Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area

Phou Khao Khouay is one of Laos’ most beautiful nature reserves. This extensive sandstone mountain range is only 40 kilometres northeast of Vientiane. Lao P.D.R. designated it “National Protected Area” in 1993. This means, that the nature reserves’ forests, wildlife and water are protected by state decree.

The landscape and ecosystem varies from sheer sandstone cliffs and pristine river gorges to rough mountain slopes. Three large rivers and numerous tributaries empty into the nearby Mekong. In the centre of the reserve lies the beautiful Ang Nam Leuk reservoir. Another reservoir, Ang Nam Mang 3, has only recently been completed and still shows the scars of construction work. It is located in the very west of the park.

Covering three provinces, Phou Khao Khouay is stretching over about 80 kilometres from west to east and up to 40 kilometres from north to south. The area covers about 2000 square kilometres. The highest mountain peak is 1671 metres high.

The diversity of forest types in the area includes evergreen, mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp and pine. During the rainy season, from May to October, the reserve comes alive as the forests become green and lush. The waterfalls then reach full flow and vibrantly coloured butterflies fill the air. 50-60% of all orchids found and identified as of now in Laos (nearly 500 of expected +/- 800 species) are also present in Phou Khao Khouay.