Visitor Information and Map Biodiversity Ecotourism

NPAs in Lao PDRNational Protected Areas

Threatened Species and Biodiversity in NPAs Lao Wildlife Research and Conservation ProjectsManaging the Lao NPA Network for Conservation and Sustainable Use

The Lao NPA Network

The wide range of habitats covered by Lao NPAs ensures that this precious biodiversity resource of flora, fauna and landscape includes many endangered Asian species.

Tiger (Panthera tigris)Unlike most cats, tigers swim and play in water. This magnificent species is endangered throughout southeast Asia. Major threats include loss of habitat, reduced prey populations and illegal hunting.

Nam Et and Phou Louey NPAs are large enough to harbour breeding populations of tigers. WCS is working alongside Protected Area staff and villagers to collect baseline data on the status of tigers and prey - the first systematic assessment of tiger and prey abundance and human-tiger conflict in Laos. Over two years, camera traps in the NPAs recorded a remarkable 20 different carnivores including six species of cats, with tigers occurring at an average density of 0.7 tigers per 100 square km. These results indicate that Nam Et and Phou Louey contain a very important tiger population for Indochina.

To find out more about NPAs, ecotourism and biodiversity in Laos you can visit the National Visitor Centre in Vientiane, and browse these informative websites:www.ecotourismlaos.comwww.tourismlaos.gov.lawww.trekkingcentrallaos.com

Tours in NPAs should be made with a registered local guide. For more information, contact Ecoguide Services and villages who provide locally guided tours:Nam Ha Ecoguide Service, Luang Namtha townPhone: 086 211 534

Vieng Phoukha Ecoguide Service, Luang Namtha provincePhone: 081 212 400

Muang Sing Ecoguide Service, Luang Namtha provincePhone: 030 511 0493

Phou Khao Khouay NPABan Na village, Phone: 020 220 82 86 / 020 220 82 62 Lao language Ban Hatkhai village, Phone: 020 224 03 03 Lao language

Khammouane Ecoguide Association, ThakaekVisitor information Centre, Khoun Kham /Na HinPhone: 0305 255 835 / 051 212 512

Savannakhet Ecoguide Association, Savannakhet Phone: 041 214 203Email: savannakhetguides2@yahoo.com

Locally guided Ecotours in Champassak and Xe PianChampassak Provincial Tourist Centre, Pakse. Phone: 031 212 021NPA Office, Thang Beng, Km 48 Route 13. Mon - Fri 8-12am, 1-4pmKiet Ngong village, Phone: 030 5346547 Lao language

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos) is home to the richest and most intact ecosystems in the Indochina Peninsula. Laos embraces four of the Global 200 Ecoregions , the richest, rarest, and most distinct examples of all Earth’s diverse natural habitats which are critical for biodiversity conservation and global sustainability.

To help protect this stunning natural beauty the Lao government designated a National Protected Area (NPA) network to conserve all key habitats and ecosystems. This network of 20 NPAs covering 14% of the country is recognised as one of the best designed in the world.

To gain a real insight into the heart of Laos you can visit NPAs from the north to the south of the country, discovering diverse habitats and lifestyles in areas ranging from mountain peaks to

wetland plains. Your visit will contribute to the conservation of unique ecosystems and traditions that have shaped Laos over generations.

In the heart of Nakai Nam Theun in eastern central Laos, mountain peaks rise to 2,200 m and a wildlife corridor connecting to Phou Hin Poun NPA enables large mammals to migrate over a huge area. A unique area within the NPA is a highly restricted range of 'everwet forest’ where monsoon rain from across the Annamite chain creates a ten-month wet season. Fauna and flora in these climate pockets are unique in Laos.

In Hin Nam No “Limestone Forest”, central Indochina limestone meets the Annamite mountain chain creating an enchanting landscape of sharp peaks and valleys. Studded with huge caves, this remote forested area forms one of the largest continuous limestone ecosystems in Southeast Asia. Bombing of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Indochina war riddled Hin Nam No with bomb craters, some of which are microhabitats for fish and reptiles. Phou Xang Hae in central southern Laos contains many species of globally threatened large mammals, particularly five species of higher primates, which require large undisturbed habitats for their survival. The sheer size of Phou Xang Hae and its pristine state make it of major national and regional importance in supporting these species. Treks into this beautiful and remote environment offer a rare and special glimpse into the area’s culture and biodiversity.

