The Gibbon Experience

Adventure-seekers would get their fill of activities with the Gibbon Experience.

Considered as one of the highlights in the Bokeo Province, it is a tourism-based conservation project wherein tourists can explore and experience the different sights and adventures in the nature reserve while also supporting forest conservation.

Location

Bokeo Nature Reserve, Huay Xai, Laos

Opening Days and Hours

Daily from 07:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

• The Gibbon Experience Express: USD 180 for 2 days and 1 night
• Classic Gibbon Experience: USD 290 for 3 days and 2 nights
• The Waterfall Gibbon Experience: USD 310 for 3 days and 2 nights

How to Get There

• From Luang Prabang: fly to Vientiane and see next bullet point, or travel to Huay Xai by bus or boat: travel time is around 12 hours and fare is LAK 150,000 or USD 18.03
• From Vientiane: fly to Huay Xai via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyways (travel time is 55 minutes and fare ranges from LAK 400,000 to 900,000 or USD 48.08 to 108.19); or bus via the Vientiane Northern bus station (travel time is 24 hours and costs LAK 260,000 or USD 31.25)

Suggested For

• Backpackers/solo travelers
• Couples
• Group of friends
• Families with kids older than 7 years old

Time to Spend

2 to 3 days depending on the package you avail of

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit is during the months of November to January when the weather is coolest and nice.

Activities

• The Classic Gibbon Experience (3 days, 2 nights): one hour of hilly walk, zip line to your tree house accommodation, possible gibbon encounters, access to Nam Kan National Park
• The Waterfall Gibbon Experience (3 days, 2 nights): 2 to 3 hour treks each day along the Nam Nga River, freshwater swimming pool, and waterfall; zip lines to tree house accommodations (2 for the duration of stay); possible gibbon encounters; access to Nam Kan National Park
• The Gibbon Express (2 days, 1 night): steep walk for more than an hour, series of long zip lines, visit to the Tree King, tree house accommodation, access to Nam Kan National Park

Food

Packages include fire-cooked meals (7 meals for the 3-day packages, and 4 meals for the 2-day package), local fruits, and snacks.

Safety and Fraud

Keep mosquito repellents on hand as Dengue is a real risk.

Stay

Accommodations are tree houses with the rates included in the activities package (see Activities section)

Good to Know

• Bring binoculars to appreciate the sights and even spot gibbons.
• Bring extra water for the hikes to keep hydrated.
• Some guides are willing to buy and beers for you from the nearby village and bring it to your tree house.
• Ask your guides for yummy “jungle ginger” and “mon fruit/green fruit.”