Wildlife Corridor with Nakai - Nam Theun NPA
DFRC
STEA
WWF
Visitor Guide and Map Limestone Peaks
Caves
Treks
Designed by: Janet Pontin
To support biodiversity management, funds from
ecotourism activity are channelled to the NPAs. Tourists
visiting NPAs pay entry fees - the entry fee is invested into
locally designed programmes that:
decrease the dependence of local communities on
threatened species
provide alternative sources of income and improve local
livelihoods, especially through the development of
ecotourism activity
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
From a global sustainability perspective, the economic,
environmental and social value of NPA networks is
priceless. From a local perspective, agriculture and
fisheries are the main economic activity for over 85%
of the Lao population. 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.
Photos by kind permission of: LNTA, SNV, WCS, IUCN, WWF
Many birds use limestone crags as breeding grounds. Sooty babbler
(Stachyris herbertsi), a limestone endemic bird present in Phou Hin
Poun, is found in only a limited area in central Laos and Vietnam.
The Lao NPA Network
Community-based Trekking
in Phou Hin Poun NPA
Phou Hin Poun NPA
Phou Hin Poun NPA in central
Khammouane Province is a unique
combination of stunning limestone
karst landscapes honeycombed with
caves, fast-flowing rivers and fascinating cultural
and archaeological sites. Also widely known as
“Khammouane Limestone”, Phou Hin Poun is
biogeographically distinct as one of only two Lao
Protected Areas, with Hin Nam No NPA, in the Central
Indochina limestone subregion of the Annamite Ecoregion.
In this incredible landscape of jagged peaks up to 1500 m
high, rivers flow through vast caves which are home to the
widest diversity bat of species in Laos.
With its extensive range of limestone peaks, Phou Hin Poun offers
roosts and nesting sites for a huge number of birds and bats. Caves
studding the mountains are home to at least 43 species of bat,
roosting within the dramatic formations.
The Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR or Laos) is
home to the most abundant and intact ecosystems in the
Indochina Peninsula. Laos embraces four of the Global 200
Eco-regions , the richest, rarest, and most distinct examples
of all Earth’s diverse natural habitats which are critical for
biodiversity conservation and global sustainability.
Khammouane Ecoguide Service organises locally guided ecotours
to the province’s amazing natural, cultural and historical
attractions, offering visitors a real insight into this unique
environment. Guides from Thakaek and Na Hin speak English and
Thai and are trained in natural and cultural interpretation.
All tours provide significant benefits for villagers and assist in
natural resource conservation through the purchase of food from
villages, employment of village guides, overnight stays in
community guesthouses and homestays, and fees paid to
village development funds.
Siamese fireback
To find out more about NPAs, ecotourism and biodiversity
in Laos, visit the Lao National Visitor Centre in Vientiane,
and browse these informative websites.
www.ecotourismlaos.com
www.tourismlaos.gov.la
Phou Hin Poun is significant to reptile conservation and is
home to a large number of mammals including the largetoothed ferret badger, sambar, gaur and the East Asian
porcupine. Endangered species in the varied limestone and
river environments include gibbon, two bear species, large cat,
wild pig, squirrel and macaque. The NPA is part of an important
tiger habitat, contains a nationally significant southern serow
population and is globally important for the Francois' langur
sub-species laotum. Visitors to Phou Hin Poun may observe
macaque and gibbon in their natural habitat, and hear their
calls echoing through the forest.
To help protect this stunning natural beauty the Lao government has 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.
With increasing human populations and enlarging cultivated areas
of land throughout southeast Asia, the numbers of many large
mammals are dwindling as they are restricted to smaller habitats
which restrict their diet and breeding diversity. In Phou Hin Poun
however, herds of Asian elephant migrate in and out on a seasonal
basis. They enjoy the high density of bamboo, streams and waterholes in the NPA’s southern central forest, and from there the Phou
Ak escarpment provides salt licks and a forested corridor linking to
the Nakai plateau. This link enables the elephants to move between
the NPA and the plateau in Nakai-Nam Theun NPA, extending their
habitat and breeding range. It is also important for the movement of
gaur, tiger, other large cats and possibly sambar.
