Explore Bokeo Nature Reserve — A ‘hidden paradise’ of Laos

Visiting Bokeo Nature Reserve you will never forget the lush green tropical forest canopy, the fun house on a tree, monkey bridges and suspension bridge is not easy to go at all.

Bokeo province is located in northwest Laos. The capital of Bokeo is Ban Houayxay bordering Thailand’s Chiang Khong provine on the Mekong river.

Bokeo Nature Reserve was established in 2004 with the mission to preserve 123.000 hectares of primary rainforest. This forest is a place of rare biodiversity with animals such as tigers, bears, elephants, chimpanzees, buffalo … and many birds and insects live.

Arriving to Bokeo is the land of the vast, majestic with fascinating small houses lie on the treetops. In Bokeo, visitors will experience the swing moving cables to the tree houses or experience unsteady on monkey bridges. The main focal point is the unspoiled completely different made Bokeo extremely attracted the attention of tourists.

A part of Bokeo Nature Reserve is planned for use by people for cultivating and a part for ecotourism.

Executive and protecting Bokeo Nature Reserve is The Gibbon Experience, get permission from the government of Laos in 2007. They operate tours direction to preserve nature, creating jobs for local workers, support indigenous peoples develop sustainable agriculture. This is a model for eco-tourism in form of nature, explore and protect environment.

Further information

How to get to Bokeo Nature Reserve

The only way to access Bokeo Nature Reserve is with The Gibbon Experience conservation project run by Societe Animo in Huay Xai.

Lodging

The Gibbon Experience has built tree-top accommodation for visitors to Bokeo Nature Reserve. You can book at their office in Huay Xai or by emailing them at [email protected]

The Gibbon Experience

With stunning vistas and lush tropical rain forests, the natural beauty of Laos is one of the primary reasons many people visit this mountainous landlocked country. And the best way to get out into nature and really experience its immense beauty is to trek. Many choose the areas surrounding Luang Nam Tha while others opt for destinations further afield such as Phongsali and Muang Khua. Those seeking a truly unique experience should take a look at the Gibbon Experience in the northern town of Huay Xai.

The Gibbon Experience project was established in 2004 with a mission to preserve the jungle surrounding Huay Xai from the pressures of poaching, slash and burn agriculture and logging. This is largely accomplished through the fees collected from tourists wishing to experience the jungle up close and personal. A number of trekking options are presented all which feature overnight stays in treehouses and zip-lining, which combine to provide a fantastic perspective on the jungle through which you are trekking.

The trek we went on was called the The Gibbon Express. It features more zip-lining and less chance of seeing wildlife than other longer treks although none of the treks come with any guarantee of wildlife sightings.

Website: http://www.gibbonexperience.org
Address: P.O. box 400, Ban Houayxay, Bokeo Province, Lao P.D.R.
Tel : +856 84 21 20 21 / +856 30 57 45 866
E-mail: [email protected]

Read more Laos travel guide at here.