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After a sweaty hour trek into the Nam Kan National Park in northern Laos we finally arrived at the first canopy zip-line. Our group of five listened intently to the safety instructions from our charismatic guide, Pad Thai. Once he explained how to control our speed, cross our legs and make it across the lengthy zip-line, we put our harnesses on and got ready to go. Our second guide stepped up to lead the way and demonstrate the course. Surprisingly he approached the platform carrying a machete in one hand and a plastic bag full of 2 dozen eggs in the other. I thought to myself, how is he going to keep all those eggs safe as we zip-line to our destination - the highest treehouse in the world. This was just the beginning of our adventure with The Gibbon Experience - a tourism based conservation effort in the Nam Kan National Park in Laos. The program is mainly known for its canopy set ups featuring zip-lines and incredible treehouses. The Gibbon Experience also allows visitors to gain an up close view into the unique biodiversity of the Bokeo forest which is home to Lao’s largest tree and rare wildlife. The program sustains the livelihood of a large community, and is also a very important conservation effort for the region. Every person that participates in the Gibbon Experience helps to fund a forest patrol that stops illegal logging, hunting, bomb fishing and land use. The Gibbon Experience gives locals and visitors a different perspective on the forest, and encourages a conservation effort that would otherwise be non-existent. As we made our way deeper into the forest, the uniqueness of this experience became more evident. Soaring through the zip-line course was exhilarating. Every time my feet left the platform I was hit with a heavy adrenaline rush as I quickly picked up speed. Each time, I had a few moments to soak in my surroundings - the dense green canopy that stretched as far as my eye could see, the perfectly plump clouds dotting the sky, and the loud echo and buzz of the forest around me. As we made our way through the zip-line course and deeper into the jungle we kept a close look out for the Gibbons. These small primates are difficult to spot, but the zip-lines and giant treehouses provide the best opportunity. After 8 zip-lines and a bit of trekking, we came to our last zip-line of the day. By this point we were all a bit hungry and definitely in need of a shower. As we approached the platform, I realized this zip-line was different from all the rest. It led directly into the giant three story treehouse which would be our home for the night. Egg Man led the way into the house - all but one of his eggs had survived the journey into the forest. Next, our guides gave the full tour of the treehouse. Everyone got their own mattress and mosquito net, there were hammocks and cushions to relax and soak in the view, and best of all, the shower which looked out over the whole forest. Once we were all cleaned up, we sat down to a delicious family dinner. I really enjoyed this part because Pad Thai told us a lot about the Lao culture and the conservation efforts that the Gibbon Experience was helping with. He also attempted to scare us with some spooky stories but most of them just made us laugh. By bedtime, I was thoroughly exhausted. I quickly fell asleep to the sounds of the forest and looked forward to the rest of the adventure. The Gibbon Experience is the best off the beaten path adventure for any Southeast Asia trip. It is perfect for travelers who want to have an up close view of the forest ecosystem, gain cultural understanding and contribute to an important environmental cause. I really appreciated how much I learned about the environment and culture of Laos - a country most travelers skip. The Gibbon Experience stands out amongst all my travel adventures, and to this day, no zip-line has compared to the ones I experienced with the Gibbon Experience.