since you plan on going to Laos, this thread begins and ends with the gibbon experience. You can thank me when you get back, as this is not advertised in travelplanet books and is strictly word of mouth:
www.gibbonx.org
oh yeah, and if you have a vicious hatred of hiking, disregard this post. But if you do go, you owe me one!
And if you want a sneak preview, and your on facebook, look up the group- they've got videos.