The morning view at the Gibbon Experience

Located midway between Luang Nam Tha and Huay Xai, the Gibbon Experience is a one of a kind in Laos.

Taken on: 21st March, 2010. Copyright: All Rights Reserved - See travelfishery's page of Flickr

Read more about Luang Nam Tha

Nestled in the north of mountainous Laos, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Chinese border, dusty Luang Nam Tha has a remote, cowboy town feel to it but makes an excellent base for exploring the many natural wonders of the province of which it is capital.

Formed by three long, straight and flat roads, the town and its life centres around its two markets. Tourism infrastructure is in its infancy here, but the excellent Boat Landing Guesthouse is helping to open up the region to curious and more intrepid travellers.

Trekking, mountain-biking, rafting and kayaking are among the growing number of ways to enjoy the stunning scenery surrounding Luang Nam Tha. As Boat Landing Guesthouse argues, tourism here can help send a message to locals that their culture and forests are important and valuable in their own right. Cash you spend on access permits goes to wildlife and forest conservation projects.

Luang Nam Tha itself is home to an ethnic museum, which is worth a pop ... Read our complete Luang Nam Tha travel guide

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