Its habitat is in the humid subtropical and seasonal tropical forests of these countries.

[4][5] The northern buffed-cheeked gibbon resembles Nomascus gabriellae in appearance.

The male has a primarily black pelt that glistens silver in sunlight, with a lighter brown chest.

The female, though, lacks the characteristic crest and is orange-beige in color.

[4] The holotype is located in the Zoological Museum of the Vietnam National University.