The “Limestone Forest”
This unusual “forest” is a spectacular landscape of jagged peaks and
ridges. The karst limestone rock was formed millions of years ago by
calcium-secreting marine organisms (e.g., corals and brachiopods)
before tectonic movements lifted them above sea level.
The protected landscape of Phou Hin
Poun is vital to many large mammals.
It forms part of the range for one of
Laos’ largest and most viable
populations of Asian elephant and
nationally important populations of
macaques and gibbons.
Mainly nocturnal, leopard cats
hunt small vertebrates including
frogs, lizards, birds and
small mammals.
Each bat species has a
distinctive call frequency. Most
roost in caves in large colonies
of several hundred up to more
than a hundred thousand.
Significant birds recorded in Phou
Hin Poun include red-collared
woodpecker, wreathed and great
hornbill, barn owl, Siamese
fireback and coral-billed grounded
cuckoo. Trekking within the
dramatic landscape is a wonderful
opportunity to watch and listen to
flocks of birds.
Birds, Bats and Biodiversity
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
haveshaped Laos over generations.
Visitors can explore Phou Hin Poun from
the gateway of Thakhaek. As well as the
impressive views travelling through
ranges of limestone peaks and river
valleys, you will discover temples and
shrines in vast, cathedral-like caves, visit
sacred forests and even boat along the
Nam Hinboun river through the 7.5 km
long Konglor cave. You can learn about
the rich history of the area, both ancient
and recent, at archaeological sites and
along trails from the Indochina War.
Different karst microhabitats can support high floral
diversity. Slopes and gullies of some karsts have
greater soil depths and sustain large trees such as
dipterocarps. Rock faces and summits with thinner
soil layers are usually colonized by herbaceous
species (e.g., begonias and slipper orchids) and
bryophytes.
Special features of karst landscapes and their
biodiversity are also significant to the environment.
Karsts store rain and are sources of groundwater.
Animals in karst caves are valuable to the wider
ecosystem. The unrivalled variety of bat species in
Phou Hin Poun, for example, pollinate and disperse
the seeds of countless plants.
Horseshoe bat (Rhinolophus)
At least 14 species of turtle
recorded in Phou Hin Poun.
Softback turtle
Konglor cave
Tours can be booked at the Provincial
Tourist Information Centre in Thakaek,
at the information centre in Ban Na Hin
on route to Kong Lor Cave, at Thakaek
Travel Lodge and through Green
Discovery Ecotourism.
Tad Namsaman
Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area
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Leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis)
The rare southern serow, described as a
goat-like antelope, lives alone in limestone
cliffs, forests and wooded gorges. Like
goats, they jump and climb steep rocks.
Serow can even climb trees and are good
swimmers. With the destruction within
southeast Asia of their preferred limestone
habitats, numbers have declined
significantly. In Laos they remain only in
Nam Ha NPA, Khammouane and
Bolikhamxay provinces.
Southern serow (Naemorhedus sumatraensis)
The limestone leaf warbler
(Phylloscopus sp.) is a possible new
species recorded in the area which
is also restricted to the Central
Indochina Limestone subregion.
Wildlife and Threatened Species
Phou
Hin
Poun
National Protected Area Lao PDR
Managing the Lao NPA network for
Conservation and Sustainable Use
XIENG
KHOUANG
Treks and River Trips in Phou Hin Poun NPA
Legend tells that the 15km long giant wall was erected in
the 9th century by the Sikhottabong kingdom. Some say,
however, that it is a natural sandstone formation which was
incorporated into the civilization’s defense system. The
best place to visit the Giant Wall is 8 km north of Thakaek
on Route 13 where it reaches a height of 16 metres with an
unbroken section 75 metres long.
