Laos forum

Hi scootypaul

I'm doing the gibbon exp on 29 nov - 1 dec. I'll let you know what it was like as soon as I can get online

Regards

Marian

Make sure that you book ahead. I just showed up and was told there were no opennings for two weeks. Now I will have to come back in a few years so I can actaully do it.

I tried to do the Waterfall Gibbon Exp and had a place booked but couldnt commit to the date. Consequently lost the booking and my chance to live in the treetops for a few days. I was really pissed off with myself for letting that happen.
I met a couple in Houay Xai that endured 7 hours on the fast boat and bad sunburn only to be told there were no more places. The girl alomost cried.

neither of us could afford the wait for the next outing and had to press on.

so the lesson here is BOOK AHEAD!!

Hi princessdisaster

The classic is 5,500 baht and they are now offering a 3 night package which costs more - not sure how much. Pretty pricey but I don't know anywhere else you can do this, if you can squeeze it into your budget - do it. An unique experience!

Regards
Marian

Hi Razz

Talking to the guys who did the waterfall, it involves more walking than zipping. You only spend 1 night at the waterfall then back to treehouse 2 or 3. A fifth treehouse opened on Dec 1. There are plans for 12 treehouses in all with 1 village responsible for each. The most zip lines are between treehouses 1 and 2. Between 2 and 3 there is only 2 zip lines 1 in and 1 out. Personally I felt 2 nights were enough - everytime you zip there is an uphill climb to get to the next line - depends on how fit you are, I considered myself reasonably fit but was completely knackered after the 2 days.

Hope that helps

Marian

Hi razzy

Treehouse 1 is where we stayed, one comment in the comments book was that it felt like a bus station, but we had fun. Treehouse 1 sleeps 6 on 3 levels. TH 2 sleeps 2 or 3 at a push. These 2 have the most zip lines. You will at some point be sharing 1 breakfast and 1 lunch with the occupants of the other TH's, everyone rocks over to TH1 for this. TH1 was great for us cos we clicked with a spanish couple and continued to travel with them for another 2 weeks. Re booking - email the gibbon exp with your approx dates and they'll tell you when the programs start. I think you have to start in Huay Xai cos that's where their office is, you'll have to pay and sign the waiver form the day before you start, so how you get there is up to you, either by boat or bus

Have fun

Marian

Hi. A friend of mine lives in Pangmapha, Northern Thailand - she teaches to the local hill tribes for free each afternoon/early evening. Her boyfriend is a vet and each morning has been doing gibbon research in that area for a number of years. They see gibbons almost every day (perhaps unlike the gibbon experience).

But they are not a tourist attraction. They live simply and are Thai but have great English.

They have been able to survive and do the work they do as a Thai company gave them a grant. Recently they got the news that that grant will not be given this year. They don't know what they will do now.

Perhaps - if people are interested they could contact these people (put a message on here) and help out. But there are no zip lines etc. This is for non-touristy types who want to go and see gibbons and help real people. Added to that - I am not even sure it is possible as they will need to find jobs soon and probably have to leave the area.

But perhaps if some tourists or someone with money and an interest in gibbons can get involved - maybe their projects can be saved.

Somtam (my fav food) - you should have an email from me.

Paul