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National Protected Areas (NPAs) in Lao PDR

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The economic, environmental and social value of the NPA network is priceless. Agriculture and fisheries are the main economic activity for over 85% of the Lao popula-tion, and hunting for food is of central importance to rural people. Managing the NPA network for conservation and sustainable use is a huge challenge. Laos has developed a forward looking and regionally unique National Ecotourism Strategy and Action Plan with a key focus to promote poverty alleviation and strengthen the management of biodiversity in and around the NPA network.

Fascinating NPA Environments across Lao PDR

Douc langur (Pygathrix nemaeus)

These strikingly coloured mammals crash noisily through trees, but disappear quickly and silently though the tree-tops when danger threatens.Hin Nam No, Phou Xang Hae, Dong Phou Vieng, Dong Amphan

Ecoguide Services in Nam Ha NPA (Nam Ha, Muang Sing and Vieng Phoukha Ecoguides), Khammouane, Savannakhet and Champassak Provinces organise community-based ecotours which produce economic benefits for local people, protect cultural heritage and biodiversity and raise funds for environmental conservation. You can make an adventurous trip with ecoguides, explore amazing landscapes, discover wildlife, support local communities and help conserve NPA environments.

Explore Lao NPAs with Local EcoguidesEcotourism Information and Ecoguides

Elephant observation tower in Ban Na village, Phou Khao Khouay NPA

Donlay island, Xe Pian

NPA permit and tour fees benefit the NPA, local villages and guides.

Birdwatching in Xe Pian wetlandsXe Pian NPA contains ecologically important wetlands which are fascinating areas for birdwatching. At Ban Kiet Ngong village, just 1 hour from Pakse, villagers have created hides and lodges and offer guided treks,birdwatching, elephant rides to a sacred summit and village homestays.

Elephant observation in Phou Khao Khouay Ban Na village, on the edge of Phou Khao Khouay NPA near Vientiane, offers the unforgettable experience of watching wild elephants. In a community-based tourism project, Ban Na villagers have built a 7-metre high observation tower close to saltlicks and the river, where elephants visit in the evening or early morning. During an atmospheric overnight stay you might also spot deer, wild pigs and wild dogs (dhole).

Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus)Laos is home to one of the largest remaining populations of wild Asian elephants in Indochina. The main threats faced by elephants in Laos are ivory poaching, human–elephant conflict and habitat loss due to the conversion of land for agriculture, logging, hydropower projects and infrastructure development. WCS (Wildlife Conservation Society) works in Nakai-Nam Theun NPA to survey and conserve the elephant population. A major aim is to develop a demonstration site that will serve as a model for reducing human–elephant conflict nationwide.

Camera trap recording

Old-growth forests

Large-antlered muntjac (Muntiac vuquangensis)

Muntjac give a loud ‘barking’ call, probably as a warning. This large-antlered species of muntjac, also known as ‘barking deer’, was unknown to science until 1994. It is known only from evergreen forest in hills of Annamite mountains in central Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia where it is at risk from forest loss and hunting.Nakai-Nam Theun, Hin Nam No, Nam Kading, Xe Sap NPAs

The saola is a symbol of biodiversity in Laos. Discovered in 1992, the species is still almost as elusive today as it was more than a decade ago. Little is known of its ecology except that it inhabits dense moist forests in the Annamite mountains, where its existence is seriously threatened by habitat loss and hunting. With a population of probably less than 500, the saola's rarity, distinctiveness and vulnerability make it one of the greatest priorities for conservation in the region. Nakai-Nam Theun, Xe Sap NPAs

Saola saola (Pseudoryx nghetinhensis)

Red muntjac at mineral lick

Hornbills roost in limestone caves in Hin Nam No NPA

“Limestone Forest” peaks in Hin Nam No NPA

To support biodiversity management, funds from ecotourism activity are channelled to the NPAs. NPA entry fees are directly invested into locally designed projects and activities that:

decrease communities’ depend-ence on threatened species

provide alternative sources of income and improve livelihoods, especially through the develop-ment of ecotourism

raise awareness of the relationship between ecotourism activity, poverty alleviation and good conservation practice

build the capacity and status of protected area staff

prevent illegal hunting and harvesting practices.

Wild orchids in Phou Xieng Thong NPA

Trek to Khong mountain in Phou Xieng Thong NPA

National Protected Areas in Lao PDR

Legend

Lao NPA

Airport

Lao Border

Province Boundary

International Border

Road No.