Savannakhet
SAVANNAKHET
Naphouak
Vangdao
Phone Ngien
Tiou
Heup Cave
Boneng
Natan
Konglor Cave
www.ecotourismlaos.com/khammouane.htm details activities in Phou
Hin Poun NPA and around Khammouane province.
NNT/PHP corridor
nb
ou
nr
Visitor Information and Tour Booking
ive
Khammouane Ecoguide tours can be booked in the Ecoguide Service
Office and the Provincial Tourist Information Office in Thakaek, at the
Information Centre in Khoun Kham / Na Hin and at Thakaek Travel Lodge.
r
Boumlou Cave
M
13
AN
OU
on
E
Konkeo
Rapids
Tad Song Sao
Kainao Cave
Pachan Cave
Na
Kongleng
Lake
Legend
The Sala Lao Group offers accommodation in Phou Hin Poun NPA:
Sala Kong Lor Lodge is a simple lodge and camping site near Ban Tiou
village, on the Hinboun river about 1.5 km from Kong Lor cave.
Town
Waterfall
Airport
Village
Viewpoint
Sala Hinboun Ecolodge is a traditional Lao style residence surrounded by
limestone cliffs beside the Hinboun river, near Kong Lor cave.
Web: www.salalao.com Phone: 021 242021 (Vientiane)
Lao Border
NPA Office
Primate Habitat
Province Boundary
Information Centre
Swift Bird Habitat
International Border
Village Homestay
Boat Trip
Road No.
Ecolodge
Trekking
Major Road
Guesthouse
Mountain Biking
Secondary Road
Campsite
Kayakking
River
Cultural Site
Birdwatching
Footpath
Cave
Province capital
Tin Mine
Please travel responsibly: do not buy or consume wildlife products, do
not take any plants out of the Protected Area and carry all garbage out of
the Protected Area. If you see wildlife being sold, or other illegal activity,
please contact the Wildlife Protection Hotline. Phone: 020 7882200
13
Lao
Gnommalat
Nase
to Vietnam
Phaya Inh Cave
Tha Falang
Xiangliab
Accommodation near Phou Hin Poun NPA
Responsible Tourism, and Wildlife Protection Hotline
Phondon
Tham Pa Faa
Buddha Cave
Lao NPA
A variety of accommodation is available in Thakaek.
Nakai
NC
r
ive
ND
Hinboun
Accommodation on Treks
There is a guesthouse in Khoun Kham village, and villagers offer homestays in Na Hin,
Hin Konglor and Natan.
Nam Theun
Swift Bird Cave
VI
gr
RO
ek
Khammouane Ecoguide Service Office, Thakaek
Phone: 0305 255 835
Khoun Kae
Bong
EP
M
Khammouane Provincial Tourist Information Office, Thakaek
Phone: 051 212512
Accommodation in Phou Hin Poun NPA
Nakai
Nam-Theun
NPA
Konglor
Website Information
AM
1 day
From Thakaek, explore fascinating caves in the southwest
of Phou Hin Poun NPA and gain an insight into rural Lao
culture. Visit Tham Xang (elephant cave), Tham Xiangliab,
Tham Phaya Inh and Tham Nam Aen, Nam Don river and
the legendary “Giant Wall” .
Khammouane Ecoguide Service
Phou
Xang He
NPA
to Thailand
LA
Caves, Cool Breezes and Culture
AY
MX
A
H
LIK CE
BO VIN
O
PR
Thakhaek
KHAMMOUANE
N
Tha
AI
1 day
Visit one of the most important religious sites in Khammouane Province, a cave containing over 200 ancient
Buddha images that lay forgotten for hundreds of years.
Take a forest walk, stopping for a refresing swim at Nong
Tao (Turtle Lake) and Tham Nong Paseum cave.
