Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area, National protected area in Savannakhet Province, Laos
Dong Phou Vieng is a protected area containing limestone hills, tropical forests, wetlands, and grasslands across varying elevations. The terrain shifts between different heights and supports a wide range of habitats for wildlife and plants.
This protected zone was established in the 1990s as part of efforts to conserve the region's natural resources. An expansion in 1998 more than tripled its original size to safeguard more of the landscape.
The Katang people live within this area and follow ways of life rooted in the forest and its resources. Their understanding of how to live alongside nature shapes how the zone is managed today.
Access requires permits, which should be arranged in advance through official channels. Travel to the area takes time, so visitors should plan accordingly and bring necessary supplies.
Two herds of wild elephants roam this zone alongside rare primates such as gibbons and leaf monkeys found nowhere else nearby. Tigers, pangolins, and venomous snakes also call this place home, making it one of the most biodiverse locations in Southeast Asia.
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