Excursions in Laos: Phou Khao Khouay National Park

Phou Khao Khouay National Park is 40 kilometres Northeast of Vientiane. The park covers about 2000 square kilometres and has an amazing diversity of forest types including evergreen, mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp and pine.

Children from a village on the banks of the Mekong

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Phou Khao Khouay National Park is 40 kilometres Northeast of Vientiane. The unpaved road traversing the park is most of the time fairly well accessible, but might be muddy and rocky during the rainy season. The journey is worth it as the park covers about 2000 square kilometres and has an amazing diversity of forest types including 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. The park is also home to some remarkable wildlife but with the exception of elephants, most of these animals are rarely seen.

There are many different bird species in the park. The most remarkable one is the majestic Green Peafowl. This once very common bird of the Mekong lowlands is now confined to only five tiny enclaves in southern Laos.

There is a new eco-tourism project that now operates from the village of Ban Na on the edge of the park. Villagers have been trained to guide people through the park, teaching them about the flora and fauna along the way.

They also run the elephant observation tower in the forest from which you can spot one of the herds of wild elephants which roam this area. The best way to explore the area is to discuss with your guide what you wish to see on the day of your tour.