Thailand and Laos 2026: Nam Wa Adventure & Gibbon Experience

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Depart from London Heathrow (LHR) at 11:30 AM. Prepare for an exciting adventure ahead as you fly to Thailand.

Land in Nan at 12:50 PM. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day acclimating and exploring this charming town. Overnight at a Hotel in Nan.

After breakfast, transfer to the nearby National Park. Begin a trek through lush landscapes to reach the Nam Wa River. The trek will be about 3hrs through jungle and plantations. We finish at the Royal Project where we stay overnight. 

Kick off your 3-day rafting adventure on the Nam Wa River, known for its pristine waters and thrilling rapids. Navigate through scenic canyons, experiencing both excitement and natural beauty. Camp by the river under the stars. 

Nestled deep within the lush landscapes of the northern region, the Nam Wa River offers an exclusive adventure for those seeking to explore beyond the well-trodden paths. With limited access points, this river remains largely untouched, providing an authentic wilderness experience.

As you navigate its winding course, you’ll encounter exhilarating rapids, tranquil stretches, and dramatic canyon scenery, all surrounded by dense jungle. The remoteness of the location ensures that only a few adventurers get to experience its beauty, making it a true escape into nature. Camping riverside under the stars adds to the sense of immersion, allowing you to fully connect with the wild environment. The Nam Wa Rafting Experience is ideal for those seeking both adrenaline and solitude in one of Thailand's hidden gems.

On the final day, enjoy a final half-day on the river before reaching the endpoint. After lunch, transfer back to Nan for an evening of relaxation, reflection celebration, hot showers and a bed!

Depart Nan early for a scenic drive to Chiang Khong from here we cross the border into Laos and arrive in Huay Xai. This afternoon we can explore Huay Xai, enjoy dinner and prepare for the Gibbon Zipline Experience starting the next day.

Begin the famous zipline Gibbon Classic experience with a transfer to the site. Spend a half-day exploring the treetops on zip lines and learning about the region’s rich biodiversity.

This is the ultimate opportunity to immerse yourself in the heart of the Lao jungle and encounter gibbons in their natural habitat. It’s designed as our most accessible trek, with a one to two-hour moderately hilly walk to reach the treehouses, making it suitable for trekkers aged 8 to 65 who are in good physical condition.

This tour offers a flexible, personalized experience. You’ll have the freedom to decide how you spend your time, with no rigid schedule. Our knowledgeable guides will accompany you to your treehouse and lead you on treks and ziplining adventures, giving you the best chance to see or hear gibbons when they are in the area.

Our treehouses, the highest in the world, allow you to glide through the forest canopies and wake up surrounded by the sounds of gibbons and the beauty of the jungle. This unique vantage point provides an unparalleled opportunity to connect with nature while supporting a vital conservation effort.

By participating in The Gibbon Experience, you’re contributing to the protection of the Nam Kan National Park. Your interest and support have helped make the park a reality, transforming the lives of hundreds of local people who now make a living from this conservation initiative. Visiting our treehouse canopy and exploring the zipline network sustains not only the environment but also the livelihoods of the community.

The Gibbon Experience is a conservation-based tourism program that has gained recognition for its incredible canopy setups, featuring treehouses and thrilling ziplines. These treehouses serve as ideal observatories for nature enthusiasts and create a space where global travelers can meet, far removed from stereotypes and cultural clichés.

Your adventure begins at our office in Huay Xai, with groups of up to eight people departing at 8 AM for a three-day, two-night journey into the Nam Kan National Park. Spend your days exploring the forest from above and your nights resting high in the treetops. The tour concludes with a return to Huay Xai between 3 and 4 PM on the final day.

On the final day, conclude your Gibbon experience with a final half-day of canopy exploration. In the afternoon, return to Huay Xai and overnight. 

Embark on a serene and scenic two-day journey down the Mekong River on a slow boat from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang. This classic route is perfect for travelers seeking to experience the tranquil beauty of Laos at a relaxed pace. As you glide down the river, you'll be surrounded by lush landscapes, remote villages, and stunning limestone cliffs, all of which paint a picture of the authentic Lao countryside.

Day 1: Huay Xai to Pak Beng Your adventure begins in Huay Xai, where you’ll board the comfortable slow boat. Sit back and unwind as you pass by dense jungles, small fishing communities, and riverside farms. The day ends in the small town of Pak Beng, where you’ll stay overnight. This charming stop offers a glimpse into local life and a chance to savor traditional Lao dishes before resting for the night.

Day 2: Pak Beng to Luang Prabang Continue your journey downstream, where the sights become even more captivating. As the boat meanders through the river’s bends, you’ll witness rural Lao life up close, from children playing on the riverbanks to water buffalo grazing in the fields. The journey culminates in the arrival at Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its stunning temples and French colonial architecture.

This slow boat journey is more than just a transfer; it’s a chance to connect with the natural and cultural beauty of Laos. With plenty of time to relax and take in the sights, it’s the ideal way to experience the Mekong River and arrive in Luang Prabang refreshed and inspired.

A day at leisure in Luang Prabang. Explore temples, visit local markets, or simply relax by the Mekong River. Optional activities include a cooking class or a visit to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Other options include kayaking or mountain biking.

Another day to enjoy the beauty of Luang Prabang. You can hike up Mount Phousi for panoramic views, visit the Royal Palace Museum, or enjoy a traditional Lao massage. Other options include experiencing morning alms giving or visiting the UXO Lao Visitor Centre. 

Spend the morning savoring your last moments in Luang Prabang before transferring to the airport for your flight. Depart at 12:15 PM for your return journey to London.

Arrive at London Heathrow at 7:00 AM. Welcome home after an unforgettable adventure!