Major Road

Secondary Road

River

Province capital

Town

Village

NPA Office

Information Centre

Village Homestay

Ecolodge

Guesthouse

Campsite

Restaurant

Cultural Site

Wetlands

Cave

Waterfall

Primate Habitat

Elephant Habitat

Big Cat Habitat

Bovine Habitat

Bird Habitat

Bat Habitat

Crocodile Habitat

Orchid Habitat

Elephant Riding

Boat Trip

Trekking

Mountain Biking

Kayakking

Birdwatching

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Nam Ha

Nam Kading

Phou Xang Hae

Dong Phou Vieng

Xe Bang Nouan

Xe Xap

Phou Xieng Thong

Xe Pian

Phou Dene Din

Nam Xam

Nam Phui

Phou Khao Khouay

Nakai Nam-Theun

Luang Namtha province 2,224 sq.km

With vast areas of undisturbed habitats stretching from the Mekong plains to the Cambodian border, Xe Pian is vital for biodiversity conservation. Unique in variety of different habitats, the NPA provides a prime setting for rich and varied wildlife. Ecologically important wetlands support huge populations of resident and migratory birds, making this a fascinating area for birdwatching and trekking, as well as elephant riding and stays in villages and an ecolodge. Xe Pian is easily accessed from Pakse and route 13 south.

Uniquely important because of its position in the Annamites, varied

altitude range, old-growth evergreen forests, rhododendron forests and high elevations. Two

watershed systems support local communities, biodiversity and

endangered species. Threatened Irrawaddy dolphins live in Xe Kong

river. Xe Bangliang has a wealth of rare fish species. Indigenous Lao Teung culture maintains strong spiritual ties to the land. Access from Salavanh to Ta Oy road.

The only NPA on the Mekong river, incorporating 100 km of both rocky and sandy riverbanks. Extensive flats of bare or thinly vegetated sandstone rock are a prominent terrain feature. Caves, sheer cliff faces up to 30m high and undisturbed forests are part of the complex habitat mosaic. Locally guided mountain treks feature the area’s beautiful orchid varieties.

Pongsali province 2,220 sq. km

Nam Et

This remote northeastern NPA is hilly and mountainous at elevations well above 1,000 m with the highest peak at 2,052 m. Surveys indicate that Nam Et and Phou Louey form an important breeding area for tigers, as well as vital habitats for clouded leopard, leopard and all large cats endemic to Indochina. Access is difficult.

Houaphanh province 1,915 sq.km

Phou Louey

Also known as “Khammouane Limestone”, a unique combination of stunning limestone karst

landscapes honeycombed with caves, fast-flowing rivers and fascinating cultural and archaeological sites. In

this incredible, biogeographically distinct landscape of jagged peaks up to 1500 m high, rivers flow through vast

caves which are home to the widest diversity of bat species in Laos. The protected landscape is vital

to large mammals, part of the range for one of Laos’ largest, most viable elephant

populations and nationally important populations

of macaques and gibbons, and is

linked by a wildlife corridor to Nakai-

Nam Theun. Access from

routes 8 and 12.

Birds in this mountainous, forested reserve include high densities of grey peacock pheasant and two species not recorded in any other NPA. Access is difficult.

Houaphanh province 1,734 sq. km

Three of the last five large mammals recently discovered or re-discovered worldwide occur in the complex range of habitats in Nakai Nam-Theun, the largest Lao NPA. The most distinct of these remarkable discoveries is the saola. Other newly discovered species are small dark muntjac and giant muntjac. The Indochinese warty pig was rediscovered in 1997 after being considered extinct. The area is home to nine species of primate including pygmy loris, douc langur, Francois’ langur and white-cheeked gibbon. Access is from route 8B, and to Nakai Plateau from Thakaek via route 12.

Khammouane Province 3,710 sq. km

Dramatic “limestone forest” peaks contain a wide diversity of bat species such as fruit bat, harlequin bat and great evening bat, which roost in caves in vast numbers. Birds roost on limestone crags, including wreathed and great hornbills and the rare, specialist limestone species sooty babbler. Access is from route12.

Hin Nam No

Khammouane Province 895 sq. km

Flat to gently rolling terrain surrounds the Bang Nouan river, with steep hills in the south. Villagers close to the NPA use forest products especially damar, fish, sticlac and medicinal plants.

