NATIONAL PROTECTED AREAS
The Lao system of 20 National
Protected Area covers nearly 14% of the country and is recognized as one of the
best designed protected areas system in the world. With large tracts of
tropical monsoon forest, diverse wildlife populations and bizarre karst
limestone formations riddled with caves, Lao protected areas have an abundance
of extraordinary things to see.
Although most Lao protected areas are remote
and difficult to reach, there are many existing opportunities for ecotourism
activities such as trekking , rafting , bird watching and camping that allow
you to experience first-hand the country’s magnificent natural and cultural
diversity.
From Vientiane, the most
accessible protected area offering a variety of ecotourism activities is Phou
Khao Khouay, where you can trek, visit spectacular waterfalls and spend the
night in an elephant observation tower on the edge of the park. In the
provinces, visit Nam Ha in Luang Namtha for trekking, watch birds at Pha Pho
wetland in Champasak’s Xe Pian NPA, trek Dong Phou Vieng in Savannakhet for a
chance to see the beautiful Douc Langur.
If you are interested in caves, don’t
miss the Phou Hin Poun NPA in central Khammouane Province. More activities are
being developed in a number of other NPA’s; be sure to check with the
information staff for news on new ecotourism programs around the country.
