Leave It All Behind

A Jungle Adventure in Northern Laos (October 2011)

In October 2011, I embarked on a two-week motorbike adventure through the rugged northern regions of Laos. Our journey took us from Vientiane up to the Chinese border and back down to Luang Prabang, winding through mountainous terrain, dense forests, and remote villages. Among the highlights of the trip was an extraordinary stay in a treehouse deep in the jungle—an experience as challenging as it was unforgettable.

The Journey to the Jungle

The adventure began with a 1.5-hour drive in a four-wheel-drive vehicle to a small town, followed by a river crossing and another hour of off-roading through rugged, muddy tracks into the mountains. The ride was bumpy and unpredictable, with the vehicle bogging down frequently as we navigated the dense jungle terrain.

Eventually, we arrived at what was called "base camp." From here, the road ended, and the real challenge began—a 90-minute hike through the jungle to reach the main camp. Carrying a 15kg backpack filled with camera gear, lenses, and a few clothes, I set off into the hot, humid forest. The lack of breeze and steep terrain made the trek grueling, but the thought of what awaited us kept me moving.

The Surprise of the Treehouse

Reaching the main camp, I was ready to collapse, thinking we had arrived at our final destination. To my surprise, this was just the starting point for the second leg of our journey. After a brief rest, we were outfitted with zipline gear to traverse the jungle canopy to our treehouse accommodation.

What followed was another 90-minute trek, this time punctuated by exhilarating zipline rides across valleys as high as 100 metres and as long as 300 metres. The cool breeze during each zipline ride was a welcome relief from the relentless heat and humidity. But each descent was followed by yet another steep climb, testing my stamina to its limits.

At one point, exhausted and overwhelmed, I seriously considered abandoning my camera gear—a thought that had never crossed my mind before. The weight of the equipment, combined with the physical exertion, was nearly too much to bear.

The Reward: A Treehouse in the Sky

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, we arrived at our treehouse. Perched high in the jungle canopy, it offered breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment that made every gruelling step worthwhile. The sounds of the jungle surrounded us, and the evening brought a serene stillness that contrasted with the day’s challenges.

Reflecting on the journey, I was grateful I hadn’t left my gear behind. The experience of photographing the jungle from the treehouse, combined with the memories of traversing the ziplines, made the effort more than worth it.

Lessons from the Jungle

  1. Pack Smart: When trekking through challenging terrain, minimise your load to the essentials.
  2. Embrace the Challenge: Even when exhaustion sets in, perseverance often leads to the most rewarding experiences.
  3. Prepare Mentally: Knowing the journey ahead helps set realistic expectations, making surprises less overwhelming.

A Jungle Adventure Like No Other

The jungle of northern Laos offered an adventure unlike any other, from the thrill of the zip-lines to the tranquillity of the treehouse. It was a journey of physical endurance, breathtaking views, and a reminder of the resilience needed to push through even the most challenging moments.


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