. Zipline stations are located at critical transition areas where trained local guides provide safety instructions and assistance. The people can fly by zipline, individual by individual, above waterfalls and forest canopies. Some are short, beautiful ziplines, while some even exceed 500 meters in length, offering panoramic views across the jungle.

This mix of trekking and flying creates a beautiful and dynamic experience. It's possible for the traveler to explore the jungle at two angles: a walking tour under the canopy and an aerial tour above it. This way, a very personal adventure in nature is ensured.

Observe Wildlife Diversity and Red Book’s Gibbons 🐒 🦜

One of the most special parts of the Gibbon Experience is simply being surrounded by the wild beauty of Bokeo Nature Reserve. Spanning 123,000 hectares of untouched rainforest, this jungle is alive with butterflies, birds, reptiles, insects, and rare mammals.

With one of the principal discoveries made here was that of the 1997 rediscovery of the black-crested gibbon (also known as the black gibbon), a species once believed to be extinct. This finding was highly influential in the establishment of the reserve itself, with the conservation of gibbons at its center.

They are listed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List and are known for their striking jet-black fur, their ability to move acrobatically throughout the canopy, and the familiar sound of their wonderfully loud, melodic calls, which are often heard reverberating through the forest at dawn. So, this isn't a zoo or safari, it's raw, unscripted nature, and that's what makes it just so special.

Spend the Night in a Cozy Treehouse 🌲

Surely, many of us once dreamed of living in a treehouse as children. With the Gibbon Experience, that dream comes to life. The area features a total of seven unique treehouses, each with a different design. On average, participants stay two nights in two different treehouses during the journey.

Each treehouse is perched high above the jungle floor, some reaching up to 40 meters. They are accessible only by zipline, making the arrival itself part of the adventure. Built from natural materials and designed with open-air layouts, the treehouses blend seamlessly into the forest and offer stunning views over the misty canopy.

Though rustic, the treehouses provide essential comforts: cozy beds with mosquito nets, basic bathroom facilities, and a small dining area where meals are delivered by zipline. The open design keeps you constantly connected to the jungle, from birdsong at dawn to buzzing insects by day and the haunting calls of gibbons in the early morning.

Nights here are unlike anywhere else. With no Wi-Fi or electricity, evenings are spent singing, playing cards, chatting with locals, or sharing stories with fellow travelers. Eventually, you fall asleep to the rhythm of the forest, under a sky full of stars, surrounded by the purest form of nature.

Best Time for the Highest Chance of Seeing Gibbons

The dry season, from November to April, is your best bet for spotting gibbons and enjoying comfortable trekking conditions. Gibbons are most active at dawn, so early mornings are your prime window.

In addition, the rainy season is definitely for the more adventurous and patient. The paths can become very muddy, slippery, and wet!

Practical Information & Tips

Booking & Cost

Because the tour takes place in a national forest with limited capacity, it’s recommended to book about 6 months in advance.

The Gibbon Experience currently offers three main tour options.

• 3D/2N Classic

The most relaxed option with the least amount of walking. This tour also offers the highest chance of spotting gibbons, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Cost: $310 USD

• 3D/2N Waterfall

A more adventurous option that takes you deeper into the park, with 2–3 hours of trekking per day and the opportunity to swim in a natural pool. Requires moderate fitness.
Cost: $310 USD

• 2D/1N Express

A shorter, more intense trek with steep terrain and the lowest chance of seeing gibbons.
Cost: $190 USD

Note: Payment methods - PayPal, cash, or credit card (3% fee applies). You can check out their Gibbon Experience website for a more detailed tour!

Packing List 

• Long-sleeved sleepwear (for bug protection)
• Shorts or pants for daytime
• 3 breathable shirts
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Headlamp
• Basic meds (fever, stomach, allergies)
• Snacks & water bottle (water provided)
• Toothbrush & toilet paper
• Book, cards, or a small game
• Camera + spare battery (no charging available)

FAQs About the Gibbon Experience

• Will I Have to ‘Rough It’ Completely?

Not really. It’s definitely not a hotel, but you won’t be suffering either. You’ll have a bed with a mosquito net, basic bathroom stuff, and meals delivered by zipline, which is honestly pretty cool. It’s simple, but kind of the whole charm.

• Are There Bathrooms in the Treehouses?

Yep! Each treehouse has a toilet and a cold-water shower. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. 

• What If I Decide I’m Uncomfortable or Scared Once I’m There?

Totally normal to feel that way at first, it’s the jungle, after all. But most people settle in pretty quickly. The guides are super helpful, and the place grows on you fast.

• Is It Worth It for Someone Like Me, Who Usually Stays in Hotels?

If you’re even a little adventurous  in your blood, yes, 100%. It’s not about comfort, it’s about the experience. Sleeping in a treehouse, ziplining over the forest, hearing gibbons in the morning... it’s wild, in the best way.

Conclusion

With three days completely off the grid, the heart was full not just with peace but also with the raw, untamed beauty that this place has to offer. The Gibbon Experience lies well off the beaten track and will appeal to nature enthusiasts and those who can handle a little discomfort.

You must come with the mindset to let go. Amenities are minimal, and there’s no space here for screens or schedules. This is all about letting yourself slip away from the world and into the moment.

At last, the Gibbon Experience is not really built for comfort seekers. It is for the adventurous soul, the curious traveler, the one who finds solace not in conveniences but in wild simplicity. You won’t just visit the jungle – you’ll become a part of it.

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