Location: Central Laos

Natural Protected Areas: Phou Hin Boun, Nakai Namtheun and Hin Nam No National Protected Areas

Main Ethnic Groups: Lao and Mon-Khmer speaking groups

Ecotourism Attractions: Tthree of the country’s more important protected areas,
Phou Hin Poun, Nakai Namtheun and Hin Nam No cover much of the province’s land area.

Treks into the Phou Hin Poun Protected area are now available, passing through the Limestone Forest, caves, ethnic villages, forests, and the crystal blue waters of Khun Kong Leng Lake. The world class Kong Lor Cave, a 7.5 km-long tunnel that is 100 m high in some areas, is accessible by boats operated by villagers at Kong Lor village. Home stays can be arranged in Kong Lor or Natan villages located on either side of the cave.

From nearby Ban Na Hin, ’The Gateway to Kong Lor’, a one-day nature walk to two waterfalls, Tad Namsanam and Tad Mouang, passes through forests known to have a herd of wild elephants and monkeys.

The Nakai Namtheun National Protected is said to be one of the most important sites for biodiversity in Southeast Asia, and is where the Saola, a large mammal, was discovered in the 1990s.

Trekking in Khammouane
Caves in Khammouane