Phou Khao Khouay, or ‘Buffalo Horn Mountain', is an intriguing and breathtaking
nature reserve in Lao PDR from 1993. The mountains, rivers and pristine forests
of this National Protected Area offer great opportunities for exploring nature in Laos.
Phou Khao Khouay National Park Phou Khao Khouay National Park is located some 70km
from
Vientiane, and is 2,000 sq km in extent. Within its boundaries are several
forest types, mountains, a plateau, lakes, rivers and waterfalls. The diversity
of forest types in the area includes evergreen, mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp
and pine, all of which are waiting to be explored. They offer a wide range of habitats
for large mammals such as elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons and langurs, as well
as for various reptiles, amphibians and birds. It can be split into two distinct
areas of interest to visitors, each of which is inaccessible from the other within
the National Park.
Communities in and around the Park belong to different ethnic
origins, from Lao-Tai to Mon-Khmer to Hmong-Mieu groups including Hmong, Yao, Khmu
and so-called Lao Loum. Here you can discover the traditional way of life and specific
handicraft of these friendly peoples.
What to do?
The heart of Phou Khao Khouay is perfect for outdoor activities like
trekking, canoeing, wildlife watching, picnicking and camping. Its proximity to Vientiane, the capital of Laos, makes it ideal for day trips or multiple day tours.
You can also experience village life and handicraft production in traditional Lao
villages nearby the nature reserve. This way, you will contribute to nature conservation
in Central Laos!
Getting there:
Easy access to the western portion of the protected area 65 km from
Vientiane up route 10 to Ban Napheng at km 54. To get to the eastern portion of
the protected area, including Ban Na and Ban Hatkai take route 13 southwards for
about 1.5 hours.
When to go:
During the rainy season (May-October) the reserve comes alive as the
forests become green and lush, the waterfalls are full and colored butterflies fill
the air.