Salavanh and Savannakhet provinces 1,260 sq. km

Salavanh and Sekong provinces 1,335 sq. km

Just 1 to 2 hours drive from Vientiane, the mountains, rivers and pristine forests of ‘Buffalo Horn Mountain' are ideal for day trips and longer exploration. Landscapes and ecosystems range from sheer sandstone cliffs and dramatic river gorges to rugged mountain slopes, and are home to regionally important herds of wild elephant. Highlights include elephant viewing at Ban Na, spectacular Tad Xay, Pha Xay and Tad Leuk waterfalls and trekking from Ban Hatkhai. During the rainy season waterfalls reach full flow and the scent of orchids fills the air. Access from route 13. www.trekkingcentrallaos.com

Vientiane, Vientiane Capital and Bolikhamxay provinces 2,000 sq. km

Salavanh and Champassak provinces 1,200 sq. km

Champassak and Attapeu provinces 2,400 sq. km

The presence of five species of higher primates - Francois langur, douc langur, black gibbon and two macaque species - in this large NPA with undisturbed habitats is of significant conservation importance. The rocky plateaus and steep sandstone escarpments are very dry, and animals migrate to lower areas for water. Trek to sacred peaks in this remote area.

Savannakhet province 1,060 sq. km

Significant populations of gibbon, douc langur, gaur, jackal, tiger, pangolin and two vulture species, and rhododendron ‘forests’, are found in this monsoonal NPA. Spiritual forests and the culture of Lao Teung peoples, some of whose languages are threatened, make this a fascinating area to explore on remote, locally-guided treks.

Savannakhet province 1,970 sq. km

Steep river valleys with 83 tree species crucial for evergreen forest conservation cover the inacessible north and east. Trek to Tad Nansaman and Tad Mouang waterfalls, through old-growth forest primate habitat, in the south. Visitor centre with local guides on Route 8 from Thakaek on route to Phou Hin Poun’s Konglor cave.

Bolikhamxay province 1,690 sq. km

Phou Phanang

A small forest NPA with locally guided treks, accessed from Route 13 north of Vientiane.

Vientiane province 1,525 sq. km

The only NPA west of the Mekong river, with a land border to Thailand and a habitat of steep and rugged sandstone and shale ridges. Over 30 mineral licks throughout the NPA are valuable to a wildlife population including Lar gibbon, gaur, tiger, serow, silvered langur, Asiatic black bear, an estimated 350 wild elephants and evidence of Sumatran rhino. Access from Xayaboury to Paklai road.

Xayaboury province 1,912 sq. km

Most of the NPA is hilly around the Nam Ou and Nam Khang river valleys, with heavily used saltlicks beside the Nam Ou. In the highest areas along the Vietnam border, large tracts of contiguous old-growth forest survive. Key species are elephant, gibbons and a high density of lesser fish-eagles. Access is difficult due to the remote location, requiring boat journeys or multiple day walks.

Phou Hin Poun

Khammouane Province 1,690 sq. km

Most of this dramatic highland NPA has elevations around 1,500 m. Access is from Phonsavanh on route 7 and from Vieng Kham on route 1. The NPA has a small visitor centre.

Luang Prabang and Houaphanh provinces 1,465 sq.km

Ecoguide tours in Nam Ha NPA introduce visitors to some of the most significant and largest wilderness areas in Laos and to a wide variety of traditions in local communities. This is an area of regionally important

biodiversity, breathtaking mountain views, cultural interest and pristine rivers. Black-cheeked crested gibbons,

one of the rarest and most endangered gibbon species, are present in three remote forests.

“Nong Fa” crater lake lies within this rugged and mountainous area. The remote, steep terrain and range of habitats create a rich wildlife biodiversity including globally important populations of Siamese fireback, 6 primate species and 3-400 fish species. Dry season access only.

Attapeu Province 1,975 sq. km

Dong Am Pham

Dong Hua Sao

Protecting semi-evergreen forests of the Bolaven Plateau, Dong Hua Sao, interspersed with wetlands, is home to a nationally important population of yellow-cheeked crested gibbon. Elephants are still used to travel between villages and an ecolodge overlooks thundering waterfalls. Access from route 13 south and from road to Paksong.

