The Gibbon Experience – Ziplining Through Laos’ Jungles

The only place in the world where you can hear and see wild gibbons from the world’s highest treehouses — deep in the lush rainforest of Laos.

This is more than an adventure — it’s conservation in action.

The Gibbon Experience is a non-profit ecotourism organisation protecting Laos’ Nam Kan National Park. Your visit directly supports forest preservation, endangered wildlife (like the black-crested gibbon), and sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

By choosing this experience, you’re not only witnessing nature — you’re actively helping preserve it.

Rocky and I booked the honeymoon package, which included a private treehouse, 3 days and 2 nights of trekking and ziplining (a network of 15km!), and plenty of muddy jungle magic. Some treehouses are perched 30–40 metres high — accessible only by zipline.

We hiked with a lovely group on Day 1 and 3, and enjoyed meals that were zip-lined to us by the sweetest ladies. (Yes, your food arrives by zipline — what a vibe!)

Our first morning in Nam Kan National Park, at 6:30am, we heard the unmistakable calls of the gibbons echoing through the trees. It was surreal.

The paths were physically challenging but deeply rewarding. You’ll need to be okay with wildlife, insects, and roughing it — especially if it rains. And you must be okay with heights. Prepare to be a hot, sweaty jungle mess until you return. 😅

That said, there is a (cold) jungle shower in the treehouse bathroom — which is welcomed after a humid hike.

Learning From the Locals
Our guides, Dju and Hor Lei, had lived their whole lives in Toup, a native village that serves as a pit stop before you trek into the jungle.

It was beautiful to hear about their way of life and witness their deep knowledge of flora, fauna, and plant medicines. They shared stories as we walked — connecting us more deeply to the land we were walking through.

The Storm That Shook Me

Everything was going wonderfully… until Night 2.

Flickers of light began flashing around our treehouse, rumbling echoed through the mountains, and the swirling presence of a storm rolled in.

I love stormy days — but it’s a different feeling when you’re up in a tall tree, surrounded by cables. 😵‍💫 My anxiety rose in my chest and throat. I can’t tell you how many times I reread the evacuation safety instructions.

I’d also been quietly battling some inner shadows in the lead-up to this tour (that’s a story for another day), so the storm stirred more than just the air around us.

I laid there thinking… if anything happened, the nearest hospital was:

– a few ziplines away

– then a 2-hour trek

– followed by a rough 4WD drive

– then another 2-hour highway ride — all in the pouring rain —
… just to reach the small border town of Huay Xai.

Our guides were a zipline away, out of sight.

Meanwhile, Rocky was completely unphased, as always — my absolute rock. It was a perfect example of how two minds can live in the same environment but create completely different realities.

Eventually the storm eased, and I managed to sleep.

Gibbons at Sunrise

On our final morning, I woke to my body covered in insect bites, swollen and itchy — what I can describe as small balls of fire under my skin.
I felt a panic attack beginning to rise, but the spiral was interrupted when our guides arrived at 5:30am to zip us away to a viewing platform. “There’s no guarantee you’ll see the gibbons,” our guide reminded us — “about a 50/50 chance.“

Still feeling emotionally and physically battered from the night before, I sat beside Rocky, staring into the vast jungle with zero expectations.

Then… we heard them.

That unmistakable call. We watched the branches rustle and saw two females swinging from tree to tree, heading in our direction.

My eyes welled with overwhelming gratitude. “This was all worth it.”

Then the other group arrived — they’d been delayed by a fallen tree cutting their access line. Everyone was safe, thankfully. But their delay meant we got a private viewing of these magnificent creatures and before the mist covered the landscape.

And here’s the part I feel is important to share — because I always try to keep it real.

Even in moments like these, surrounded by beauty, I’ve lived with underlying anxiety for most of my life. It doesn’t take a break just because I’m on a honeymoon or in a jungle treehouse. What you see on social media — the adventure, the magic — is real. But so is the inner experience, and sometimes that’s messy. Both can exist at the same time.

This trip reminded me how powerful it is to honour both. And it’s inspired me to write a separate blog soon about traveling with anxiety — the highs, the triggers, the tools, and the unexpected lessons along the way.

If you’ve ever felt anxious while doing something “amazing,” or questioned why you couldn’t just enjoy the moment — I see you. You’re not alone. And maybe, like me, you’re learning that magic and discomfort can walk hand-in-hand — and that doesn’t make your experience any less valid or beautiful.

Thank you for being here,

With love and ink, Chloe @hummingbirdinkstudio

Hot Tips for the Gibbon Experience:
+ Storm season is April–May — plan accordingly
+ Bring light, breathable, quick-dry clothing — you’ll carry everything on Days 1 & 3 (max 5kg including harness)
+ Hiking shoes are essential — you can rent them in town if needed
+ Bring insect repellent with at least 20% DEET

Curious if this adventure is for you?
📹 Watch a Gibbon Experience Preview, or feel free to reach out — I’d be more than happy to chat and share more about it!