Khammouane Ecoguide Service
8
The gateways to Phou Hin Poun NPA are Thakaek town and Ban Na Hin /
Khoun Kham. From Route 13 take Route 12 east at Thakaek to explore the
southwest of the NPA. To enter from the north of the NPA to Konglor cave
go to Ban Na Hin / Khoun Kham from Route 8 (leading east off Route 13
towards Lak Sao). Local buses and songthaews are available on all roads.
Konglor Cave Khammouane Experience
Nong Paa Fa (Buddha Cave)
to
Vientiane
to Thailand
Getting to Phou Hin Poun NPA
On treks, guests stay in a simple village lodge or a homestay where you
will be welcomed as one of the family, learn about rural lifestyles and
enjoy home-cooked Lao food. By local custom, men and women may be
required to sleep in different houses.
2 days
Trek through Phou Hin Poun NPA and experience rural
village life. The limestone-studded landscape offers
pristine monsoon lakes and spectacular caves.
Khammouane Ecoguide Service and Green Discovery
Phou Hin Poun NPA
Namsanam
With a rainy season from May to September, the rivers and waterfalls
increase in level. During the dry season winter, November to February, the
temperature in the peaks and caves can be fairly cool.
Ecoguide tours can also be arranged through Lao ecotourism specialists:
Green Discovery Ecotourism Company
Email: [email protected] Web: www.greendiscoverylaos.com
Pristine Phou Hin Poun (Phalaem Trek)
Khoun Kham
Climate
1 day
Walk to Konglor Cave and take a dip in the thundering Tad
Namsanam and Tad Mouang waterfalls
Khammouane Ecoguide Service
3 days
Boat through Konglor cave, stopping to visit spectacular
stalactites and rock formations within the vast cavern. Trek
through limestone karst landscape to Tad Namsanam
waterfall and stay in remote villages.
Khammouane Ecoguide Service and Green Discovery
NNT/PHP
corridor
Nakai
NamTheun
NPA
Vientiane
to
Nam Phao
and Vietnam
Tad Namsanam
TH
Konglor Cave Walk
Semi-evergreen, mixed deciduous, bamboo and dipterocarp forest covers
predominately limestone karst ranges with many flat bottomed
limestone valleys or ‘kouan’, ranging in size from a few hundred hectares
to 40 square kilometres. Major rivers includethe Nam Hinboun in the
north and west, and the Nam Pathen, Nam Pakan and Nam Don in the
west and south.
Tad Mouang
KH
Tad Namsanam waterfall, near Khoun Kham village on
Route 8, is about 60m high and is composed of two falls
which flow year-round. Day treks to the waterfall pass
through old-growth forest where there is a possibility of
seeing wild elephants. At nearby Tad Mouang, rare primate
species including macaques, langurs and gibbons may be
spotted. Local guides are available at the information
centre at the entrance to the Tad Namsanam trail.
Habitats
Lak Sao
Hi
Waterfalls in Nam Kading NPA
1,690 sq km in Khammouane province, central Laos.
to Vietnam
nd
Kampaeng Yak (The Giant Wall)
Area and Location
Kading
NPA Nam Phao
Pakxan
ila
This amazing 7.5 km-long limestone cave was formed by
the Hinboun river which flows through the cave all year
round. You can take a boat ride through the main cave,
which is up to 90 metres wide and 100 metres high. Drive
to Konglor cave, about 40km from Ban Khoun Kham, or by
boat up the Hinboun River from Naphouak.
Nam
Kading
NPA
Phou Khao
Khouay
NPA
BO
LIK
HA
M
Nam XAY
a
Th
Konglor Cave
Nam Ngum
to
Treks into Phou Hin Poun should be made with a registered
local guide. Booking a trek or river trip with trained
ecoguides or a local ecotourism company will take you to the
very heart of this fabulous landscape. There are many 1 day
or multiday trips in the Protected Area and around
Khammouane province - a few of them are described here.
Visiting Phou Hin Poun NPA
Thakaek
12
Aen Cave
Xiangliab Cave
Xang Cave
to
Thailand
to
Savannakhet
and Pakse
Where is
Na HIn?
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Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area