Champassak province 1,100 sq. km

Nam Ngum

to China

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Vietnam

to Cambodia

to Thailand

to Thailand

to Thailand

to Thailand

to Thailand

to Myanmar

CHAMPA

SSAK

SALAVANH

ATTAPEU

SEKONG

SAVANNAKHET

KHAMMOUANE

BOLIKHAMXAY

XIENG KHOUANG

HOUAPHANH

VIENTIANE CAPITAL

XAYABOURY

OUDOMXAY

BOKEO LUANG NAMTHA

PHONGSALY

LUANG PRABANG

Vientiane

Xayaboury

Luang Prabang

Houayxay

Luang Namtha

Oudomxay

Phongsaly

Sam Neua

Phonsavanh

Pakxan

Thakhaek

Savannakhet

Salavanh

Sekong

Pakse

Attapeu

Botene

Muang Sing

Vieng Phoukha

Xieng Kok

Boten

Taichang

Muang Khua

Boun Neua

Vieng Kham

Pak Beng

Muang Kham

Phou Khoun

Vang Vieng

Nong Haet

Na Meo

Nam Phao

Na Phao

Lak Sao

Ta Oy

Samuoi

Dene SavanhXepon

Vang Tao

Pakxong

Dakchung

Champassak

VeunKham

Xaysomboune

Xe Pian

Dong Hua Sao

Dong Am

Pham

Phou Xieng Thong

Xe Bang Nouan

Xe Xap

Dong Phou Vieng

Phou Xang Hae

Hin Nam No

Nakai Nam-Theun

Phou Hin Poun

Nam Kading

Phou Khao KhouayPhou

Phanang

Nam Phui

Nam Ha

Phou Dene Din

Nam Et

Phou Louey Nam

Xam

NNT/HNN corridor

NNT/PHP corridor

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Ecotourism Activities in Lao NPAs

You can explore many of these fascinating National Protected Areas with local ecoguides, who have an intimate knowledge of indigenous plants, animals and local culture. Hiring guides through a guide service or local ecotourism company will make your trek memorable and will support both the local community and conservation of the NPAs. The trips listed below are only a selection of the many ecotourism activities you can enjoy in the NPAs. For more information, visit the National Visitor Centre in Vientiane and provincial tourist offices in major Lao towns. Browse www.ecotourismlaos.com for more details

Nam Ha NPAAkha Trail / Nam Lo Trek 3 daysWith Khamu and Akha guides, explore an important area for one of the world's last remaining populations of black-cheeked crested gibbons, visit bat-filled caves and stay in rural villages.

Nam Ha River Experience 2 days Kayak or raft through the heart of the NPA along the Nam Ha river. Paddle to Khamu and Lanten villages and spot wildlife.

Phou Khao Khouay NPABan Na Elephant TowerOvernight stay in the elevated hide to observe one of the few remaining herds of Lao wild elephants at dusk and dawn.

Nam Kading NPAWaterfalls and Wildlife 1 dayDay treks through old-growth forests to the thundering 60m high Tad Namsanam waterfalls. At Tad Mouang waterfall, you may follow tracks and even spot rare primate species - macaques, langurs and gibbons.

Phou Hin Poun NPAPristine Phou Hin Poun (Phalaem Trek) 2 days Trek through the incredible beauty of Phou Hin Poun, studded with pristine monsoon lakes and spectacular caves.

Konglor Cave Khammouane Experience 3 days Trek to remote villages nestling in dramatic limestone landscapes. Boat through the imposing 7 km-long Konglor cave, viewing spectacular stalactites and rock formations in the vast bat-filled cavern.

Hin Nam No NPABoualapha Limestone Forest Experience 3 daysBoat along pristine rivers and kayak through the stunning, unique “Limestone Forest”, exploring myriad caves and camping in the forest.

Dong Phou Vieng NPAKatang Trail to the Sacred Forest 3 daysTrek to Katang villages, take a longtail boat along the Xe Bang Hieng river and enter Dong SaKee sacred forest, where you may see silvered langur, a rare leaf monkey and hornbills.

Phou Xang Hae NPA Wild Roads, Culture and Camping 5 days Sacred peaks, rock formations, views over Savannakhet plains, wilderness camping, gibbons ‘singing’ as the sun rises and the rich culture of the Phou Thai people - a very remote, special trek.

Phou Xieng Thong NPAKhong Mountain and Don Kho Island 2 to 3 daysLocally-guided treks in northern Champassak to discover wild orchids, spectacular views of volcanic rock formations and cliff landscapes and Khmer ruins and make a boat trip to Don Kho Island.

Dong Hua Sao NPAMountain Biking 1 dayCycle and trek to a waterfall that thunders off the Bolaven Plateau.

Xe Pian NPATa Ong Trail 2 daysCanoe the Ta Ong river, stay with families in Ta Ong, a Brow village, and make an early morning walk through thick forests to watch birds and listen to the song-like calls of endangered yellow-cheeked gibbons.

Kiet Ngong – Phou Asa Elephant Trek 1/2 dayRide on elephant-back from Kiet Ngong village to the rocky summit of Phou Asa for sweeping views over the magnificent, bird-rich wetlands.