Hang With the Gibbons of Laos

Forget sleeping in igloos or under the sea. If you really want to experience nature while embracing your inner child, you need to try sleeping in the trees.

© BIAU Guillaume | Flickr

The Gibbon Experience aims to provide a unique treetop tourism experience while also helping to preserve natural habitats for gibbons and other local wildlife. Located in Laos, the project focuses on building tree houses in the forest in which tourists can spend their vacation. During the trip you’ll learn all about the need for local conservation efforts and how to stop illegal logging, bomb fishing, hunting and other misuses of the land.

© HRamirez | Flickr

Some of the activities include zip lining, swimming and hiking. They currently offer three options: the Classic and Waterfall tours last three days each and the Express tour can be booked for two days. Both of these typically include encounters with gibbons.

© BIAU Guillaume | Flickr

The money you spend during your trip helps to aid in reforestation projects, provide park patrols and develop sustainable agriculture. It’s located in the Nam Kan National Park, home to 136,00 hectares of deciduous forest. Your contribution will help it grow and prosper and provide much-needed support for the animals. It’s a form of voluntourism.

Prices vary depending on season, but the average is $100 per day. You can find more information or book on their website here.